About Us

BEFORE WE START:

Most typical landscape companies will show up at your home, nod their heads as you describe what you want, and then say, “OK, let me get you a quote on that.” No creativity. Just taking your order.

We don’t do that. Instead, we’ll listen to your ideas and desires and hopes and dreams for your property and your lifestyle. We want to know what you really hope to accomplish. How do you see yourself using this space? How does that fit with the plan for the rest of the home? What’s the short-term goal? What’s the long-term plan?

Then, on the spot, we’ll share with you our vision of how you can have exactly what you want, plus more than you ever expected.

We may sketch it out for you on a piece of paper. If it’s outdoors, we almost certainly will mark it out with a can of marking paint. Most importantly, we’ll describe to you in great detail exactly what we see. Then we’ll give you a good ballpark estimate of what it’s going to cost. You’ll know in an instant whether our ideas and our company are right for you.

So while the other guy is back at his office trying to make his drawing look as pretty as possible, we’ll be moving full-steam ahead on your project.

DURING THE PROJECT:

Two things you should know about what it’s like to work with ELITE. First of all, you’ll be dealing with some nice, professional people. Our crews will show up on-time or early, and every one of them will be wearing a uniform ELITE Landscaping shirt. When they leave at the end of the day, everything will be as clean as we can possibly make it.

The second thing you should know about ELITE is that we’re a “total ownership” company. No matter what is required to complete the job, we’re going to take care of it. You won’t have to call other people or other companies to find a painter or electrician or carpenter or anyone else. We’ll handle everything.

Throughout the time we’re there, you should experience nothing but the utmost in courtesy and professionalism from all our people. If you ever have questions or concerns, you can ask anyone on the team, or call our office.

WHEN THE PROJECT IS FINISHED:

Unlike most builders, we’re not going to disappear after the job is done. If you ever have questions or concerns about any of the work we’ve done for you, please let us know. We’re always just an email, a phone call, or text message away. Whether it’s a flower, a sidewalk, a swimming pool, or a new building, we’ll do what we can to keep your experience “Beyond Expectation℠.”

ELITE was born out of a passion to give homeowners a product that is Beyond Expectation℠. From the simplest of plantings to the most exotic and complex backyard oasis imaginable – it has always been our goal to find ways to give you more than what you asked for, and delight you Beyond Expectation℠. That’s our philosophy for you. A quick glance through our ridiculously long list of testimonials will bear this out. Homeowners consistently tell us how happy they are, and how the project turned out beyond their expectations.

The ELITE Promise

We also have a philosophy with regard to our projects. We consider the design to be absolutely critical. A great project is about more than the individual pieces that go into it. It has to “fit” and “flow” and come together with the overall plan for the site. It has to function properly and not create problems.

For example, any good builder can engineer a rock slide to be safe and fun. Some of them can make it beautiful too. But precious few have the expertise to pull it all together, so not only does it deliver water to the pool as one would hope, but more importantly, it should look natural (not just a pile of rocks), as if it’s been there forever. It must be designed with a proper manifold system (not just 1 or 3 delivery locations from which water spills) so every stream of water flows as naturally as a mountain stream. It should function without losing water (which we know is a common problem and sadly believed acceptable). At the same time, we want the surrounding plantings to be as low-maintenance as any plantings can be. That’s The Land of ELITE way.

And of course, any builder can put some nice new plants in a fresh garden area. But we take this very seriously. When we design a garden or any other planting area, we’ll choose from a wide variety of different species with different heights, shapes, colors, and, most importantly – different blooming cycles. We’ll take the extra time to make sure it’s going to look good next spring, next summer, next fall, and 20 years from now. And, of course, we always want it to be as maintenance-free as possible.

Nice elements, good complements, and quality workmanship are nothing without great design.

When you meet our team, you are likely to experience the enthusiasm of people who are doing what they love. Our enthusiasm is contagious, which is why at least half of all our work is from repeat business and referrals.

We hope viewing the work we have done for others has excited you as it has so many others. We welcome the opportunity to share our vision, expertise and excitement with you. Feel free to contact us any time; We’ll be here like we have been for over 43 years, ready to go Beyond Expectation℠ for you.

David Katz earned his Landscape Degree in Landscape Design and Ornamental Horticulture from Cobleskill State University of NY, and continued on for Landscape Architecture at the College of Environmental Science and Forestry, at Syracuse NY. In 1980 he started a 5 1/2 year management career for a well known Nursery and Garden Center in Westchester County, NY.

Through those years, David became increasingly passionate about giving homeowners more than they could ever get from a traditional nursery or landscape company. In 1985, David gave notice, left the company, and founded ELITE Landscaping. Since then, David and the team at ELITE have set an entirely new standard for landscape design and build services.

David and ELITE Landscaping are members of the New York Better Business Bureau (BBB), the North East Spa and Pool Association (NESPA), and the New York/New Jersey Metro Chapter of the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP) where David sits on the board as VP. David is also a Certified Building Professional™ with the APSP, one of only 220 such certified professionals in the country.

It’s no surprise that David was recognized in 1998 as a Distinguished Landscape Alumnus by his alma mater, the State University of New York at Cobleskill.

“Good enough is never good enough,” says David. He will anguish over every detail, striving to make sure that everything is right. David knows that this is the secret to going Beyond Expectation℠.

David’s clients will universally agree that his greatest talent is his ability to visualize and describe a creative, exciting and innovative project, unlike anything you might have imagined. Within minutes of discussing the project with you, and looking at your property, David will begin sketching some ideas and sharing them with you. Within 90 minutes of meeting David, you will undoubtedly realize that (1) you’ve met a very special person, and (2) your project can be a whole lot more fun, natural and exciting than you might have imagined.

And no matter what you decide to do, you most certainly will walk away with some great new ideas, and a new level of enthusiasm for the project you had in mind.

Would you like to meet David, and hear some of his ideas for your home? You can click here, or just give us a call at (845) 849-2953.

David Katz explains the philosophy behind the name of the company – “Land of ELITE” – and the challenging motto of “Beyond Expectation℠”…

I know the name ELITE Landscaping makes a bold statement and that some may perceive it as arrogant or brazen. Please believe me when I say that was not at all the intent. Over 43 years ago when we made the name decision, we made a commitment to run a top-flight operation, by providing incredibly creative designs, exceptional service and professional implementation. There is no doubt in my mind that we do just that. But luckily, you don’t have to believe me. I encourage you, in fact, to go to our testimonials page to see copies of actual letters we’ve received over the years. If you prefer, just call us, and we’ll be happy to put you in contact with one of our clients – either recent or long-term. Not only are they willing to talk to you, they are eager to attest to our Beyond Expectation℠ tag line.

I’m confident in the value we offer and the services we provide, and I make this promise to you: We will go Beyond Expectation℠. It’s what our reputation is built on.

Sincerely,
David Katz, CBP™

Putnam County Registration #PC637- A certificate #8028
Westchester County #WC-03490-H91
Rockland County #H18-09054-00-00
Connecticut State #580699