Lakota Design Group has delivered custom landscape design, hardscaping, and full-service outdoor transformations to Los Altos homeowners for over 49 years licensed, insured, and built on results you can see from the curb.
Los Altos landscaping comes with real constraints that most contractors underestimate. The area sits on heavy clay soil that drains poorly, hosts protected valley oaks that require permits before any work near their root zones, and falls under Santa Clara Valley Water District irrigation restrictions that limit what you can plant and how you water it. Mid-century Eichler homes and hillside lots near Los Altos Hills add grading and drainage challenges that a generalist landscaper simply is not prepared for.
Getting los altos landscaping right means hiring someone who knows the local soil, the municipal codes, and the plant palette that actually survives a Bay Area dry season without driving up your water bill every summer.
As trusted landscapers in Los Altos, we cover every phase of your outdoor project from los altos landscape design and construction to ongoing lawn care all under one licensed, experienced team.
We build detailed visual layouts mapping out your plants, hardscapes, and drainage systems before ground-breaking begins.
We oversee your entire project from permitting to final walk-through, keeping deadlines tight and budgets on track.
We build durable outdoor features, handling all structural grading, retaining walls, and heavy site development safely.
Our team lays low-maintenance artificial turf or high-efficiency natural sod engineered to reduce your monthly water bills.
Our field crews execute precise planting, soil preparation, and softscaping tailored specifically to the Silicon Valley climate.
We install low-voltage LED systems that improve night-time security, highlight architectural lines, and minimize energy consumption.
We lay interlocking concrete pavers for stable driveways, walkways, and patios that resist shifting under heavy foot traffic.
We upgrade private home estates with custom outdoor living spaces that balance personal privacy with long-term curb appeal.
Our commercial crews manage retail, corporate, and multi-family properties to reduce corporate liability and maintain clean public spaces.
We provide scheduled mowing, aeration, and fertilization to keep your turf healthy, resilient, and clear of seasonal weeds.
Every los altos landscaping project we take on follows a clear, structured process so you always know what is happening, what comes next, and what to expect on installation day.
We visit your property, evaluate soil conditions, drainage, sun exposure, and existing features, then discuss your goals, budget, and timeline before any design work begins.
Our team builds a detailed los altos landscape design plan specific to your lot, incorporating plant selection, hardscape layout, irrigation placement, and Santa Clara County permit requirements where applicable.
Licensed crews handle every phase of physical work, from grading and drainage to planting, paving, and lighting, with no subcontracting of core tasks and no surprises mid-project.
We walk the completed project with you, confirm everything meets the agreed plan, and provide clear maintenance guidance so your investment stays in good condition season after season.
Outdoor lighting is one of the most underused tools in residential landscaping, yet it directly affects how safe, usable, and visually appealing a property is after sunset. The landscapers in Los Altos at Lakota Design Group install low-voltage LED systems that highlight trees, pathways, entry points, and architectural features without overexposing the property or inflating your energy bill
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Beyond standard path lights, we design and install custom water features, built-in planters, decorative boulders, and accent structures that add character and function specific to your property’s layout and style.
When hiring landscapers in Los Altos, homeowners need more than a crew that shows up on time; they need a licensed contractor with verified local experience, the right credentials, and a track record of completed projects in Santa Clara County.
We have designed and built landscapes across the Bay Area since 1975, which means we understand local soil, climate, and municipal codes better than any recently established competitor.
Our California State License Board (CSLB) Class C-27 license and full liability insurance protect your property and your investment on every project we touch.
Our own trained crews handle design, construction, and installation from start to finish, so quality stays consistent and accountable throughout your entire project.
You work with one project lead who knows your plan, your budget, and your timeline. No handoffs, no miscommunication, and no chasing down answers mid-project.
In a market where Los Altos median home values consistently exceed $3 million, professional landscaping is one of the few home improvements that delivers measurable return before you list. According to the National Association of Realtors, standard lawn care and landscape upgrades can return between 100% and 200% of project cost at resale, and curb appeal directly influences buyer perception within the first 30 seconds of arrival.
Specific projects like paver driveways, drought-tolerant front yard conversions, and structured outdoor living spaces are particularly valued by Los Altos buyers who factor ongoing maintenance costs and water bills into their purchase decisions.
Los Altos properties range from flat mid-century Eichler lots to sloped hillside parcels, and each one requires a different structural approach to patios, retaining walls, and walkways. We design and build custom hardscape features using natural stone, concrete pavers, and decomposed granite that hold up through Bay Area wet winters and dry summers without shifting, cracking, or settling.
