In Episode 22 of Living Local with Frisbee Real Estate, Ed sits down with Hunter Holbert, the co-owner of R &H Landscape Development, a long-standing local landscaping company serving homeowners across Henderson County and Western North Carolina. Hunter shares the story behind the business, started by his father more than 30 years ago as a small “one truck and a helper” operation, and how Hunter stepped in after college to thoughtfully scale it into a modern company while still keeping the personal, small-business feel.
Hunter explains what R &H Landscape Development actually does day to day. They’re a full-service residential landscaping company offering lawn maintenance, seasonal enhancements like mulching and pruning, and landscape installations such as patios, pavers, small retaining walls, and fire pits. Their work is split about 50/50 between maintenance and installation, with a focus on smaller, homeowner-friendly projects rather than large commercial builds. He also gives a helpful look at how pros source materials, noting that while big box stores have their place, larger projects often benefit from going straight to the supplier.
The conversation takes a real turn as Hunter talks about Hurricane Helene and how it affected local properties and the landscaping industry. He describes clearing nearly 50 downed trees just to access their own shop, then jumping immediately into emergency cleanup. For weeks, the team prioritized digging out driveways, clearing mudslides, and cutting trees, postponing routine services to help the community recover. Even more than a year later, Hunter notes that restoration and cleanup are still ongoing in pockets across the area.
One of the more unique parts of the episode is Hunter’s other life outside landscaping: he’s a master’s-level violinist (Appalachian State, violin performance) and still plays with groups like the Hendersonville Symphony, Brevard Philharmonic, and other regional orchestras, plus weddings and events. Ed even puts him through the show’s “Finish the Lyric” game, and Hunter absolutely nails it, proving that a violin player can know country lyrics better than most.
They also touch on local favorites, with Hunter recommending Umi for sushi and Binion’s for a classic Hendersonville meal. For visitors, he suggests enjoying downtown Hendersonville and a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway, while offering a grounded perspective on post-storm forest cleanup. His take: beyond safety and access needs, fallen trees can actually support a healthy forest ecosystem over time.
To learn more or request an estimate, Hunter shares the best ways to connect:
If you’re looking for a trusted Hendersonville landscaping company for maintenance, patios, fire pits, or storm cleanup, this episode is a great introduction to a local business that’s built on relationships, craftsmanship, and community-first service.
