You get more than a beautiful yard—you get peace of mind. When your landscape contractor actually shows up on schedule, communicates daily, and delivers exactly what we promised, your entire renovation experience changes.
Your neighbors notice the transformation. Your property value climbs. Your outdoor space becomes the place you actually want to spend time, not just another maintenance headache.
Most importantly, you avoid the horror stories that plague this industry: contractors who disappear mid-project, surprise costs, and timelines that stretch indefinitely. With guaranteed start and completion dates, you can plan your life around real deadlines.
Lakota Design Group has been transforming Berkeley properties since 1975. As a family-operated landscape company, we understand the unique challenges Berkeley homeowners face: wildfire risks, erosion concerns, and water restrictions that demand specialized expertise.
Our team knows Berkeley’s microclimates, soil conditions, and local regulations. We’ve navigated decades of changing environmental requirements while maintaining our commitment to quality craftsmanship and client satisfaction.
Unlike newer companies learning on your property, Lakota brings five decades of proven results. Our licensed general contractor status means we handle everything from initial design through final construction—no coordination headaches between multiple contractors.
Your experience starts with an in-person consultation where we listen to your vision, assess your property’s unique characteristics, and understand your lifestyle needs. No generic solutions—everything gets tailored to your specific situation.
Next comes the design phase using cutting-edge 3D and CAD technology. You see exactly what your finished landscape will look like before any construction begins. Changes happen on screen, not after expensive materials are already installed.
Construction begins on your guaranteed start date with daily updates from your dedicated project manager. You always know what’s happening, what’s coming next, and when each phase will complete. The final walkthrough ensures every detail meets our standards and your expectations.
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Berkeley properties require specialized expertise that most landscape contractors simply don’t possess. Wildfire defensible space isn’t optional—it’s essential for protecting your investment and family safety. We design fire-resistant landscapes using appropriate plant selections and strategic spacing.
Erosion control becomes critical on Berkeley’s hillside properties. Our licensed general contractor capabilities include retaining walls, drainage systems, and terracing that prevent costly property damage during winter rains.
Water restrictions demand drought-tolerant plant selections that still deliver visual impact. We specialize in Mediterranean-climate appropriate species and California natives that thrive without excessive irrigation while maintaining year-round beauty.
From hardscaping and outdoor living spaces to comprehensive planting and irrigation systems, every service integrates seamlessly because one experienced team handles your entire project.
Project timelines vary based on scope and complexity, but we provide guaranteed start and completion dates—something rare in the landscaping industry. Small projects like garden renovations typically complete within 2-4 weeks, while comprehensive landscape redesigns usually take 6-12 weeks.
The key difference is predictability. You receive a realistic timeline upfront, daily progress updates throughout construction, and confidence that your project will finish when promised. Weather delays happen, but we communicate immediately and adjust schedules accordingly.
Our project management system ensures materials arrive on schedule, crews stay productive, and each phase flows smoothly into the next without the typical delays that plague landscape projects.
Berkeley presents unique challenges that require specialized expertise. Wildfire risk means your landscape design must include defensible space with fire-resistant plants and strategic spacing around structures. This isn’t just recommended—it’s essential for insurance and safety.
Hillside properties face significant erosion concerns during winter rains. Proper drainage systems, retaining walls, and plant root systems become critical for preventing costly property damage. Many contractors lack the general contracting license needed for these structural solutions.
Water restrictions and environmental consciousness drive plant selection toward drought-tolerant species. California natives and Mediterranean-climate plants thrive here while reducing irrigation needs and maintenance requirements long-term.
Yes, we manage all permitting requirements for Berkeley landscape projects. Our licensed general contractor status covers structural elements like retaining walls, drainage systems, and hardscaping that require city permits.
Berkeley has specific requirements for defensible space, tree removal, and water-efficient landscaping. We navigate these regulations routinely and ensure your project complies with all local codes from the start.
You don’t need to research permit requirements or visit city offices. We handle the paperwork, inspections, and approvals while keeping your project moving forward on schedule. This comprehensive approach prevents delays and ensures everything gets done correctly the first time.
We use 3D and CAD technology to finalize every detail before construction begins. You see exactly what you’re getting and approve all materials, plants, and design elements upfront. This prevents expensive changes during construction when costs multiply.
Our detailed estimates break down labor, materials, and timeline so you understand exactly where your investment goes. No surprise costs or vague “allowances” that balloon later. If changes become necessary, we discuss costs and options before proceeding.
Five decades in business means we accurately estimate material quantities, labor requirements, and project timelines. Our experience prevents the costly mistakes that newer companies often make at your expense. You get predictable costs and reliable delivery.
Berkeley’s Mediterranean climate allows year-round landscaping, but winter rains can impact certain construction phases. We communicate immediately when weather affects your timeline and provide updated completion dates.
Our project management system builds realistic buffers into schedules and prioritizes work that can continue during wet conditions. Interior preparation, material staging, and design refinements keep projects moving even when outdoor construction pauses.
You receive daily updates about weather impacts and revised schedules. No guessing about when work resumes or how delays affect your final completion date. Our experience managing Berkeley weather patterns helps minimize disruptions while maintaining quality standards.
Absolutely. Our construction team regularly builds designs created by landscape architects and designers throughout the Bay Area. Our licensed general contractor capabilities and decades of experience make us valuable partners for implementing complex design visions.
We review plans thoroughly, identify potential construction challenges early, and suggest practical solutions that maintain design integrity while ensuring structural soundness. Our input often improves final results and prevents costly modifications during construction.
Whether you have complete plans or just conceptual ideas, we provide the construction expertise needed to bring designs to life. Our 3D visualization technology helps refine details and ensures everyone understands the final vision before work 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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