Out and About

CLC Landscaping

Turn Your Landscape Into a Dreamscape!

By Janette Calabro

Pictured: Andrew Gangestad, President of CLC Landscapes

CLC Landscapes has provided quality lawns and landscapes to their residential and commercial clients since 1992. Their professional services include designing, building, and maintaining landscapes year-round. As CLC’s owner, Andrew Gangestad wears many hats, but his ultimate focus is to listen to his clients and execute a plan to match their vision. Whether you’re looking for a hardscape feature like a retaining wall or outdoor kitchen, or softscape features like flowers and shrubs, Andrew has the credentials, the vision, and the crew to make it come to life.

“We have crews that do hardscape work, including retaining walls, paver patios, fire pits, and outdoor kitchens,” Andrew says. “We also have crews for planting or, on the maintenance side, for landscape enhancement. I oversee all of those crews, but I still meet with customers every day. I’m at the forefront of the company.”

With up to 26 people on staff at any given time and local partners for specialized projects like swimming pools, Andrew is ready to tackle any job. Many of his customers want a grill space with room for entertaining or even a full outdoor kitchen. Pergolas are in demand this year, too. These outdoor structures are great for an outdoor garden, often forming a shaded walkway or seating area for those who want to spend hot summer days outside.

The ever-popular fire pit extends those long summer days into warm summer nights, with family and friends gathered around the outdoor living space. If that idea isn’t enough to get you primed for warmer weather, consider adding a water feature to help decorate your life with happiness, calm, and peace—think koi ponds, statue fountains, cascading waterfalls, or even multi-level garden falls. Water features have become very popular with Andrew’s clients lately.

“In today’s market, a lot of people are into the entertainment piece. Outdoor kitchens and fire pits are conversation pieces. What may start as a simple outdoor grill space now turns into ‘I want a refrigerator, a running sink, and barstools’ as an extension to the grilling area where people hang out,” says Andrew.

Andrew’s business experience in the landscaping field started when he was just a child. He observed the ins and outs of his parent’s lawn care and underground sprinkler-irrigation business. At a young age, he learned how to handle the struggles and the rewards of a family-run business and how to use that experience to run his own business. He studied horticultural landscape design in Lincoln, listened to the experts, and combined all of his experience to get CLC Landscapes off the ground. His hard work paid off. “We still mow lawns and set up sprinkler systems, but I am more intrigued with landscaping,” says Andrew. “Over the years, we’ve grown into what we are today.”

He believes that 2020 trends will dominate into 2021, especially with more people staying home rather than traveling. Staycations have led homeowners toward investments in outdoor living. Andrew can help turn your space into a stylish hangout—an oasis for luxurious days and peaceful nights with friends and family. CLC has what you need to make your landscape into your dreamscape.

Another way that Andrew uses his expertise to help homeowners is with education about what plants are best suited for their property. “Whether evergreen, ornamental, or shade trees, or even down to shrubs and perennials, it’s important to understand what a plant is going to do in the long run,” Andrew explains. “Someone might plant a beautiful tree right at the front corner of their house, with no idea that it will eventually grow 60 feet tall and 50 feet wide.” His advice for picking that specific tree, shrub, or perennial is to pay attention to labels and educate yourself before planting.

Of course, the swiftest course of action is to ask your landscaping professional to help you plan your vision and then install your personal landscape. Hiring a pro is the best way to avoid expensive mistakes, secure peace of mind, and enjoy your transformed outdoor space all year.

A healthy, tidy landscape that highlights the features of your home and yard brings enjoyment not only to you but also to neighbors, passersby, and potential homebuyers. The same goes for commercial properties that need to look great for their employees and customers. “From a landscape perspective, never underestimate how important curb appeal is to your home or business,” Andrew concludes. “Invest in the way you want your property to look. When people pull up, you’ll make a great first impression.”

Contact Andrew Gangestad at CLC Landscapes by calling 402-734-8088. To learn more and see gorgeous photos of previous work, visit clclandscapesinc.com.