You get more than a prettier yard. You get increased property value that pays for itself, outdoor spaces your family actually uses, and the peace of mind that comes with professional-grade installation.
Water-efficient designs cut your irrigation costs while supporting California’s conservation efforts. Smart plant selection means less maintenance and more time enjoying your space instead of working on it.
Your neighbors notice. Potential buyers remember. And you finally have the outdoor environment that matches the quality of your home’s interior.
Since 1975, Lakota Design Group has been the landscape contractor Corralitos homeowners trust for projects that matter. Larry Murphy and our family-operated team have completed over 5,000 projects across the Bay Area.
You’re not just hiring a contractor—you’re working with professionals who’ve designed landscapes for Apple executives, Yahoo leadership, and San Francisco 49ers management. That level of client demands precision, reliability, and results.
Corralitos properties present unique challenges: rolling terrain, fire safety requirements, and water conservation needs. We’ve been solving these problems since before they were trending topics, using local knowledge that only comes from decades of hands-on experience in your specific area.
First, we survey your property and listen to your vision during an in-person consultation. No generic solutions or cookie-cutter approaches—every design starts with understanding your specific needs and site conditions.
Next, we create detailed 3D renderings and animated videos so you see exactly what your finished landscape will look like before construction begins. No surprises, no “trust us” moments, no wondering if you’ll like the final result.
Then we provide comprehensive CAD installation plans to our vetted contractors for accurate, competitive bidding. You get transparent pricing and guaranteed timelines—both rare in this industry. We manage the entire installation process with daily updates and direct oversight until your project is complete.
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Complete site surveys capture every detail of your property’s existing conditions, elevations, and drainage patterns. This prevents costly mistakes and ensures proper water management—critical in Corralitos’ hillside terrain.
Custom 3D design packages include 20 detailed renderings, animated walkthrough videos, and comprehensive installation plans. Your design cost gets refunded when you choose one of our recommended contractors for installation.
Project management covers contractor coordination, timeline enforcement, and quality control from start to finish. You get guaranteed start and completion dates, daily progress updates, and direct communication with experienced project managers who’ve been doing this for decades in the Bay Area market.
Most residential landscape projects in Corralitos take 1-3 weeks for installation, depending on scope and complexity. However, the timeline varies significantly based on your property’s terrain, drainage requirements, and permit needs.
Design phase typically takes 2-3 weeks from initial consultation to final plans. We provide guaranteed start and completion dates—something most contractors won’t commit to. This certainty helps you plan around the construction and eliminates the frustration of open-ended timelines.
Corralitos properties often require additional considerations for slope stabilization, fire-safe plant selection, and water management systems, which we factor into realistic scheduling from day one.
Corralitos sits in rolling hill terrain with unique drainage challenges, fire safety requirements, and specific soil conditions that affect plant selection and irrigation design. Many contractors underestimate these factors.
The area’s rural zoning and proximity to agricultural lands means septic system considerations, well water management, and defensible space planning around structures. We’ve been navigating Santa Cruz County’s building codes and environmental regulations since 1975.
Property values in Corralitos average $1.6M, so landscape investments need to match that quality level while respecting the area’s natural character. Cookie-cutter suburban approaches don’t work here—you need designs that complement larger parcels and hillside settings.
Water-wise landscaping starts with proper plant selection—native California species that thrive in our Mediterranean climate without constant irrigation. We incorporate drought-tolerant perennials, ornamental grasses, and established trees that provide beauty year-round.
Smart irrigation systems use weather sensors and soil moisture monitoring to deliver water only when needed. Drip irrigation for planted areas and efficient sprinkler zones for lawn areas reduce waste while maintaining healthy landscapes.
Permeable hardscaping and rain capture systems help manage Corralitos’ seasonal rainfall patterns. This approach not only conserves water but often qualifies for local utility rebates, offsetting some installation costs.
Yes, we navigate Santa Cruz County’s permitting process and ensure compliance with local building codes, including seismic safety requirements and fire zone regulations that affect many Corralitos properties.
Our experience includes working with county planning departments on projects involving grading, drainage modifications, and structural elements like retaining walls or outdoor kitchens. We know which projects require permits and handle the paperwork properly.
For properties near agricultural lands or in environmentally sensitive areas, we ensure designs meet all regulatory requirements while achieving your aesthetic goals. This prevents costly delays and rework that often plague DIY or inexperienced contractor approaches.
We provide detailed CAD installation plans that include exact dimensions, material specifications, and construction notes. This eliminates the guesswork that leads to change orders and cost overruns during construction.
Our vetted contractor network receives identical project specifications, ensuring you’re comparing apples-to-apples bids rather than vague estimates. This transparency helps you make informed decisions based on actual scope, not sales pitches.
When you choose one of our recommended contractors, your design costs get refunded since contractors pay us for the detailed plans. This system incentivizes quality work and accurate pricing from contractors who want continued referrals.
Every project receives direct oversight from experienced project managers who’ve been working in Bay Area landscaping for decades. Daily site visits ensure work progresses according to plans and timeline commitments.
We maintain direct communication with you throughout installation, providing regular updates and addressing any concerns immediately. No waiting days for return calls or wondering what’s happening on your property.
Final walkthrough includes detailed quality inspection and punch list completion before we consider any project finished. Our 100% satisfaction guarantee means we don’t call it done until you’re completely happy with the results.
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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