Landscape Design in Palo Alto, CA
A good landscape can change your property, add beauty, functionality and long term value. We specialize in custom design to fit your style and your home’s architecture. From lush foliage to hardscapes our full service brings balance and purpose to your outdoor space.
Our design services include:
Custom Selection: We choose plants that grow well in the local climate, combining different textures, colors and heights to make a beautiful and sustainable landscape. Drought tolerant succulents to flowering shrubs we choose the ones that fit your needs and your style.
Hardscaping Features: Add flair to your property with patios, walkways, retaining walls and more. We use top grade materials to create hardscaping elements that blend in with your natural environment.
Turf and Sod Installation: Want a instant lawn? Our landscaping services provide expertise in turf and sod installation, beauty and low maintenance. We prep the soil, lay premium sod or artificial turf and show you how to care for it.
Let us design an outdoor space that matches your home’s beauty and functionality, your personal style.
Beauty and Function
We believe great landscape design is a balance of beauty and function. Our approach makes sure your outdoor space is as functional as it is beautiful, tailored to your lifestyle and needs.
Functional Zones: Want a space to entertain, a quiet retreat or a play area for the kids we create purposeful spaces that flow and work together.
Lighting and Atmosphere: Enjoy your landscape in the evening with outdoor lighting. Highlight pathways, water features and trees with soft lighting that adds charm and safety.
Eco-Friendly Designs: From water-wise irrigation systems to native and drought-tolerant plants we design landscapes with sustainability in mind. Our eco-friendly solutions conserve resources and enhance your property. Understanding shade patterns is key to creating sustainable and functional landscapes, as different areas of your yard may have different amounts of sunlight and shade.
By combining good design with practical elements we make beautiful and low maintenance landscapes.
Your Site
Understanding your site is key to a beautiful and functional outdoor space. Before we design your landscape we need to assess your site’s conditions, soil type, topography and regional climate. This will help you choose the right plants, materials and design elements that will thrive in your specific environment.
Soil Type: Different plants need different types of soil to grow. Knowing your soil type will help you choose the ones that will thrive. Whether your soil is sandy, clay or loamy, choosing the right plants will make a garden.
Topography: The slope and elevation of your site can affect drainage, erosion and the overall design of your landscape. Consider incorporating retaining walls, terracing or other hardscape features to create a functional and beautiful outdoor space. Properly managing the topography will prevent water pooling and soil erosion and extend the life of your landscape.
Regional Climate: Climate is a big factor in determining what plants will grow in your garden. Choose ones that are native to your region or have similar climate to yours for a low maintenance and sustainable landscape. Native plants are adapted to your local climate and soil types so they are a robust and reliable choice for your garden.
Your Vision
Defining your vision is the first step in creating a landscape that matches your style and needs. Consider these:
Outdoor Spaces: How do you want to use your outdoor space? Do you want a quiet retreat, an entertaining area or a functional space for outdoor activities? Your vision will drive the design process so your outdoor space meets your lifestyle.
Maintenance: How much time and effort are you willing to put into your landscape? Choose low maintenance plants and design elements that fit your lifestyle. A well designed landscape will reduce the need for constant maintenance so you can enjoy your garden more.
Garden Beds: Think about the style and design. Do you like formal, structured beds or more informal, naturalistic designs? Your choice will determine the overall look of your landscape.
Landscaping Expertise: Consider hiring a professional landscaper who can help you achieve your vision. Look for a team of experts in design, installation and maintenance. A professional team will give you valuable insights and make sure your landscape is beautiful and functional.
Design Elements
Good design elements are key to a beautiful and functional landscape. Consider these:
- Balance: Balance is the key to a beautiful landscape. Balance different elements like plants, hardscapes and water features to create a cohesive look. Symmetrical or asymmetrical balance can be used to achieve this.
- Proportion: Make sure all the elements in your landscape are in proportion to each other. Avoid oversized or undersized features that will disrupt the balance of your design. Proportionate elements create order and harmony.
- Emphasis: Create focal points in your landscape to draw the eye and create visual interest. Use plants, hardscapes or other design elements to create emphasis and add depth to your design. Focal points can be anything from a striking tree to a beautiful water feature.
- Unity: Use repetition and consistency to create unity in your landscape. Repeat design elements like plants or hardscapes to create a cohesive look. Unity ties all the parts of your landscape together to make it feel like one cohesive space.
Sustainable Landscaping
Sustainable landscaping is key to an eco friendly and low maintenance landscape. Consider these:
- Plants: Choose ones that are native to your region or have similar climate. These will require less water, fertilizers and pesticides reducing your environmental footprint. Native plants are adapted to local conditions and support local wildlife.
- Weed Control: Use natural methods to control weeds like mulching or hand-weeding instead of chemical herbicides. Organic weed control is better for the environment and healthier for the soil.
- Outdoor Space: Create an outdoor space that is functional and enjoyable. Add features like fire pits or outdoor kitchens that encourage outdoor living and reduce indoor energy consumption. Functional outdoor spaces can extend your living area and a place to relax and entertain.
- Core Values: Consider hiring a landscaper who shares your core values and commitment to sustainability. Look for a team of experts and an environmental focus. A landscaping company that puts sustainability first will help you create a landscape that is beautiful and eco friendly.