You’re not just getting another landscape contractor in Oakland, CA—you’re getting a partner who’s completed over 5,000 Bay Area projects since 1975. Your property value increases by up to $20,000 with professional landscaping, but more importantly, you get an outdoor space that actually works for your lifestyle.
We handle Oakland’s unique challenges: steep slopes that need proper drainage, drought-resistant designs that still look stunning, and fire-safe landscaping that doesn’t sacrifice beauty. Every project comes with guaranteed start and completion dates, daily progress updates, and the kind of attention to detail that turns neighbors into admirers.
No surprises, no delays, no cutting corners. Just the outdoor space you’ve been picturing, delivered exactly when we said it would be.
Since 1975, Lakota Design Group has been the landscape company Oakland homeowners trust when they want it done right the first time. We’re family-operated, which means we actually care about your reputation in the neighborhood—because it’s our reputation too.
Oakland’s microclimates, from the foggy hills to the sunny flats, don’t intimidate us. We’ve worked in every corner of this city, solving drainage issues on steep Montclair lots, creating fire-safe landscapes in the hills, and designing drought-tolerant gardens that thrive through California’s dry summers. Our two licensed contractors have installed hundreds of projects across the Bay Area, and our 3D design technology shows you exactly what you’re getting before we break ground.
You won’t find us cutting corners or disappearing mid-project. That’s not how you stay in business for half a century.
First, we come to your property for an in-depth consultation. Not a quick estimate—a real conversation about how you want to use your outdoor space, what Oakland’s climate means for your plans, and what challenges your specific lot presents. We assess everything: soil conditions, drainage patterns, sun exposure, existing vegetation, and those tricky slope issues that trip up less experienced contractors.
Next, we create detailed 3D renderings and CAD plans using cutting-edge design technology. You’ll see exactly what your finished landscape will look like from multiple angles, so there are no surprises when construction begins. We walk through every detail, make adjustments based on your feedback, and ensure the design works within your budget and timeline.
Then comes the part that separates us from everyone else: guaranteed execution. We provide confirmed start and completion dates, assign a dedicated project manager who gives you daily updates, and coordinate our vetted contractor network to deliver exactly what we promised. Your project stays clean, on schedule, and up to our standards—which happen to be pretty high after 50 years in business.
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Every landscape contractor in Oakland, CA talks about “custom design,” but here’s what that means when you work with us: comprehensive site surveys, soil analysis, drainage solutions, irrigation planning, hardscape construction, plant selection that thrives in Oakland’s specific climate zones, and lighting design that extends your outdoor living into the evening hours.
Oakland homeowners deal with unique challenges that require local expertise. We design xeriscaping that can cut your water usage by 50% while maintaining curb appeal. We create fire-resistant landscapes using native California plants that actually belong here. We solve slope stability issues with retaining walls and terracing that look intentional, not like an afterthought.
Your project includes everything from initial consultation through final walkthrough: 3D design renderings, detailed construction plans, all necessary permits, licensed installation, project management, and a guarantee that we’ll finish when we said we would. Most landscape companies in Oakland can’t make that last promise. We’ve been making it for five decades.
Project timelines depend on scope and complexity, but we provide guaranteed start and completion dates for every job—something most Oakland landscape contractors won’t do. A typical front yard redesign takes 5-8 days, while comprehensive front and backyard transformations usually require 2-3 weeks.
Oakland’s permit requirements and HOA approvals can add time to the planning phase, but we handle all that paperwork for you. Weather rarely delays our work here, unlike other parts of the country. The biggest factor is usually how quickly you want to move forward after seeing your 3D design renderings.
We’ve completed projects in as little as 8 days and others that took several months, but in every case, we hit the completion date we promised during planning. That’s the difference between working with a contractor who’s been doing this since 1975 and someone who’s still figuring it out.
Oakland’s diverse microclimates create unique challenges that inexperienced contractors often miss. The hills get more fog and cooler temperatures, while the flats are sunnier and warmer. Soil conditions vary dramatically even within the same neighborhood, and many properties have steep slopes that require specialized drainage and erosion control.
