Landscape Designer in San Martin, CA

Transform Your Property Into Your Personal Oasis

Professional landscape designer in San Martin, CA with 50+ years creating stunning, drought-tolerant outdoor spaces that increase property value.

San Martin Residential Landscape Design

Your Outdoor Space, Designed for California Living

You deserve an outdoor space that works as hard as you do. In San Martin’s Mediterranean climate, that means drought-tolerant landscaping that stays beautiful year-round while conserving water. Professional landscape design isn’t just about plants—it’s about creating functional outdoor living areas that complement your lifestyle. Whether you’re entertaining clients from Silicon Valley or enjoying quiet family time, your landscape should enhance every moment you spend outside. Smart homeowners in San Martin know that professional landscaping increases property values by 20% or more. But the real value comes from having an outdoor retreat that you actually want to use, designed specifically for our unique Bay Area conditions.

San Martin Landscape Design Company

50 Years of Bay Area Expertise

We’ve been serving San Martin and the broader Bay Area since 1975. Three generations of family ownership means we understand exactly what works in our Mediterranean climate—and what doesn’t. We’ve watched San Martin evolve from agricultural land to one of California’s most desirable communities. That local knowledge matters when you’re selecting plants that thrive in our specific microclimate, navigating county permitting, or designing around the unique challenges of hillside properties. Our clients choose us because we guarantee start and completion dates—something rare in landscape construction. Daily project updates and direct oversight from experienced project managers mean no surprises, no delays, and no compromises on quality.

Landscape Design Process San Martin

From Vision to Reality, Seamlessly

We start with an in-person consultation at your property. This isn’t a sales pitch—it’s a detailed discussion about how you want to use your outdoor space, what challenges you’re facing, and what’s realistic within your timeline and budget. Next comes the design phase using 3D and CAD technology. You’ll see exactly what your finished landscape will look like before we break ground. No guesswork, no surprises. We refine the design until it’s perfect. Construction begins with guaranteed start and completion dates. Our project manager provides daily updates and handles all permitting requirements. You get a beautiful outdoor space without the typical headaches of home improvement projects.

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About Lakota Design Group

San Martin Landscape Architecture Services

Complete Design-Build Solutions

Every San Martin landscape design project includes comprehensive site analysis, custom design development, and precision construction. We handle everything from initial soil testing to final plant installation and irrigation setup. San Martin’s location in the Santa Cruz Mountain foothills presents unique opportunities and challenges. Sloped properties require specialized drainage solutions. Our Mediterranean climate demands drought-tolerant plant selections that still provide year-round color and interest. We’re licensed for all necessary permits and understand Santa Clara County requirements inside and out. Whether you’re working with a historic property near the old Murphy ranch lands or a modern estate in the hills, we know how to navigate local regulations while creating the outdoor space you want.

What plants work best for landscape design in San Martin's climate?

San Martin’s Mediterranean climate with dry summers and mild winters is perfect for drought-tolerant natives like California lilac, manzanita, and ornamental grasses. These plants thrive with minimal water once established and provide year-round structure and seasonal color. We also incorporate climate-appropriate non-natives like lavender, rosemary, and Mediterranean herbs that complement the natural landscape. The key is selecting plants that can handle our 19 inches of annual rainfall and summer drought conditions while still looking lush and intentional. Every plant selection considers your property’s specific microclimate—sun exposure, wind patterns, and soil conditions vary significantly even within San Martin. Our 50+ years of local experience means we know exactly what thrives where.

How long does a landscape design project take in San Martin?

Most residential landscape design projects in San Martin take 4-8 weeks from design approval to completion, depending on scope and complexity. We provide guaranteed start and completion dates—something rare in our industry. The design phase typically takes 2-3 weeks. This includes site analysis, initial concepts, 3D renderings, and design refinements. We don’t rush this phase because getting the design right upfront prevents costly changes during construction. Construction timing depends on project size and complexity. Simple front yard redesigns might take 1-2 weeks, while complete backyard transformations with hardscaping, irrigation, and extensive planting can take 6-8 weeks. Weather rarely delays projects in our climate, but we always communicate any schedule adjustments immediately.

Do I need permits for landscape design work in San Martin?

Many landscape projects in San Martin require permits, especially those involving grading, drainage, retaining walls over 4 feet, or significant irrigation changes. Santa Clara County has specific requirements that vary by property location and scope of work. We handle all permitting requirements as part of our service. Our team knows exactly what triggers permit requirements and how to navigate the approval process efficiently. This prevents costly delays and ensures all work meets code. Attempting landscape construction without proper permits can result in stop-work orders, fines, and requirements to redo completed work. We protect our clients from these issues by handling all regulatory compliance upfront.

What's the typical cost for professional landscape design in San Martin?

Landscape design costs in San Martin typically range from $15,000 for simple front yard redesigns to $100,000+ for complete property transformations with extensive hardscaping and mature plantings. Most residential projects fall between $25,000-$60,000. Design fees are separate from construction and usually range from $2,500-$7,500 depending on project complexity. This includes site analysis, conceptual design, 3D renderings, construction documents, and permitting support. We provide detailed estimates after the initial consultation so you know exactly what to expect. No surprise costs or change orders unless you request modifications. Our goal is delivering exceptional value, not just the lowest price.

How do you handle San Martin's water restrictions in landscape design?

Water conservation is built into every landscape design we create in San Martin. We use drought-tolerant plant palettes, efficient irrigation systems, and smart design techniques that minimize water usage while maximizing visual impact. Our designs typically reduce outdoor water usage by 40-60% compared to traditional landscaping. This includes selecting native and adapted plants, using mulch to retain soil moisture, and installing drip irrigation systems that deliver water directly to plant roots. We also incorporate rainwater capture and greywater systems when appropriate. These sustainable features not only conserve water but often qualify for local utility rebates, helping offset project costs while supporting environmental goals.

Can you work around existing mature trees and landscaping features?

Absolutely. Many San Martin properties have mature oaks, fruit trees, or established landscape elements worth preserving. We design around these features, often making them focal points of the new landscape design. Our approach includes careful root zone analysis, proper grading techniques, and strategic plant placement that complements rather than competes with existing vegetation. Mature trees especially add instant character and value that can’t be replicated quickly. We also evaluate existing hardscape elements like patios, walls, or irrigation systems. Sometimes these can be integrated into the new design with modifications, saving costs while maintaining landscape continuity. Every situation is unique, and we provide honest assessments of what’s worth keeping versus replacing.

Local Resources

San Martin, CA is located in Santa Clara County in California State

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