Ground Effects Landscape Construction is a landscape design and construction firm specializing in retaining walls, custom patios, walkways, stairs, driveways and other hardscape installations. Ground Effects Landscape Construction Inc. is a family-owned and operated landscape company servicing residents and businesses in Northern Virginia for over 20 years. Founder and Operator Josh Bono began his career in the landscape industry as many do, clipping the neighborhood lawns with a ‘67 cub cadet and very early on demonstrating a noble work ethic. Today he has an excellent team of experienced and talented associates who support this ethic and work with him to achieve high customer satisfaction ratings. And Ground Effects has state-of-the-art equipment and suppliers to support the work. We pride ourselves in building continuing relationships with our clientele. Ground Effects has long-standing relationships with numerous clients, living and working in Fairfax, Prince William, and Fauquier Counties for 20+ years. We don't just do the work; we do it to the best of our ability and take pride in our efficiency and presentation. Ground Effects cares about your home and business and refuses to disappoint our customers by leaving trash, scraps and mud for the home or business owner to clean up. That's just not how we do business. Our commitment is to give personalized service from beginning to end.
Business highlights
24 years of trusted experience
Emergency Services Offered
Services we offer
HARDSCAPE DESIGN, INSTALLATION & CONSTRUCTION. RETAINING WALLS. CUSTOM PATIOS. DRIVEWAYS. POOL DECKS. FIRE PITS. CONVERSATION PITS. OUTDOOR KITCHENS. WALKS & STAIRS. HARDSCAPE LIGHTING. SNOW REMOVAL. HAULING. EXCAVATION. BOULDER INSTALLATION. TRANSPLANTING. TREE PLANTING. TREE BARRIERS. STUMP REMOVAL. MULCHING. SOD. GROUND COVER. PRUNING & REFRESHING. GRADING. DRAINAGE AND EROSION. SEEDING.
Services we don't offer
Stamped Concrete. Minor Wall or Paver Repairs. Reinstall existing/old/already purchased materials. Stand alone landscaping, lawn and irrigation not offered. Scheduled work must include hardscape installation and meet minimum project requirements. Not offered: Minor Repairs, Stamped Concrete, decks, fences, porches, sunrooms, gazebos, irrigation.
Josh knows his craft! The Ground Effects crew was professional and extremely courteous. We love our retaining wall and patio!
Description of Work: Retaining wall and patio with fire pit.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$45,000
Kevin D.
03/2024
5.0
patios
 + -1 more
It’s been almost one year now, and I’m overdue in writing this review for Ground Effects. First of all, I’d like to say that the entire experience was really seamless and painless. Once we decided on what we wanted Mary, Josh and the crew got busy. The patio took several days to install and Josh and his crew worked really hard and did everything right. No pavers were laid before the foundation was really good and solid, and I mean solid. They were also able to replace some bricks and fix my front porch steps, which were installed poorly in the beginning when our house was first built. Josh made it look much better. I’d also note that they were able to go the extra mile for us, and fix an asphalt depression near the garage where it bordered the patio. But they didn’t just fix one spot. They corrected the entire problem in front of our garage and did a really good job. Overall, we love the patio! Everyone who sees it comments on how wonderful it is even, Amazon and UPS. Our friends and family whom I had described this project to before construction have all said that it came out much better than they expected or imagined. It has transformed the front of our house, we spend a lot of time on it now in the mornings and evenings and we are thrilled. We couldn’t recommend Ground Effects more highly, they were wonderful and if we ever have another Patio job I know who to call now. Thanks so much.
Description of Work: Installation of a paver patio
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$13,000
Patricia L.
03/2024
5.0
hardscaping
 + -1 more
Ground Effects, Josh and Mary Bono are terrific! My husband and I are repeat customers and are very pleased with the work Ground Effects did for us. They worked with our designs and gave their expert opinion to design and implement a perfect job! When we sold our home it was the most desirable part of our home with outdoor living at it’s best. We love their work so much we had them create outdoor living space in our new home. It is awesome and the taking point when hosting parties and when guests come to visit. Thank you Josh and Mary!
Description of Work: Patio, walkway, and drainage.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Robert B.
03/2024
5.0
landscaping
 + -1 more
We have used Ground Effects for nearly 15 years. They performed the first installation of our extensive landscaping and have been maintaining it immaculately ever since! Josh and crew are responsive to any special requests--and always go above and beyond, finding solutions for issues (like proper drainage) before we even knew there was an issue. We highly recommend Ground Effects for their creativity, reliability, and excellent service!
