Your backyard should work for your life, not against it. You get a landscape that handles Scotts Valley’s unique climate while looking incredible year-round.
No more wondering if your plants will survive the summer or if your hardscaping will hold up. You get drought-tolerant design that thrives in our Mediterranean climate, plus outdoor living spaces where you’ll actually want to spend time.
The result? A property that increases your home value, reduces your maintenance headaches, and gives you the outdoor sanctuary you’ve been dreaming about.
Since 1975, we’ve been transforming Scotts Valley properties into stunning outdoor environments. We understand the unique challenges of landscaping in the Santa Cruz Mountains – from managing slope stability to selecting plants that thrive in our microclimate.
Our family-operated approach means you work directly with seasoned experts who’ve seen every type of Scotts Valley property. From the rolling hills near Skypark to the established neighborhoods around Kings Village, we know what works and what doesn’t.
You get the benefit of our vetted network of licensed contractors, guaranteed project timelines, and the kind of attention to detail that only comes from five decades in business.
We start with an in-person consultation at your Scotts Valley property to understand your vision, lifestyle needs, and site challenges. No generic solutions – every design reflects your specific goals and your property’s unique characteristics.
Next comes our 3D design process. Using cutting-edge CAD technology, we create detailed visualizations so you can see exactly what your finished landscape will look like before we break ground. You’ll see every plant, pathway, and water feature in realistic detail.
Once you approve the design, our licensed contractors take over with guaranteed start and completion dates. You get daily updates from your dedicated project manager, and we maintain a clean worksite throughout construction. The result is a flawless outdoor space delivered exactly when promised.
Ready to get started?
Every Scotts Valley property presents unique opportunities and challenges. Whether you’re dealing with the steep slopes common in areas like Glenwood or working with the more level lots near Scotts Valley Middle School, we have the expertise to maximize your landscape potential.
Our comprehensive services include custom hardscaping designed for our local soil conditions, drought-tolerant plant installations that thrive in our Mediterranean climate, and outdoor living spaces built to handle everything from summer heat to winter rains. We also specialize in fire-resistant landscaping – crucial for properties in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
You get solutions specifically tailored to Scotts Valley’s unique environment, from managing seasonal water runoff to creating landscapes that complement the natural beauty of the surrounding redwood forests and rolling hills.
Most residential landscape projects in Scotts Valley take 1-3 weeks depending on scope and complexity. We provide guaranteed start and completion dates – something rare in our industry.
Smaller projects like front yard redesigns typically complete in 5-8 days. Larger backyard transformations with extensive hardscaping usually take 2-3 weeks. Weather delays are factored into our timeline estimates, and we communicate any adjustments immediately.
Unlike many contractors, we don’t overbook projects or leave you wondering when work will resume. Your dedicated project manager provides daily updates, so you always know exactly where things stand and when you’ll be enjoying your finished landscape.
Scotts Valley’s Mediterranean climate and clay-heavy soils require specific plant selections for long-term success. We focus on drought-tolerant natives and adapted species that thrive without constant irrigation.
Top performers include California lilac, lavender, rosemary, and ornamental grasses that handle our dry summers beautifully. For color, we use plants like salvias and penstemons that bloom through multiple seasons. Tree selections often include coast live oaks, madrones, and Japanese maples that complement our natural setting.
Soil preparation is crucial here. We amend clay soils with organic matter and create proper drainage to prevent root rot during winter rains. This preparation work ensures your plants establish quickly and remain healthy for decades, not just the first few seasons.
Yes, we handle all necessary permits and ensure compliance with Scotts Valley’s landscape regulations. Our experience with local requirements means your project moves forward without bureaucratic delays.
For projects involving retaining walls, grading, or significant hardscaping, we coordinate directly with the City of Scotts Valley planning department. We know which projects require permits and which don’t, saving you time and potential headaches.
