You know that feeling when you drive through neighborhoods and see one house that just stops you? The one where everything flows perfectly, plants look healthy year-round, and the outdoor spaces actually get used?
That’s what happens when you work with a landscape designer who understands Live Oak’s unique challenges. No more dead plants from wrong soil matches. No more irrigation systems that waste water and money. No more wondering if your investment will pay off.
Your property becomes the one neighbors point to. The one that sells faster and for more when the time comes. Most importantly, you finally have outdoor spaces you love using instead of avoiding.
Since 1975, we’ve been the landscape design company that Live Oak homeowners trust when they want results, not experiments. We’ve solved every microclimate challenge this region throws at properties—from wind exposure to drainage issues to soil problems.
While other companies learn on your dime, we already know what works here. We understand which plants thrive in your specific Live Oak location and which irrigation approaches actually comply with water restrictions while keeping landscapes healthy.
That expertise is why Silicon Valley executives choose us for their properties. Over 5,000 completed projects have taught us exactly how to navigate Live Oak’s unique conditions and deliver landscapes that perform beautifully for decades.
Your project starts with an on-site consultation where we assess your property’s specific conditions and understand exactly what you want to achieve. We measure everything, test soil conditions, and identify any drainage or microclimate challenges.
Within 2-3 weeks, you’ll see detailed 3D renderings showing exactly how your finished landscape will look. Not sketches or rough concepts—photorealistic views from multiple angles, including how plants will appear as they mature. Want changes? We revise until it’s perfect.
Once you approve the design, we provide comprehensive installation plans to our vetted contractors. Choose one of our recommended installers and your design cost gets refunded completely. We manage every aspect of installation, provide daily updates, and ensure the finished result matches your approved design exactly.
Ready to get started?
Every residential landscape design package includes comprehensive site surveying, detailed CAD installation plans, 20+ photorealistic 3D renderings, and animated video walkthroughs. You also receive complete plant and materials lists plus three free design revisions.
Live Oak’s Mediterranean climate requires specific expertise most landscape design companies lack. We select drought-tolerant plants that thrive in your exact microclimate while creating year-round visual interest. Our designs incorporate smart irrigation systems that comply with local water restrictions while maintaining healthy, beautiful landscapes.
Whether you need a low-maintenance front yard that enhances curb appeal, a backyard entertainment space with outdoor kitchen and fire features, or complete property transformation, we have the local knowledge to execute flawlessly. Every design reflects Live Oak’s unique conditions and your specific lifestyle needs.
Our landscape design services start with understanding your specific vision and budget requirements. Unlike many Bay Area companies that surprise clients with undisclosed minimums, we discuss costs transparently from our first conversation.
Design fees depend on project scope and complexity, but here’s what makes us different: if you choose one of our vetted contractors for installation, your design cost gets completely refunded since the contractor compensates us directly. This means professional landscape design services at no additional cost when you proceed with construction.
This approach eliminates the sticker shock many Live Oak homeowners experience and ensures you work with qualified installers who understand our detailed plans and specifications.
Live Oak’s Bay Area location creates unique growing conditions that demand specific plant selections. We focus on drought-tolerant, low-maintenance species that thrive in your microclimate while providing year-round visual appeal and complying with water restrictions.
California natives like coast live oak, manzanita, and California lilac perform exceptionally well here. These plants adapt naturally to local soil conditions and require minimal water once established. For color and texture, we incorporate ornamental grasses, lavender, and carefully selected succulents that complement the Mediterranean climate.
Success depends on understanding your property’s specific sun exposure, wind patterns, and drainage characteristics. What thrives in one Live Oak location might struggle just blocks away, which is why our 50+ years of local experience makes such a difference in plant selection and placement.
The design phase takes 2-3 weeks from initial consultation to final plan approval. This includes comprehensive site surveying, creating detailed CAD plans, developing photorealistic 3D renderings, and incorporating any requested revisions.
Installation timelines vary by project scope, but most residential landscape projects in Live Oak complete within 1-3 weeks. Simple front yard renovations might finish in 8 days, while comprehensive backyard transformations with hardscaping, irrigation, and extensive planting can take several weeks.
What sets us apart is providing guaranteed start and completion dates—rare in our industry. We manage the entire timeline, coordinate all trades, and provide daily progress updates so you always know exactly where your project stands.
Yes, we handle all necessary permits and assist with HOA approval processes. Our comprehensive CAD installation plans include all technical details that permit offices and architectural review committees require for approval.
Live Oak’s permit requirements vary by project scope. Simple landscaping typically doesn’t require permits, but projects involving irrigation modifications, drainage changes, or significant hardscaping often do. We know exactly which projects trigger permit requirements and handle the paperwork.
For HOA communities, our detailed 3D renderings and professional presentation materials help ensure smooth approval processes. We’ve worked with demanding HOA requirements throughout the Bay Area and understand how to present designs that meet their standards while achieving your vision.
Absolutely. Many Live Oak homeowners have mature trees, established hardscaping, or favorite plants they want to preserve in their new design. We excel at integrating existing elements that add value to your landscape.
During site assessment, we evaluate existing features for health, placement, and design compatibility. Mature coast live oaks, for example, are treasures worth designing around. We can integrate existing irrigation systems, preserve established plant beds, and work around structures you want to maintain.
Sometimes starting fresh provides better long-term results and value. We’ll give you honest recommendations about what’s worth preserving versus what should be replaced, always considering your budget and timeline preferences while ensuring optimal results.
Every design package includes 20+ photorealistic 3D renderings showing your landscape from multiple angles and times of day. You’ll see exactly how your finished project will look, including plant maturity, seasonal changes, and lighting effects.
We also create animated video walkthroughs that let you virtually explore your new landscape. This helps you understand sight lines, traffic flow, and how different areas connect. Many clients say this video convinced them to move forward—it makes the transformation feel real and achievable.
All renderings use actual measurements from our site survey and accurate representations of your home’s architecture. We can show different material options, plant selections, and design variations so you make informed decisions before construction begins.
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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