Description of Work: Installation of extensive gardens and regular maintenance and planting.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Sydney B.
02/2024
5.0
hardscaping
 + -1 more
Great! Ground Effects was professional, great communication, completed the job in a timely fashion. Excellent stone work on the retaining walls, important landscaping for water and soil management. Prompt and friendly.
Description of Work: We needed two retaining walls built, one on each side of the house. One created a garden the other created a patio. Water and soil scalping to manage water flow and soil around the foundation.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$15,000
Paul R.
02/2024
5.0
hardscaping
 + -1 more
Ground Effects has performed two projects for us. Initially they had constructed a paver patio, retaining wall and paver sidewalk in 2014. The second project in 2022 consisted of a fire pit, retaining wall, drainage and driveway improvements around a newly constructed barn. The work was outstanding on all projects. Josh managed the work on site. His employees were skilled, polite, and cleaned up everyday. The finished area was landscaped and sod/seeded. I would, without hesitation, hire Ground Effects again due to their outstanding work.
Description of Work: Installed a retaining wall, drainage improvements, driveway improvements, and a stone firepit, including base and finish pavers blended to the original paver walkway.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$20,000
Clayton G.
02/2024
5.0
hardscaping
 + -1 more
I can't imagine trusting anyone more than I trusted Josh and crew to turn our back yard into an amazing paaradise. Working in conjunction with our pool contractor, Ground Effects made a 3 tiered pool surround, firepit, and patio area that took advantage of the terrain, added very natural retaining walls, and truly transformed our property. I can't say enough good things about the quality of craftsmanship and attention to detail. When we encountered problems (hidden water issues), Josh addressed all of them to ensure they wouldn't happen again.
Description of Work: Pool surround, retaining walls, pavers, firepit, tiered patio, water drainage.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$80,000
Gary A.
02/2024
5.0
hardscaping
 + -1 more
5 star. 100% recommended. The entire process was easy, Profesional, and thorough. Josh is a true expert. I had three retaining walls built in 2021 by Ground Effects. My backyard still looks prefect like the day they completed the job.
Description of Work: Three retaining walls and drainage.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Cam W.
02/2024
5.0
hardscaping
 + -1 more
I've hired Ground Effects twice over a span of several years. First, to do patio + hardscaping work as a significant project but wasn't major. Second, a pretty major expansion of the existing project to overhaul my backyard. The work was excellent, on-time and on-budget. Would definitely hire them back.
Description of Work: New patio + retaining walls + leveling of backyard.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
dawn L.
01/2023
5.0
hardscaping
 + -1 more
Josh evaluated the job, made suggestions, gave me a quote and proceeded to do all the earth moving and readiness for a large steel building. He oversaw all the leveling with transits, backfill and compaction, gravel fill and placement of the pavers. He suggested decorative patterns, color schemes with different block and installed all of it in a timely manner. He was professional from start to finish. This is not the first time we have used Ground Effects and they continue to impress us with their level of perfection and attention to detail. We have recommended them many times to our friends and people in our field. We are real estate investors so we see this kind of work frequently and it can be very "suspect" if not completed properly. Top marks to Josh and his crew for another great job, its stunning!
Description of Work: we had a 1500 sq ft paver area put inside our garage/ pavilion. with an additional sidewalk around the outside (paver). Josh and his crew did all of the ground excavation and readied the base area with 20,000 tons of gravel and tamping/ compacting. they created drainage and erosion control swales and ditches for stormwater control.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$27,000
Heidi W.
01/2023
5.0
hardscaping
 + -1 more
Ground Effects planned, permitted and built an outdoor basketball court which included the goals, a mid court net for racket games, lighting, and retaining walls. Josh and his crew continue to amaze me with their professionalism, skill and quality. I'm a pretty picky customer, and they never let me down. All materials were high quality, and were installed in accordance with manufacturers instructions and best practice. Ground Effects has done other projects for me over the years, and none has failed or needed significant rework or repair. The pre-construction panning help, including local jurisdiction approvals, was also outstanding. I would highly recommend Ground Effects Landscape Construction for any size project.
Description of Work: Built a 40x60 paver sport court with retaining walls, fencing, lighting and landscaping. Concrete work, grading and paving.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$115,000
Ravi S.
03/2022
5.0
landscaping, hardscaping
 + 0 more
Ground Effects replaced our townhouse concrete parking pad and walkway/porch with pavers. Josh and Mary were wonderfully responsive when we reached out with detailed questions multiple times throughout the planning stage. Josh was very patient taking our call on design questions in between his jobs. On site, Josh and his team were efficient and managed their time very effectively. Josh made sure to ring the bell and keep us on the same page about how the design/layout of the pavers was coming along and what to expect. They were thorough from planning to execution and wrapped up the project in 1 week as promised. Their interactions from start to finish instilled confidence in their work and their customer service. One more thing that I loved about their design was the depth to which soil was excavated to provide a firm and strong foundation which was not the case with other contractors that had provided a quote. We are very pleased with the result and we have the most well-executed parking pad in our community!
Description of Work: Replaced concrete driveway with pavers
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$13,000
Caroline O.
12/2020
5.0
concrete driveways, pavers, gravel, hardscaping
 + 1 more
Mary and Josh were very responsive and quickly answered all questions. Their estimate of services was detailed and thorough.The work was done on time and at extremely high quality. The Ground Effects team was professional courteous quiet and punctual. We highly recommend Ground Effects.
Description of Work: A new driveway approximately 125’x40’ with permeable pavers
Josh, Mary and the team are the best I have ever encountered in resolving difficult yard hardscape and drainage challenges. The work is technically excellent as well as beautiful. I now have a gorgeous back yard in which to entertain as well as a front yard/driveway that gives me curb appeal. And I have not had a flood in the basement, which is very important, given that I live on a hill and there is flash-flooding every year. I am grateful for their timeliness and their willingness to return to look at any tiny issue again. Really, they are topnotch.
Description of Work: 1) Retaining walls, brick patio and steps in the backyard — up a hill; 2) drainage with river rocks and pavers down the side of the house; 3) front deck completely repaired and retaining walls down hilly driveway.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$65,000
Bruce L.
11/2020
5.0
hardscaping
 + -1 more
In a word - WOW! With just an overall description of what we were looking for, Josh was able to exceed what we wanted. All of our neighbors complimented what a drastic improvement it was for our home. The quality and detail are absolutely the best. Without hesitation, I would highly recommend Ground Effects to anyone.
Description of Work: Our front yard and walk were looking old. We wanted a major change with a paver walk and new planters to substantially change the appearance and add curb appeal.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$12,800
Mitzy S.
11/2020
5.0
lighting, mulch, hardscaping, patios
 + 2 more
Ground Effects, lead by the owner, Josh Bono performed in an outstanding manner in all categories. This was a MAJOR project and Josh guided us through it all with outstanding ideas and presented us with great options. He is extremely detailed and wanted the outcome to be as perfect as possible. After excavating the whole area, He built a permanent structure with wall blocks into an L-shaped bar 10 feet by 10.5 feet. Additional blocks were installed on the 10.5 length to accommodate a 14 ft granite overhang. He carefully planned for the built in BBQ ;grill in the bar wall as well as 2 sets of doors and a set of drawers. He built (2) 7 feet angled seat walls with wall block with bull nose on top of seats. He installed 12 lights that outline the bar on all sides (front and back) and lights under the bull nose on the seat walls. After preparing the area for the new pavers, he designed a plan for the pavers using 3 sizes and strategically installed in a beautiful pattern. Result was pavers look like beautiful STONE He also installed 8 lights in the pavers also outlining the entire 3 sides of the patio. The finished product is beautiful, only enhanced by the lights at night. When the patio was finished, here he came with beautiful sod and mulch and they completely finished the lawn around the patio that looks better than before they started the work. Josh cares about his work and his client; We feel we really lucked out by finding Ground Effects to do our project. His is work is 5 star and he is very customer oriented and nice person. Can't say enough about the finished project.!
Description of Work: A major expansion of outdoor patio by 2/3 to include all new pavers, an outdoor kitchen and bar
I could not of been happier with the work and how it turned out. It far exceeded my expectations, I just love it. He really transformed our back yard to an exceptional living space.
Description of Work: A patio, fire pit and retaining wall for the driveway with columns.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$26,000
Billy C.
11/2020
5.0
hardscaping, patios
 + 0 more
The work turned out fantastic, what a transformation over the existing patio. He turned it into a beautiful living space. Changed it from a house to a home.
Description of Work: Patio overlay
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Sable P.
11/2020
5.0
excavators, landscaping, lighting, patios
 + 2 more
Ground Effects did an incredible job for us! Their service was great and they were extremely friendly and knowledgeable. You could definitely tell they have a lot of experience and come to work prepared and on time. I love my patio and it's doing great several months later! No issues so far, we are extremely happy and thankful we gave them a call!
Description of Work: Patio Install
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$10,500
Carey B.
11/2020
5.0
woodworking, hardscaping
 + 0 more
Josh and his team were professional, and careful. Unlike some other contractors, they were thoughtful about tearing up grass with materials and equipment that had to traverse the yard from the road/vehicles to the work location. Along the way we were consulted on details for preferences of items that may be in question. No assumptions were made, and we weren't nickel and dimed for changes. This is my second large project with Ground Effects and I would absolutely recommend them to others.
Ground Effects is incredible. This was our second time (different house) using them to create our dream patio. This specific job was complicated because we didn't realize the elevation would create challenges. We worked with Josh to come up with a plan and are so happy with the outcome! Additionally, we found drainage issues that we needed to address, and Josh was able to fix that too. The crew is friendly, courteous, hard working, and clean and always on time. Josh was on the job every day and they are so easy to work with. Work is meticulous.
Description of Work: Demolition of existing deck and new two-level patio
The team at Ground Effects do a fantastic job. They are extremely knowledgeable about the products and services they sell and install. All work is done to code, inspected, and follows the manufacturers installation guidelines. The crew is professional and respectful of the property and adjacent properties. They work hard to minimize disruption and keep the neighbors happy. This is my third major project in 5 years that I have had Ground Effects do. I highly recommend them for any landscape construction job, especially large and complex ones with significant engineering requirements. If you want it look good AND last a lifetime, call Josh and Mary at Ground Effects!
Description of Work: 30'x50' paver patio with retaining walls, lighting, and commercial railings
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Dana C.
08/2019
5.0
hardscaping
 + -1 more
Mary, Josh, Jeremy and team were terrific - from the first time I contacted about needing work done through the day they showed up to repair significant damage to the retaining wall in our backyard. The result was flawless plus great advice on drainage impact that could cause the damage to recur. I would definitely hire them again.
Due to intense summer heat and rainy spring of 2018 in Oakton, VA, the schedule slipped. Mother Nature cannot be managed! The church would hire Ground Effects again, and highly recommend Josh and Mary.
Description of Work: Final design and construction of a very large labyrinth plaza, in a sloped area. See unityoffairfax.org for pictures.
All statements concerning insurance, licenses, and bonds are informational only, and are self-reported. Since insurance, licenses and bonds can expire and can be cancelled, homeowners should always check such information for themselves. To find more licensing information for your state, visit our State Contractor License Requirements page.
*Contact business to see additional licenses.
Service Categories
Pavers and Hardscaping,
Landscaping,
Patios,
Excavating,
Stone and Gravel,
Drain Pipe Installation,
Lighting,
Lawn and Yard Work,
Hauling,
Mulch and Topsoil,
Wrought Iron,
Lawn Irrigation
FAQ
GROUND EFFECTS Landscape Construction Inc. is currently rated 5 overall out of 5.
Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
GROUND EFFECTS Landscape Construction Inc. accepts the following forms of payment: Check,MasterCard,Visa
No, GROUND EFFECTS Landscape Construction Inc. does not offer free project estimates.
Yes, GROUND EFFECTS Landscape Construction Inc. offers eco-friendly accreditations.
No, GROUND EFFECTS Landscape Construction Inc. does not offer a senior discount.
Yes, GROUND EFFECTS Landscape Construction Inc. offers emergency services.
Yes, GROUND EFFECTS Landscape Construction Inc. offers warranties.
GROUND EFFECTS Landscape Construction Inc. offers the following services: HARDSCAPE DESIGN, INSTALLATION & CONSTRUCTION. RETAINING WALLS. CUSTOM PATIOS. DRIVEWAYS. POOL DECKS. FIRE PITS. CONVERSATION PITS. OUTDOOR KITCHENS. WALKS & STAIRS. HARDSCAPE LIGHTING. SNOW REMOVAL. HAULING. EXCAVATION. BOULDER INSTALLATION. TRANSPLANTING. TREE PLANTING. TREE BARRIERS. STUMP REMOVAL. MULCHING. SOD. GROUND COVER. PRUNING & REFRESHING. GRADING. DRAINAGE AND EROSION. SEEDING.
Stamped Concrete. Minor Wall or Paver Repairs. Reinstall existing/old/already purchased materials. Stand alone landscaping, lawn and irrigation not offered. Scheduled work must include hardscape installation and meet minimum project requirements. Not offered: Minor Repairs, Stamped Concrete, decks, fences, porches, sunrooms, gazebos, irrigation.