We also ensure compliance with water-wise landscaping requirements and any HOA guidelines in neighborhoods like Bethany Curve or Kings Village. Our local expertise means your project meets all regulations while maximizing your property’s potential within those constraints.
Fire-resistant landscaping is essential for Scotts Valley properties, especially those near wildland areas. We design defensible space that meets CAL FIRE requirements while maintaining beauty and functionality.
Our approach includes strategic plant placement with fire-resistant species like rockrose, ceanothus, and native bunch grasses. We create fuel breaks using hardscaping elements and maintain proper clearances around structures. Irrigation systems are designed to keep key areas well-watered during fire season.
We also incorporate fire-resistant materials in hardscaping – natural stone, concrete, and metal elements that won’t ignite. The goal is creating a landscape that protects your property while enhancing its value and livability throughout the year.
Our comprehensive service includes everything from initial site analysis to final project completion. You get 3D design visualization, detailed construction plans, and full project management with guaranteed timelines.
The design phase includes site surveys, soil analysis, and detailed CAD drawings showing every element of your new landscape. If you choose one of our licensed contractors for installation, your design cost is fully refunded. We also provide ongoing project management, daily progress updates, and direct oversight from start to finish.
Post-installation, we provide care instructions specific to your new plants and hardscaping. You also get our guidance on seasonal maintenance and long-term landscape health, ensuring your investment continues paying dividends for decades.
Scotts Valley’s clay soils and seasonal drainage issues require specialized approaches that we’ve perfected over five decades. Poor drainage kills more landscapes here than drought or pests combined.
We start every project with thorough soil analysis and drainage assessment. Clay soil amendments, French drains, and strategic grading redirect water away from structures while ensuring plants get adequate moisture. We also install permeable hardscaping that prevents runoff issues common on sloped properties.
For areas with standing water during winter rains, we create rain gardens and bioswales that turn drainage problems into landscape features. These solutions manage water naturally while adding visual interest and supporting local wildlife – turning your property’s challenges into assets.
Our Client's Reviews
Posted on Josh RubioTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Larry was absolutely fantastic to work with and his design was incredible. He was very detailed, thorough and graciously interactive with our vision, and produced a masterpiece for us. Total dream come true for our project.Posted on Sam PetersTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I hired Lakota Design Group to re-do my Front and Backyard landscaping. During the design process, Larry listened to all of my requirements & incorporated them. He showed me multiple options, and really worked with me to create an amazing design. We used one of his recommended contractors to install our project and Larry managed it all. They did great work, kept our property clean, and finished ahead of their estimated completion date. We are extremely happy with the final product. I strongly recommend Lakota Design Group for your landscape design and construction needs.Posted on Randy D. ThomasTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I recently hired Lakota Design Group to redesign our front yard. We needed a complete removal and replacement of both our hardscape and plants. Larry did an excellent job on the design. He was very patient with us as we made revisions and provided guidance throughout the process to help us choose a design style that we loved. Larry also recommended a contractor who gave us a reasonable price compared to other bids we received. Larry managed the installation from start to finish, making it effortless on our part. Larry's team completed the installation in just eight days, and the final result is fantastic! I highly recommend Larry and Lakota Design Group for your landscaping needs.Posted on Laura FerranteTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had our front and back yard done by Larry and his team. Larry is very meticulous and detail oriented. He was very patient in taking my landscape ideas and then creating my dream landscape. We used one of his suggested contractors and are extremely happy with the outcome. We really enjoyed having Larry manage the project as we didn’t have to do a thing. Larry always kept us in the loop, supervised the progress, ensuring our satisfaction and meeting the agreed timeline. I would highly recommend Lakota Design Group for their landscape design and contracting services.Posted on Peter CoprivizaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am very happy with Larry’s design and creativity. His videos and graphics really helped the decision process. Jose and the team at Loya’s Landscaping are excellent craftsmen. They are hard workers who kept a clean worksite. I am very satisfied with the end product!
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