Your outdoor space becomes an extension of your home that you actually want to spend time in. No more looking out at overgrown areas or half-finished projects that never quite came together.
You get a cohesive design that works with Corralitos’ unique climate and your property’s natural features. Every plant, pathway, and feature serves a purpose while creating the kind of curb appeal that makes neighbors stop and take notice.
Most importantly, you get peace of mind. No more coordinating different contractors, wondering if they’ll show up, or dealing with projects that drag on for months. Your landscape investment protects and enhances your property value while giving you the outdoor living space you’ve been wanting.
Lakota Design Group has been transforming Bay Area properties since 1975, completing over 5,000 residential projects across Santa Cruz County and beyond. We understand what works in Corralitos’ unique microclimate and soil conditions.
We’ve designed landscapes for high-profile clients including executives from Apple, Yahoo, and the San Francisco 49ers. This isn’t about name-dropping—it’s about demonstrating the level of quality and reliability that comes with nearly five decades in business.
What sets us apart in the Corralitos market is our comprehensive approach. While many contractors focus on either design or installation, we handle everything from initial site surveys through project completion, with guaranteed start and finish dates that are rare in the industry.
Everything starts with an on-site consultation where we survey your property and listen to your vision. No generic solutions—every design reflects your specific goals, budget, and lifestyle needs.
Next comes the 3D design phase. Using advanced CAD technology, we create detailed renderings and even animated videos so you can see exactly how your finished landscape will look. You get up to 20 3D renderings and three free revisions to ensure the design is perfect before any work begins.
Once you approve the design, we provide comprehensive CAD installation plans and connect you with our network of vetted contractors. If you choose one of our recommended contractors, your design fee is refunded since the contractor pays us directly. We also offer project management services, handling all coordination and oversight so you don’t have to manage multiple trades or worry about quality control.
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Your residential landscaping package includes everything needed for a successful project. The initial site survey captures exact dimensions, elevations, and existing conditions. You receive detailed 2D CAD plans, up to 20 3D renderings, and an animated video walkthrough of your completed design.
All designs incorporate Corralitos-specific considerations: native plant selections that thrive in the area’s Mediterranean climate, drought-tolerant options that meet California’s water conservation requirements, and materials that complement the rural, upscale aesthetic of Santa Cruz County properties.
The comprehensive package also includes plant and material lists, contractor referrals from our vetted network, and optional project management services. For Corralitos properties, we pay special attention to larger lot considerations, horse-friendly landscaping options, and designs that work with the area’s agricultural character while maintaining the sophisticated look that matches local property values.
Design phase typically takes 2-3 weeks from initial consultation to final plans. This includes site survey, concept development, 3D renderings, and any revisions you request.
Installation timelines depend on project scope, but most residential landscapes in Corralitos take 1-3 weeks once work begins. Larger properties with extensive hardscaping or complex grading may take 4-6 weeks.
The key difference with Lakota is guaranteed start and completion dates—something rare in the landscaping industry. We don’t start your project until we can commit to finishing it on schedule, which means no half-completed landscapes sitting in limbo for months.
Corralitos has a Mediterranean climate with dry summers and mild, wet winters. This means drought-tolerant designs aren’t just environmentally responsible—they’re practical and cost-effective.
Native California plants like lavender, rosemary, California poppies, and ornamental grasses thrive here with minimal water once established. For larger properties common in Corralitos, we often incorporate fruit trees, which complement the area’s agricultural character while providing functional benefits.
The key is proper plant placement and soil preparation. Plants that need more water go in naturally moister areas or near irrigation zones, while drought-tolerant species handle the drier spots. This approach reduces water bills, maintenance requirements, and ensures your landscape looks great year-round without constant intervention.
Permit requirements in Santa Cruz County depend on your specific project scope. Simple plantings and basic hardscaping typically don’t require permits, but retaining walls over 4 feet, extensive grading, or structures like pergolas usually do.
Our design team knows local requirements and includes permit considerations in our planning process. Our CAD installation plans include all the technical details needed for permit applications when required.
If you use one of our recommended contractors, they typically handle permit applications as part of the installation process. This coordination ensures everything meets county codes and prevents delays or compliance issues down the road.
Residential landscaping costs in Corralitos vary significantly based on property size, design complexity, and material choices. Basic landscape refresh projects might start around $15,000-30,000, while comprehensive redesigns for larger properties typically range from $50,000-150,000 or more.
The investment often pays for itself through increased property values. In Corralitos’ high-value market, professional landscaping can add $50,000-100,000+ to your property’s worth, especially on larger lots where outdoor space is a major selling feature.
We provide detailed cost estimates after the design phase, so you know exactly what you’re investing before work begins. We also offer interest-free financing options to help manage larger projects, and if you use our recommended contractors, your design fee is refunded.
Successful landscaping in Corralitos starts with proper plant selection and smart irrigation design. We focus on drought-tolerant species that actually prefer drier conditions once established, reducing both water usage and maintenance requirements.
Soil preparation is crucial. We improve soil drainage and water retention capacity, which helps plants establish strong root systems that can access deeper moisture. Mulching and proper spacing also reduce water competition and evaporation.
For areas that need regular watering, we design efficient irrigation systems with smart controllers that adjust based on weather conditions and soil moisture. This prevents overwatering (which can damage drought-adapted plants) while ensuring adequate moisture for areas like vegetable gardens or high-use lawn spaces that require more water.
Absolutely. Many Corralitos properties include horse facilities, and we have extensive experience designing landscapes that complement equestrian lifestyles while maintaining safety for both animals and plants.
This includes selecting non-toxic plants, designing appropriate fencing and barriers, creating proper drainage around barn and paddock areas, and ensuring clear sight lines for safety. We also understand setback requirements and how to integrate landscaping with existing agricultural uses.
For larger ranch-style properties, we often create distinct zones—formal landscaping near the house, functional areas around outbuildings, and transitional spaces that blend cultivated and natural areas. This approach respects the property’s agricultural character while creating beautiful outdoor living spaces that enhance rather than compete with existing land uses.
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