You’re looking at your yard and seeing wasted potential. Maybe it’s that concrete slab where a patio should be, or the dead grass that’s supposed to be your lawn.
What you really want is an outdoor space that makes you proud when neighbors walk by. A place where you can actually relax after work instead of stressing about weekend yard maintenance.
Professional landscape design does more than just look good. In San Mateo’s competitive real estate market, quality landscaping adds 15-20% to your property value while creating the functional outdoor living space you’ve been wanting. You get morning coffee on a custom patio, evening entertaining areas that actually work, and landscaping that thrives in our unique Peninsula climate without constant upkeep.
We’ve been the Bay Area’s trusted landscape contractor since 1975. We’ve completed over 5,000 projects throughout San Mateo County, working with everyone from Peninsula families to Silicon Valley executives.
What sets us apart isn’t just experience—it’s our approach. While other contractors disappear for weeks, we provide daily updates and guaranteed completion dates. Our family-owned operation means you work directly with decision-makers who care about your project’s success.
San Mateo’s unique location between the Bay and Santa Cruz Mountains creates specific growing conditions and water regulations. We understand these local factors, designing landscapes that thrive in our microclimate while often qualifying for county water rebates.
Your project starts with an in-person consultation at your San Mateo property. We listen to your vision, assess your space, and understand your lifestyle needs—not just what looks good in pictures.
Next comes 3D design technology that shows you exactly what your finished landscape will look like before construction begins. No surprises, no guessing. You see every detail, make changes, and approve the final design.
During construction, you receive daily updates with photos and direct communication from our project manager. We coordinate all licensed contractors, handle permits, and ensure everything stays on schedule. Most importantly, we guarantee both start and completion dates—something rare in the landscape industry.
The final walk-through ensures every detail meets your expectations before the project is considered complete.
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You get comprehensive landscape services designed specifically for San Mateo properties. This includes custom landscape design using 3D technology, hardscape construction with patios and walkways, water-efficient plant selection, and outdoor lighting systems.
San Mateo’s Mediterranean climate allows for year-round outdoor living, but requires specific plant choices and irrigation systems. We design landscapes that work with our dry summers and mild winters, often incorporating drought-tolerant plants that still provide the lush look Peninsula homeowners want.
Our licensed contractors handle everything from soil preparation and grading to complex hardscape installations. Water feature construction, retaining walls, and outdoor kitchen areas are designed to complement San Mateo’s architectural styles, from Craftsman bungalows near downtown to contemporary homes in the Highlands.
Project management includes coordinating with San Mateo County for permits, scheduling all subcontractors, and ensuring compliance with local building codes and water regulations.
Most residential landscape projects in San Mateo take 2-4 weeks depending on scope and complexity. We provide guaranteed start and completion dates during your initial consultation.
Simple projects like front yard redesigns typically complete in 1-2 weeks. Comprehensive backyard transformations with hardscaping, irrigation, and extensive planting usually require 3-4 weeks. Large-scale projects with outdoor kitchens, multiple entertainment areas, or significant grading may extend to 6-8 weeks.
Weather rarely impacts timelines in San Mateo’s mild climate, but we account for any potential delays in our initial scheduling. You receive daily progress updates with photos, so you always know exactly where your project stands.
San Mateo requires permits for most hardscape installations, electrical work for lighting, and irrigation systems. We handle all permit applications and ensure compliance with local building codes.
Patio and walkway installations typically require building permits, especially if they involve significant excavation or are attached to your home. Retaining walls over 4 feet, outdoor kitchens, and fire features always need permits. Electrical permits are required for landscape lighting systems and outdoor outlets.
Water-efficient irrigation systems may qualify for San Mateo County rebates, which can offset project costs. We stay current on all local regulations and rebate programs, handling the paperwork so you don’t have to navigate county offices yourself.
Landscape design typically costs $1,500-$7,500 depending on project complexity and property size. However, if you choose one of our licensed contractors for installation, your design cost is completely refunded.
Simple front yard redesigns usually cost $1,500-$3,000 for design services. Comprehensive backyard transformations with multiple outdoor living areas range from $3,000-$5,000. Large estate properties with complex hardscaping and extensive plantings may require $5,000-$7,500 for complete design services.
This includes initial consultation, site survey, 3D renderings, detailed construction plans, and plant specifications. Most San Mateo homeowners find the design investment worthwhile since it prevents costly mistakes and ensures the finished project matches their vision exactly.
San Mateo’s unique microclimate between the Bay and mountains requires specific plant selections and irrigation strategies. The area also has strict water regulations that affect landscape design choices.
Morning fog and afternoon winds create distinct growing conditions throughout the city. Properties near the Bay need salt-tolerant plants, while hillside locations require different drainage solutions. Summer temperatures can vary 20 degrees between neighborhoods, affecting plant survival.
San Mateo County offers rebates for water-efficient landscaping, but designs must meet specific criteria. Native and drought-tolerant plants that still provide the lush appearance Peninsula residents expect require careful selection and placement. Our 50 years of local experience means we understand these nuances and design accordingly.
Yes, we provide comprehensive warranties on both materials and workmanship, with specific terms varying by project component. All plants come with a one-year replacement guarantee.
Hardscape installations like patios, walkways, and retaining walls carry a 5-year structural warranty. Irrigation systems are warranted for 2 years including all components and installation. Plant materials are guaranteed for one full growing season with replacement at no charge if they fail to thrive.
Most importantly, we guarantee project start and completion dates—something rare in the landscape industry. If your project doesn’t start on the agreed date or finish within the promised timeframe, we provide compensation for the delay. This commitment to reliability is why San Mateo homeowners trust us with their most important outdoor investments.
We work with existing landscapes, providing everything from minor updates to complete renovations. Many San Mateo projects involve enhancing mature trees and established garden areas.
Partial renovations might include adding hardscaping to existing gardens, installing new irrigation systems, or creating outdoor living areas within established landscapes. We often work around mature trees and existing structures that homeowners want to preserve.
Complete renovations involve removing existing landscaping and starting fresh, which allows for optimal design and modern irrigation systems. The choice depends on your goals, budget, and the condition of existing elements. During the initial consultation, we assess what’s worth preserving and what should be replaced for the best long-term 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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