Landscape design and build firms

[Andrew32]

We just bought new construction in Carlsbad and our backyard is a dirt lot at the moment.

We did receive some recommendations from other homeowners here that had good experiences.

But want to see if anyone here has worked with or knows of reputable San Diego landscape design and build companies.

Being first-time homeowners, what questions should we be asking, and also, how the heck do we even know what’s fair/reasonable to build out a small backyard area.

Thanks for any help and especially interested to hear from anyone who’s gone through the process fairly recently.

[gzz]

Fruit trees + mixed clover and grass seeds + 25 bags of cow manure compost mix from home depot.

$250 total and it will look great!

My best performing trees are santa rosa plum and common guava.

[svelte]

We completely removed our back yard and replaced everything – trees, plants, concrete, sprinklers, everything – about a year and a half ago. After demolition, there was nothing in the back yard – just like a new house.

I did extensive research of north county landscape design and construction firms and narrowed it down to three. I picked one of the three but I’m convinced any of the three will do you a fine job.

In alphabetical order:

https://www.riverslandscape.com/

https://stonebrooklandscapes.com/

https://westernoutdoordesigns.com/

All three will do design and construction. I’m very opinionated when it comes to design so I did the design then handed it over to them to help me improve it. Very, very satisfied with the results.

[svelte]

Also, I’m a firm believer you should live with the house a year before deciding on a landscape design. The reason is that after you’ve went through all four seasons, you’ll better understand the microclimates around your house. Which areas are most comfortable? Which areas are too hot? Too windy? Too chilly?

It will also give you time to figure out the living patterns around your house – where should the garbage cans go, where should the storage unit go, what part of the yard do you want to highlight due to sight lines from inside your house?

A lot of things to consider.

[Hobie]

[quote=svelte]Also, I’m a firm believer you should live with the house a year before deciding on a landscape design. The reason is that after you’ve went through all four seasons, you’ll better understand the microclimates around your house. Which areas are most comfortable? Which areas are too hot? Too windy? Too chilly?

It will also give you time to figure out the living patterns around your house – where should the garbage cans go, where should the storage unit go, what part of the yard do you want to highlight due to sight lines from inside your house?

A lot of things to consider.[/quote]

This is the absolutely best advice albeit the hardest to sell to a spouse 😉

Have someone come out and listen to their suggestions. Then wait the year while you mind sorts things out. Anderson’s Nursery on La Costa West of the 5 does landscape design for a nominal fee.

[Hobie]

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[BKlawyer]

I’ve worked with “The Buildsters” a group of younger Construction professionals who run a TIGHT network of construction, landscape, manufacturing, etc. Very impressed with these guys and may start working with them myself both personally and professionally!!
https://thebuildsters.com/

[sdrealtor]

[quote=svelte]Also, I’m a firm believer you should live with the house a year before deciding on a landscape design. The reason is that after you’ve went through all four seasons, you’ll better understand the microclimates around your house. Which areas are most comfortable? Which areas are too hot? Too windy? Too chilly?

It will also give you time to figure out the living patterns around your house – where should the garbage cans go, where should the storage unit go, what part of the yard do you want to highlight due to sight lines from inside your house?

A lot of things to consider.[/quote]

Great advice and of utmost importance pay attention to where the sun is and isnt.

[Andrew32]

Thanks for the recommendations.

We are required to submit plans within 6 months so we can not wait a year, unfortunately.

The shape, orientation, and site lines of our indoor-outdoor space are super important and we want to work with someone that understands that and can make intelligent recommendations.

I will make sure to push anyone on those aspects and make sure each space ends up the way we want.

[sdrealtor]

FWIW I had the same requirement 20 years ago. We waited about a year. There is really not much they can do and you can always claim covid hardship.

[Hobie]

[quote=sdrealtor]FWIW I had the same requirement 20 years ago. We waited about a year. There is really not much they can do and you can always claim covid hardship.[/quote]

This!
Don’t let some newbe HOA bully you. Tell them you contractor is booked out 18 months. Very true due to covid and all contractors swamped!

[Author]

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