👋 Meet Stephen Costalos

With over 30 years of experience in landscape design and property care, Stephen is the founder of Scape-abilities, a full-service maintenance company in New Jersey. Certified by the APLD and AOLP, he brings both design knowledge and practical field experience to every client walkthrough.

In this Q&A, we asked Stephen the five most common questions he hears from homeowners — and his candid, professional responses.

❓ Q1: “My lawn looks terrible. Should I rip it out and start fresh?”

Stephen:

“Not necessarily. 9 times out of 10, the issue isn’t the lawn — it’s the care. It might be a pH imbalance, poor mowing habits, or a compaction issue. We can often restore it without a full re-sod.”

✅ Tip: Test soil first, aerate in fall, and use fescue blends suited to NJ shade.

❓ Q2: “Do I really need professional pruning, or can I do it myself?”

Stephen:

“You can absolutely do light maintenance — but the cost of improper pruning is huge. I’ve seen homeowners shear shrubs into stress, creating bare, woody centers. Strategic cuts extend plant life and appearance.”

✅ Tip: Schedule seasonal pruning — not just reactive trimming.

❓ Q3: “Why does my irrigation run, but my lawn still has brown areas?”

Stephen:

“That’s a zone coverage issue. Improper spray pattern or uneven precipitation rate from the heads. Irrigation systems need annual checks to avoid waste and ensure proper coverage.”

✅ Tip: Have a pro run the system zone-by-zone each spring.

❓ Q4: “We hear a lot about ‘eco-friendly landscaping.’ What does that really mean?”

Stephen:

“For us, it’s about choosing quiet, battery-powered equipment, avoiding chemical overuse, and using smart irrigation that reduces waste. We also focus on native, deer-resistant plants.”

✅ Tip: Ask your landscaper what gear and products they’re using. Sustainability starts with choices.

❓ Q5: “What’s the one thing you wish every homeowner knew?”

Stephen:

“That great landscaping isn’t flashy — it’s consistent. Monthly or quarterly visits, good communication, and a well-rounded plan make the difference between ‘nice yard’ and ‘wow.’”

✅ Tip: Invest in maintenance, not just installs.

🔗 Want Stephen’s Advice on Your Property?

We offer walk-through consultations in Scotch Plains, Westfield, and surrounding towns.
📅 Schedule Yours Here

🔗 Related Resources

• Our Full-Service Maintenance Plan
• Quiet Lawn Care Program
• Pruning & Seasonal Plant Care Guide
• APLD: Pruning Guidelines

✍️ About the Author

This Q&A was conducted by the Scape-abilities editorial team. All answers are transcribed from a live interview with Stephen Costalos, founder of Scape-abilities and a certified member of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers and the Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals.