Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our services, pricing, service area, and how Summit Exterior Services works. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us directly and we'll be happy to help.
General
Are you insured?
Yes, Summit Exterior Services is fully insured for every job we perform. Your property is protected.
What areas do you serve?
We serve roughly 15 miles in every direction from our Holly Springs home base. That covers Holly Springs, Apex, Fuquay-Varina, Cary, Garner, Morrisville, Willow Spring, Angier, and southwest Raleigh, plus smaller communities like New Hill, Bonsal, Wilsonville, Feltonville, Duncan, Holland, and Moncure.
Do you offer all of your services in every area you serve?
Yes. Every service we offer, hardscaping (patios, fire pits, walls, walkways, drainage) and landscaping (planting beds, mulch, hedge trimming, cleanups, leaf removal, sod, fall aeration), is available in every town and community inside our service range. There are no trip charges inside our range.
How do I get an estimate?
Call or text us at 919-777-4103, email ben@exteriorsummit.com, or fill out the estimate form. Ben reaches out, usually within a day, to set up a free on-site estimate where we walk your yard, mark the layout and talk through materials, drainage and HOA approval. You get a written proposal after the visit.
What is a on-site estimate and does it cost anything?
It is a free visit to your property. We measure the space, look at slope, soil and where water goes, mark a rough layout, and talk through materials and seating. There is no charge and no obligation. The proposal that follows is based on what we saw, not a guess from a photo.
Do I need a permit or HOA approval for a patio, fire pit or wall?
Often one or both. Most HOAs in Holly Springs, Apex, Fuquay-Varina and Cary want to approve a patio or fire pit before it goes in, and North Carolina generally requires a permit for a retaining wall over four feet. We help you check with your town and HOA and can supply the layout drawing and material list they usually ask for.
Who owns Summit Exterior Services?
Ben Bell, a Holly Springs entrepreneur and President of NC's largest DECA chapter. Ben started Summit doing outdoor work for neighbors, grew it into a hardscaping and landscaping company, and is on site for every project.
How do I pay?
We accept all major payment methods through our Jobber client portal, including credit cards, debit cards, and ACH transfers. Invoices are sent digitally for your convenience.
Do you offer partner rates for professionals?
Yes. We work with realtors, home stagers, builders and pool companies who need hardscape and curb-appeal work on a schedule. Contact us to learn about our partner program.
Do you still mow lawns or do fertilizer programs?
No. Summit no longer offers lawn mowing or recurring lawn care (fertilization and weed control). We still do fall core aeration and overseeding, sod installation, mulch, planting beds, hedge trimming, yard cleanups and leaf removal, alongside patios, fire pits and walls.
Do you handle the landscaping around a new patio or wall?
Yes. Planting beds, mulch, hedge shaping, sod repair where the build disturbed the lawn, and pergolas over a new patio can all be part of the same project, so the finished space looks intentional instead of a hardscape dropped into a yard.
Do you work in the rain?
We do not set pavers or pour base in standing water, so heavy rain can add a day to a build. Light rain usually does not stop excavation or wall work. We keep you updated on timing and finish the job the next dry day.
How long have you been in business?
Summit Exterior Services has been serving Holly Springs and surrounding areas since 2023, and has a 5.0-star Google rating from the homeowners we have worked for.
Fire Pits
View service →Should I choose a gas or wood fire pit?
Wood gives you the crackle and smoke smell, while gas gives you instant on and off with no sparks or ash. In our area gas fire pits are often easier to get approved, but check your town and HOA first. A gas pit needs a line run, so we plan that early with you.
Learn more about Fire Pits →Will a stone fire pit hold up in Wake County red clay?
Yes, if the base is right. Red clay holds water and swells and shrinks with the seasons, so we dig past loose topsoil and compact gravel in lifts before any stone goes down. A solid base keeps a stone fire pit level and the joints tight through wet winters and dry summers.
Learn more about Fire Pits →Can you build a fire pit with a seating wall?
Yes, a fire pit with a seating wall is one of the most popular layouts we build. The wall curves around the pit, gives guests a built-in place to sit, and makes the space feel finished. We size the cap height for comfortable sitting and leave room to walk behind it.
Learn more about Fire Pits →How far does a fire pit need to be from my house?
NC fire code keeps recreational fires well back from structures, and your town or HOA may add its own rules. We mark the layout at your free estimate, help you check with the town and your HOA, and place the pit where it is both safe and enjoyable to use.
Learn more about Fire Pits →How long does fire pit installation take?
Most fire pits take one to two days once materials arrive. A larger build with a seating wall or paver patio around it can run a little longer. Ben is on every job, so you always know who is handling your yard, and we give you a clear timeline before we start.
Learn more about Fire Pits →Paver Patios
View service →Why does base prep matter so much for clay soil?
Wake County red clay holds water and heaves and shrinks between wet and dry seasons. A patio is only as good as what is under it, so we dig to stable soil, compact a gravel base in lifts, and screed leveling sand before any paver is set. That keeps the surface flat and tight.
Learn more about Paver Patios →Can you do a patio extension on my existing patio?
Usually yes. A patio extension works best when we expose the edge of the old patio, check how it was built, and tie the new base in cleanly. We also match paver style as closely as we can so the old and new areas read as one patio.
Learn more about Paver Patios →How long does a paver patio take to install?
Most patios take two to five days depending on size, access, and how much digging the site needs. Rain can add a day or two, since we do not set pavers in standing water. We give you a clear timeline at your free estimate and keep you updated.
Learn more about Paver Patios →Do I need HOA approval for a patio?
Often, yes. Many Holly Springs, Apex, and Cary neighborhoods want to see a layout and materials before a patio goes in. We help you put together a simple drawing and paver selection for your HOA, and we help you check with the town if anything needs a permit.
Learn more about Paver Patios →What about my sloped new-build lot and drainage?
New-build lots often have little topsoil and a steep grade, so water has to go somewhere. We slope the patio slightly away from your house, fill joints with polymeric sand so they resist washout and weeds, and plan where runoff exits during a Carolina downpour.
Learn more about Paver Patios →Retaining Walls
View service →Do I need a permit for a retaining wall?
NC generally requires a permit for retaining walls over 4 feet tall, and rules can differ by town. We help you check with the town before we start. Shorter walls often do not need one, but your HOA may still want to approve the look and location.
Learn more about Retaining Walls →Should I choose block or natural stone?
Block is consistent, goes up efficiently, and comes in many colors. Natural stone has a more organic look but takes longer to fit. Both can be built to last when the base and drainage are right. We show you samples at your free estimate and help you choose for your budget.
Learn more about Retaining Walls →How do you handle drainage behind the wall?
Water pushing on a wall is what makes walls fail, and red clay holds a lot of it. We place drainage stone behind the wall with a perforated pipe that carries water to a safe outlet. Tall walls also get geogrid tied back into the soil for extra strength.
Learn more about Retaining Walls →Can a retaining wall stop erosion on my slope?
It can help a lot. A wall holds soil in place, and the drainage behind it keeps heavy rain from washing out the slope. We also look at where runoff comes from above the wall so that water is guided around it instead of straight down the hill.
Learn more about Retaining Walls →Can you turn a steep slope into usable yard?
Yes, that is one of the most common reasons homeowners call us. We build a wall, level the area behind it, and leave you with flat ground for a patio, play space, or garden. Most walls take two to four days depending on length and height.
Learn more about Retaining Walls →Seating Walls
View service →What is the right cap height for sitting?
A comfortable seat is usually about 18 inches tall, with a cap deep enough to sit on without feeling perched. We adjust for your family, your patio layout, and any grade changes. At your free estimate we can mark the height on site so you can sit and test it.
Learn more about Seating Walls →Can you build a seat wall with a fire pit?
Yes, a seat wall with fire pit is a favorite for Holly Springs and Apex backyards. The wall wraps around the pit so guests sit close to the fire and your yard keeps a defined shape. We keep a safe distance between the seating and the flame.
Learn more about Seating Walls →Will a seating wall settle or lean in clay soil?
Not if the footing is built right. Red clay swells and shrinks, so we dig past loose soil and compact gravel in lifts under the wall. We also keep water from collecting behind or beneath it, which is what causes most walls to shift.
Learn more about Seating Walls →Do seating walls need a permit or HOA approval?
Low seating walls usually do not need a permit, but rules vary by town, and taller walls can trigger one. HOAs often want to approve materials and placement. We help you check with the town, and we can prepare a simple layout to send to your HOA.
Learn more about Seating Walls →How long does a seating wall take to build?
Most seating walls take two to four days depending on length, curves, and whether we are building them with a patio or fire pit. We give you a timeline up front. Ben is on every job, so questions get answered by the person doing the work.
Learn more about Seating Walls →Walkways & Steps
View service →Can you build steps on a slope?
Yes. Steps on a slope need a careful layout so each rise is even and water drains off them instead of pooling. We measure the grade, cut the steps into the hill, and build on a compacted base. Wide, shallow steps feel safer and look better at a front entry.
Learn more about Walkways & Steps →Can you upgrade my front entry?
Yes. A new paver walkway and front entry is one of the quickest ways to change how your home looks from the street. We can widen the path, add a landing at the door, and match pavers to your home. If your HOA cares about curb appeal, we help with approval.
Learn more about Walkways & Steps →Will a paver walkway sink in red clay?
Not when the base is built properly. We dig to stable soil, compact gravel in lifts, and set pavers over screeded leveling sand with edge restraints. Polymeric sand locks the joints so they resist weeds and washout. That is what keeps a walkway flat through wet winters.
Learn more about Walkways & Steps →How long does a walkway project take?
Most walkways take two to four days depending on length, steps, and access. A short path to the front door can sometimes be done faster. We give you a clear timeline at your free estimate and tell you right away if weather moves things.
Learn more about Walkways & Steps →Can you replace an old cracked walkway?
Yes. We remove the old surface, fix the base underneath, and rebuild with pavers. Cracking and settling usually come from poor base prep or water getting underneath, so we also plan where runoff will go during a Carolina downpour. A free estimate gets you a clear plan.
Learn more about Walkways & Steps →Yard Drainage
View service →Why does my yard hold standing water?
Wake County red clay drains slowly, so heavy rain has nowhere to go. New-build lots add to the problem, since grading is often rough and downspouts dump water near the house. We walk the yard during your free estimate, find where water collects, and explain the cause.
Learn more about Yard Drainage →What is the difference between a French drain and a dry creek bed?
A French drain hides a perforated pipe in gravel underground and carries water away quietly. A dry creek bed is an open channel lined with river stone that handles surface flow and looks like a landscape feature. We often use both, depending on how water moves across your yard.
Learn more about Yard Drainage →Do downspout extensions really help?
They help more than most people expect. Roof water dumped at the foundation soaks into clay and stays there. We pipe downspout extensions underground to a safe outlet away from the house, or into a drain, so roof runoff stops feeding the same soggy spots.
Learn more about Yard Drainage →When do I need regrading?
Regrading makes sense when your yard slopes toward the house or has low spots that hold water. We reshape the soil so water flows away, then finish the grade clean. Sometimes regrading alone solves it, and sometimes we pair it with a French drain.
Learn more about Yard Drainage →How long does a drainage project take, and does my HOA care?
Most drainage jobs take one to three days depending on length and access. HOAs often want to know about changes that move water toward a neighbor, so check your HOA. We help you plan outlets that keep runoff on your own lot and away from the street.
Learn more about Yard Drainage →Hedge & Shrub Trimming
View service →When is the best time to trim hedges and shrubs in Holly Springs?
It depends on the plant. Evergreen hedges like hollies and boxwoods take a shaping in late spring and a light touch-up in late summer. Spring bloomers such as azaleas are trimmed right after they flower, and summer bloomers in late winter. We check what you have before cutting so nothing loses a season of blooms.
Learn more about Hedge & Shrub Trimming →Can you bring badly overgrown shrubs back down to size?
Usually, yes. Most hollies, ligustrum, loropetalum and boxwoods take a hard cutback and fill back in over a season or two. A few species do not recover from heavy pruning, and we will tell you when replacement is the better call rather than leave you with a bare stub.
Learn more about Hedge & Shrub Trimming →Do you haul away the clippings?
Yes. Every trimming visit includes bagging or loading the clippings, blowing off the beds, walks and drive, and hauling everything away. You come home to shaped plants and clean beds, not a pile at the curb.
Learn more about Hedge & Shrub Trimming →How often should foundation shrubs be trimmed?
Most Wake County foundation plantings look their best with two trims a year, one in late spring after the first flush of growth and one in late summer. Fast growers near windows or siding sometimes need a third pass. We can set that up as a recurring visit or do it as needed.
Learn more about Hedge & Shrub Trimming →Can you trim hedges as part of a bigger landscaping or patio project?
Yes, and it is a good time to do it. When we build a patio or refresh beds we shape the surrounding shrubs so the finished space looks intentional from day one. Trimming can be added to any landscaping or hardscape proposal.
Learn more about Hedge & Shrub Trimming →Yard Cleanup
View service →Can you handle heavily overgrown properties?
Absolutely. We regularly restore neglected properties and can handle heavy brush, tall grass, and accumulated debris. We'll have your property looking great.
Learn more about Yard Cleanup →Do you haul away debris?
Yes, all debris removal is included in our cleanup services. We leave your property clean and ready to enjoy.
Learn more about Yard Cleanup →How quickly can you schedule a cleanup?
We typically schedule cleanups within 3-5 business days. For storm damage or urgent situations, we do our best to accommodate same-week service.
Learn more about Yard Cleanup →Leaf Removal
View service →When does leaf season peak in the Holly Springs area?
Most of our leaf removal calls run from October through December, with the heaviest volume in November as the mature oaks common throughout Wake County neighborhoods drop their leaves.
Learn more about Leaf Removal →Why is it important to remove leaves quickly instead of leaving them?
Wet leaf mats block sunlight and trap moisture against fescue turf, which can smother grass and encourage fungal disease over the winter. Regular removal through the fall keeps your lawn healthy heading into dormancy.
Learn more about Leaf Removal →Do you offer recurring leaf removal or just one-time visits?
Both. Many customers schedule recurring visits through October, November, and December since oak leaf drop happens in waves rather than all at once. One-time cleanups are also available before events or holidays.
Learn more about Leaf Removal →Landscaping
View service →How often should mulch be replaced?
We recommend refreshing mulch once a year, typically in spring. A 2-3 inch layer helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect plant roots.
Learn more about Landscaping →When is the best time to plant new shrubs?
Fall is the best planting season in Holly Springs. Cooler temperatures and fall rain help roots establish before summer heat arrives.
Learn more about Landscaping →Do you remove old mulch before installing new?
It depends on the depth. If the existing mulch is heavily decomposed, we'll turn it into the soil. If it's built up too thick, we'll remove excess before adding fresh mulch.
Learn more about Landscaping →Mulch Installation
View service →How deep should mulch be applied in Wake County?
We install at a 2 to 3 inch depth. That is enough to suppress weeds and retain moisture through our hot summers without smothering plant roots or trapping excess moisture against stems.
Learn more about Mulch Installation →When is the best time to refresh mulch in Holly Springs?
Spring is the most popular time, since it gives beds a clean look right as plants come out of dormancy and helps hold moisture through the summer heat. We also handle fall touch-ups for properties preparing for winter.
Learn more about Mulch Installation →Do you remove old mulch before installing new?
It depends on condition. If the existing layer is thin or well decomposed, we work it into the soil and add fresh mulch on top. If it has built up too thick, we remove the excess first so the new layer sits at the right depth.
Learn more about Mulch Installation →Sod Installation
View service →When is the best time to install sod in the Triangle?
Tall fescue sod does best installed in fall or early spring, when cooler temperatures let roots establish before summer heat. Bermuda sod prefers late spring and summer installation. We will steer you to the right window for the grass type your yard needs.
Learn more about Sod Installation →How much watering does new sod need?
New sod needs daily watering for roughly the first two weeks, then a gradual taper as roots knit into the soil. Every installation comes with a simple watering schedule, and we check in during establishment.
Learn more about Sod Installation →Is sod worth it compared to seeding?
Sod costs more up front but gives you a finished lawn immediately and skips the washouts, bare patches, and weed pressure that come with establishing seed in clay soil. For high-visibility front yards and homes going on the market, it is usually the better value.
Learn more about Sod Installation →Pergola Installation
View service →Do I need a permit for a pergola in Holly Springs or Apex?
Many detached pergolas under a certain size do not require a permit, but rules vary by town and by HOA. We help you check your town's requirements and your HOA guidelines before work starts so there are no surprises.
Learn more about Pergola Installation →What kind of pergola holds up best in North Carolina weather?
Pressure-treated pine and cedar are both popular here. Whatever the material, the details that matter most in our climate are properly anchored posts, hardware rated for outdoor use, and a good stain and seal to stand up to humidity and summer storms.
Learn more about Pergola Installation →Can you install a pergola over an existing patio?
Usually yes. We evaluate the existing surface and either anchor to it or set posts alongside it, depending on how it was built. If you are planning both, doing the patio and pergola as one project gives the cleanest result.
Learn more about Pergola Installation →Lawn Aeration & Overseeding
View service →When should I aerate and overseed my lawn in Holly Springs?
For fescue lawns, the ideal window is September through mid-October. Soil is still warm enough for root growth, fall rains help keep new seed moist, and weed pressure is dropping, so seedlings have a much better chance to establish before winter.
Learn more about Lawn Aeration & Overseeding →How long after aeration and overseeding until I see grass?
Fescue seed typically germinates in 7 to 14 days under good moisture and temperature conditions. You'll see thin green shoots within two weeks, with the lawn filling in and thickening over the following 4 to 6 weeks.
Learn more about Lawn Aeration & Overseeding →How much watering does new seed need after overseeding?
New seed needs light, frequent watering, generally once or twice a day for 10 to 15 minutes, to keep the top half inch of soil consistently moist until germination. Once grass reaches about an inch tall, we help you shift to deeper, less frequent watering.
Learn more about Lawn Aeration & Overseeding →How much does a patio, wall, mulch job or hedge trim cost?
It depends on size, slope, access, materials and plant choices, which is why we quote after a free on-site visit rather than from a price list. You get a written proposal with the scope spelled out, and we are happy to show where the cost sits and what changes it.
Is the on-site estimate really free?
Yes. The visit, the layout marking and the written proposal are free with no obligation. We would rather you see the plan and the number before deciding anything.
Do you require a deposit?
Project terms, including any deposit and payment schedule, are spelled out in the written proposal before work begins. Payments run through our Jobber client portal by card or ACH.
Can we build in phases?
Often, yes. Many homeowners start with the patio and add a fire pit, seating wall or pergola later. We plan the base and layout so the next phase ties in cleanly instead of fighting the first one.
Ready to Transform Your Yard?
Get your free on-site estimate today. Ben will walk your yard, mark a layout and follow up with a written proposal.