Beyond the structural work, we design complete outdoor living spaces including pergolas, fire pits, and outdoor kitchens that extend how homeowners actually use their yards across every season of the year.
We provide expert, code-compliant outdoor transformations across all premier residential neighborhoods in Los Altos, including North Los Altos, South Los Altos, Country Club, Loyola Corners, and the Highlands, covering zip codes 94022 and 94024
Los Altos is a residential city in Santa Clara County with a population of roughly 30,000, bordered by Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, and Los Altos Hills, sitting at the western edge of Silicon Valley where the climate shifts between wet winters and long dry summers. The city is known for its tree-lined streets, strong school district, and high concentration of single-family homes on mid-size lots that reflect decades of careful residential planning.
Property values in Los Altos rank among the highest in California, driven by its location within the San Francisco Bay Area, proximity to major tech employers, and a community that places high value on well-maintained homes and outdoor spaces.
Call Lakota Design Group today to schedule your free on-site consultation — our licensed team will assess your property, answer your questions, and give you a clear project plan with no obligation.
Most residential landscaping projects in Los Altos range from $15,000 to $80,000+ depending on lot size, scope, and materials, with design-only services typically starting around $2,500.
Yes, certain projects require permits including retaining walls over 3 feet, grading work, tree removal near protected oaks, and any structural outdoor construction under Santa Clara County guidelines.
California natives like salvia, toyon, manzanita, and deer grass perform well in Los Altos’s clay-heavy soil and dry summers, requiring minimal irrigation once established.
The Santa Clara Valley Water District enforces tiered water pricing and seasonal irrigation schedules, which means turf-heavy designs are costly to maintain and drought-tolerant alternatives are now the practical standard.
You can verify any contractor’s license number directly on the California State License Board (CSLB) website at cslb.ca.gov always confirm a Class C-27 landscape contractor license before signing any agreement.
Fall and early winter are ideal for planting and installation in the Bay Area, as cooler temperatures and seasonal rain help new plants establish root systems before the dry season begins.
Yes, we design turf replacement projects that meet SCVWD rebate program requirements, and we guide homeowners through the application process to help offset project costs.
Landscaping refers to living elements like plants, lawn, and trees, while hardscaping covers non-living structural features like patios, walkways, retaining walls, and pavers; most complete outdoor projects include both.
EXCELLENT Based on 10 reviews Posted on Google Sheila ReddTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If I could have given more than 5 stars, I certainly would have. I have a beautiful wisteria plant that is supported by a pergola. The pergola was on its last legs, literally. I needed someone who would know how to save my wisteria and build a new pergola. Larry came and explained in detail what it would take to accomplish this. We signed a contract. Larry came with his workers, who were excellent, and, voila, I had a new, beautiful pergola. I was so pleased I asked Larry if his company did fences. Another contract, and I have a new fence. I am so pleased and grateful to Larry. Any work I need going forward and Larry and Lakota Design Group are my number one choice. Thank you so much.Posted on Google Michelle HoffmanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Larry and team did a fabulous job on our project--from design, to installation to completion. They also went above and beyond to ensure safe access to the house while the work was being done.Posted on Google Norm WoodTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our backyard was established over 35 years with trees, roses, gardens, wooden decks, . and children play areas. Termites, wood rot, general earth movement took their toll. We wanted a safer, and cleaner design without impacting the mature gardens and established plants. We had no idea what we wanted. Lakota Design provided that insight. They inspected the backyard, asked questions,took pictures, provided an initial design, reviewed the design layout, provided an estimated cost, and revised the design based on the input. The final design was put out for bid. We selected Lola’s Landscape and associate of Lakota Design. The contractor and crew were knowledge, experienced, and friendly. Lakota Design continued to be present throughout the project. We ended up with what we wanted. It looks great, and it’s easier to maintain.Posted on Google Damon EnnisTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Lakota Design Group did our front yard, back yard, and driveway / walkway hardscape addons. White glove treatment - every meeting on time, clear and prompt communication. Attention to detail that is second to none! Larry also treated our money like it was his and presented multiple options. The contractors were polite, punctual, and cleaned up every day. Extremely pleased!Posted on Google 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 Google 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 Google 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 Google 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 Google 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!Posted on Google 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 detailed, organized, and meticulous. He was very patient with us and took our few landscaping ideas and then created our dream landscape. We used one of his suggested contractors for the installation and are extremely happy with the outcome. We really enjoyed having Larry manage the project installation as we didn’t have to be involved. Larry always kept us in the loop, ensuring our satisfaction, and meeting the agreed timeline. I highly recommend Lakota Design Group for their landscape design and contracting services.Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more