Landscape Designer in Highlands, CA

Your Highland Backyard Deserves Better Than Basic

Stop settling for a yard that doesn’t match your vision or Highland’s stunning potential. We create outdoor spaces that work for your lifestyle and impress your neighbors.

Highland Residential Landscape Designer Services

Finally, An Outdoor Space Worth Showcasing

You know that feeling when you walk into someone’s backyard and think, “This is exactly what I want”? That’s what we create for Highland homeowners every single day. Your neighbors will notice. Your property value will jump 10-20%. But more importantly, you’ll actually want to spend time outside instead of avoiding that bland patio you’ve been meaning to fix. We design landscapes that work with Highland’s unique climate and elevation, not against it. Drought-resistant plants that stay beautiful year-round. Smart irrigation that slashes your water bills. Outdoor living areas that feel like seamless extensions of your home’s interior—perfect for Highland’s mild weather and mountain views.

Landscape Design Company Highlands CA

50 Years of Highland Area Mastery

Since 1975, we’ve been the Bay Area’s trusted landscape design company for homeowners who refuse to compromise on quality. Over 5,000 projects completed across Highland and surrounding communities. Every single one delivered on time and on budget. Highland homeowners choose us because we understand your specific challenges. The water restrictions. The unique soil conditions from Highland’s elevation. The microclimates that can make or break plant selections. We’ve been solving these exact problems for decades while newer companies are still figuring out the basics. Our family-operated approach means you’re never just another project number. You get direct access to our experienced team, guaranteed start and completion dates, and the kind of personal attention that’s become rare in today’s landscape industry.

Landscape Architecture Highland CA Process

From Vision to Reality, Zero Stress

First, we come to your Highland property for an in-person consultation. No generic templates or cookie-cutter solutions here. We listen to how you actually want to use your space, assess your specific site conditions, and understand your personal style preferences. Next, our design team creates detailed 3D renderings and CAD plans using cutting-edge technology. You’ll see exactly what your finished landscape will look like before we break ground. Want changes? No problem. We refine the design until it’s absolutely perfect. Then our vetted, licensed contractors handle the installation while we manage every single detail. Daily progress updates, quality oversight, and strict adherence to your timeline. You don’t lift a finger, but you stay informed every step of the way until your Highland outdoor space is complete.

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About Lakota Design Group

Backyard Design Highland CA Specialists

What Highland Homeowners Actually Receive

Your Highland landscape design and installation includes everything needed for a complete outdoor transformation. Custom hardscaping with patios, walkways, and retaining walls engineered for Highland’s specific soil and drainage conditions. Professional plant selection featuring drought-tolerant varieties that thrive in our elevation and climate zone. Smart irrigation systems designed specifically for Highland’s water conservation requirements and seasonal patterns. Outdoor lighting that extends your usable hours and enhances security. All materials sourced for durability and aesthetic appeal, not just the lowest bid from big box stores. Highland’s unique position at the base of the San Bernardino Mountains means dealing with specific soil types, drainage patterns, and microclimates that most landscape designers don’t understand. We factor in everything from your property’s orientation to local wind patterns and seasonal temperature variations. The result is a landscape that looks stunning in year one and even better in year ten.

How much does professional landscape design cost in Highland, CA?

Highland landscape design projects typically range from $50,000 to $300,000 depending on scope, materials, and site complexity. The investment pays for itself through increased property value and dramatically reduced long-term maintenance costs. We provide detailed estimates upfront with zero hidden fees or surprise charges. Your design cost is actually refunded when you move forward with installation through our recommended contractors. This ensures you’re getting professional design services while keeping your total project investment completely transparent. Most Highland homeowners see a 10-20% increase in property value from professional landscaping, making it one of the highest-return home improvements you can make. Plus you’ll save thousands annually on water bills and maintenance with our smart design approach.

What plants work best for Highland's climate and water restrictions?

Highland’s Mediterranean climate and strict water conservation requirements call for specific plant selections that many landscape designers get completely wrong. We focus on California natives and drought-tolerant species that actually thrive in Highland’s elevation and soil conditions rather than just barely survive. Excellent choices include lavender, rosemary, and ornamental grasses for year-round texture. Native oaks provide crucial shade and wildlife habitat value. Succulents like agave and aloe create dramatic focal points while requiring minimal water. We avoid water-hungry disasters like traditional lawns and non-native flowering annuals that struggle in Highland’s dry summers. The key is understanding the specific microclimates within your Highland property. South-facing slopes need different plants than shaded areas near your home. We map these conditions during our comprehensive site analysis to ensure every single plant is positioned for long-term success and minimal maintenance.

How long does a Highland landscape design project actually take?

Most Highland residential landscape projects take 6-12 weeks from design approval to final completion, depending on scope and any permitting requirements. We provide guaranteed start and completion dates—something most contractors absolutely won’t offer because they can’t deliver. The design phase typically takes 2-3 weeks. We create detailed 3D renderings and CAD plans, then refine them based on your feedback until they’re perfect. Installation timelines depend on project complexity, but we schedule everything to minimize disruption to your daily routine. Weather rarely delays projects in Highland’s favorable climate, but we build appropriate buffer time into schedules for any permit requirements or material delivery considerations. You’ll know exactly when work begins and exactly when you can start enjoying your transformed outdoor space.

Do you handle permits for Highland landscape construction projects?

Yes, we manage all permitting requirements for Highland landscape projects from start to finish. This includes city permits for hardscaping, electrical work for lighting systems, and any HOA approvals your specific neighborhood requires. Highland’s permitting process is relatively straightforward for most residential landscape projects, but requirements vary significantly based on project scope. Retaining walls over certain heights, electrical installations, and major drainage modifications typically need permits. We handle all the paperwork, inspections, and compliance documentation. Our 50 years of local experience means we know exactly what Highland’s building department expects and how they operate. We submit complete, accurate applications that get approved quickly rather than getting stuck in endless revision cycles that delay your project for months.

Can you work within Highland's HOA requirements and restrictions?

Absolutely. Many Highland neighborhoods have specific HOA guidelines for landscaping, and we’re highly experienced in designing stunning outdoor spaces within these parameters while still creating something unique and beautiful. We thoroughly review your HOA’s architectural guidelines during the initial consultation and design phase. This includes plant restrictions, hardscaping material requirements, color limitations, and any approval processes needed before installation begins. Our designs meet all compliance requirements while maximizing your property’s potential. Our established relationships with Highland area HOAs often streamline the approval process significantly. We know exactly how to present designs that get approved quickly and avoid the common rejection issues that delay other contractors’ projects for weeks or months.

What's included in your Highland landscape design service package?

Our Highland landscape design service includes comprehensive site analysis, detailed 3D renderings, complete CAD construction plans, precise plant and material specifications, and ongoing project management through installation completion and beyond. The process starts with an in-person consultation at your Highland property where we assess soil conditions, drainage patterns, sun exposure, existing features, and your specific goals. We then create detailed designs showing exactly how your finished landscape will look and function. All plans include precise measurements, complete material lists, and detailed installation specifications. Project management continues through final completion with daily progress updates, quality oversight, and direct communication with installation crews. We coordinate all trades, handle any issues that arise, and ensure your project meets our exacting quality standards and exceeds your expectations every step of the way.

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Highlands, CA is located in Los Angeles County in California State

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