Custom Landscaping of Charleston
By Debbie Lagestee
Custom Landscaping of Charleston was founded 34 years ago by Ernest (Brad) and Paulette Wingard. Since its inception in 1987, it has continued to be a family-owned and operated business. Brad had a passion for creating and maintaining beautiful outdoor spaces. It was a gratifying profession for him. “He woke up each day with a smile on his face, always reading and researching to find ways to enhance the customer’s experience,” said Paulette. When Brad’s health began to fail, their sons Keith and Michael stepped in to assist with the company’s daily operation. At the same time, Brad provided oversight and education regarding pest management and landscape design. Since Brad died in 2019, Michael Wingard has been in charge of operations, and Paulette assists with scheduling and financial tasks. Many of their current clients have been served by Custom Landscaping for decades. Customers often share how much they valued Brad’s dedication to their lawn care needs.
Michael attended the University of South Carolina before working the business full-time. He loves to read and especially enjoys history and science fiction. Keith assists when not working at his construction employment. He served in the Marine Corps and is taking advantage of his educational benefit pursuing an engineering degree while raising a family. Paulette is retired from MUSC, DHEC, and a dialysis clinic. They actively support school activities and children’s sports in the Hollywood/Ravenel area. They have 2 dogs named Honey and Zooey, who are definitely members of the family.
At Custom Landscaping of Charleston, they are committed to meeting the individualized landscaping needs of their clients with reliability and integrity. They provide landscaping and grounds maintenance for individuals and businesses alike. They love helping people and reducing their concern about their outdoor living environment. Paulette says, “It is especially gratifying to create or modify an outdoor space in ways that give the people who reside in or use that space pleasure.” They have enjoyed working on projects that began as undeveloped land and transformed it into beautiful, inviting spaces. Michael and Paulette agree that improving an area or a yard for a special occasion such as a wedding or anniversary is equally as satisfying as the relationships they build with their clients along the way.
Over the course of the years, they have encountered an abundance of wildlife sometimes, even standing in the way of their work. Turtles, armadillos, protective birds guarding a nest site, and other fellow occupants of the planet have refused to move when they bring in equipment. They are forced to get creative to protect these beautiful creatures. They have stumbled across some friendly wildlife during mating season as well.
Custom Landscaping of Charleston is ready to serve all landscaping needs. Year-round projects include installing and maintaining lawns, planting new flower beds, pruning trees and shrubs, and dealing with pests. In addition, they specialize in storm cleanup by removing fallen trees in the aftermath of a storm.
Autumn is a great time to analyze your space as the growing season slows down. It is an optimal time to assess long-term goals, prune, and tend to leaf clean up and removal. Beautiful spring and summer yards are made in the fall.
Estimates are provided free of charge. To make an appointment, call Monday-Friday 8:30 am- 5:00 pm. Paulette enjoys leading the public relations department. She has the pleasure of fielding inquiries, listening to concerns, setting up appointments for estimates, and engaging with current and prospective clients. On a personal level, it brings Paulette great joy to watch her son thrive in the business, making things grow figuratively and literally and gaining the same sense of gratification his dad had. Carrying on Brad’s legacy fills her heart with love and pride. Custom Landscaping of Charleston looks forward to helping you achieve your landscaping goals.
This article was featured in the October 2021 issue of Carolina Bay Neighbors magazine.