Fire safety is a real concern in Oakland’s hillside areas, requiring specific plant choices and landscape design strategies. We use fire-resistant native species and create defensible space that doesn’t look like a military installation. Water restrictions are stricter here than in some neighboring cities, so we design drought-tolerant landscapes that still provide the lush look most homeowners want.
Oakland also has more diverse architectural styles than most Bay Area cities, from Craftsman bungalows to mid-century modern homes. Our landscape designs complement your home’s architecture while working with the natural conditions of your specific lot. That local knowledge comes from 50 years of working in every Oakland neighborhood.
Steep slopes and drainage problems are probably the most common challenges we solve for Oakland homeowners. Many properties in the hills have significant grade changes that create water runoff issues, erosion concerns, and limited usable space. We’ve been solving these problems since 1975, so we know what works and what doesn’t.
Our approach starts with proper grading and drainage infrastructure—French drains, catch basins, and strategic terracing that manages water flow without looking industrial. We create usable flat areas through retaining walls and terracing that feel like natural extensions of your landscape, not obvious engineering solutions.
Plant selection is crucial on slopes. We use deep-rooted native species that prevent erosion while requiring minimal water and maintenance. Ground covers, ornamental grasses, and drought-tolerant shrubs create visual interest while stabilizing the soil. The key is designing the entire system to work together: proper drainage, soil stabilization, and plants that thrive in Oakland’s specific conditions.
Fire safety doesn’t mean creating a barren moonscape around your Oakland home. We design defensible space using fire-resistant native plants that actually enhance your property’s beauty while meeting safety requirements. The key is understanding which plants naturally resist fire and how to arrange them for maximum protection.
Native California plants like lavender, sage, and certain oak species are naturally fire-resistant because they evolved here. We create layered plantings with proper spacing, use hardscape elements like stone pathways and patios as natural firebreaks, and ensure adequate irrigation reaches all planted areas. The goal is creating a landscape that’s both beautiful and defensible.
Maintenance is the most important factor in fire safety—more important than plant selection. We design landscapes that are easy to maintain and provide clear guidance on seasonal care. Removing dead plant material, maintaining proper irrigation, and keeping vegetation properly pruned are more effective than choosing “fire-proof” plants (which don’t actually exist). Our designs make this ongoing maintenance manageable rather than overwhelming.
Our comprehensive service covers everything from initial consultation through final project completion. We start with an in-depth site assessment, measuring your property, analyzing soil conditions, evaluating drainage patterns, and understanding how you want to use your outdoor space. This isn’t a quick estimate—it’s a thorough evaluation of your property’s potential and challenges.
The design phase includes detailed 3D renderings that show exactly what your finished landscape will look like, plus technical CAD drawings for construction. We handle all permit applications and HOA approvals, coordinate with utility companies for any required clearances, and manage the entire installation process through our network of licensed contractors.
Construction includes all hardscape work (patios, walkways, retaining walls), irrigation system installation, soil preparation and planting, lighting installation if included, and final cleanup. Your dedicated project manager provides daily updates and ensures everything meets our quality standards. We guarantee our completion timeline and stand behind our work with comprehensive warranties. Most importantly, we manage every detail so you don’t have to.
Landscape construction costs vary significantly based on project scope, site conditions, and material choices, but Oakland homeowners typically invest between $15,000-$75,000 for comprehensive front and backyard transformations. Smaller projects like front yard redesigns often range from $8,000-$25,000, while extensive hillside projects with significant grading and retaining walls can exceed $100,000.
Oakland’s challenging terrain often requires additional site preparation compared to flatter areas, which affects pricing. Steep slopes need proper drainage and possibly retaining walls. Rocky soil requires special equipment for excavation. These site-specific factors make accurate estimates impossible without seeing your property, which is why we always start with an in-person consultation.
The investment makes financial sense when you consider that professional landscaping can increase your Oakland home’s value by $15,000-$20,000 or more. Beyond the financial return, you’re creating outdoor living space that you’ll enjoy for decades. We provide detailed written estimates after our site assessment, so you’ll know exactly what you’re investing in and what results to expect. No surprises, no change orders, no excuses.
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