Top Landscape Design in Highland, California Ranked

Creating a beautiful, functional, and sustainable outdoor space in Highland requires thoughtful planning that respects the local environment. Landscape design is the art and science of arranging plants, hardscapes, and structures to create an aesthetically pleasing and usable extension of your home. In Highland's unique climate, a well-conceived plan is crucial for establishing a resilient yard that conserves water, thrives in the heat, and enhances your property's value. This guide will help you understand the key considerations, popular styles, and features for your project, connecting you with the principles that local professionals use to craft stunning, climate-appropriate outdoor living areas.

Rp Synthetic Turf

7740 Edison Ave #103, Fontana, CA 92336

Rp Synthetic Turf is a landscaping and hardscaping contractor based in Los Angeles, CA, specializing in artificial turf installation, custom putting greens, and landscape design. They provide full-service design and build solutions for residential and commercial outdoor spaces, focusing on creating maintenance-free, realistic synthetic lawns and tailored landscape features. Their expertise includes high-quality synthetic turf products and custom hardscape elements such as pavers and retaining walls. The company emphasizes personalized service and craftsmanship, with a history of positive client feedback highlighting their attention to detail and project management.

5.0

142 Reviews

Oasis Turf & Hardscape

11801 Pierce St Ste 200, Riverside, CA 92505

Oasis Turf & Hardscape is a landscaping and hardscaping company serving Los Angeles, CA, and the broader Southern California region including Inland Empire and Orange County. They specialize in artificial turf installation, custom pavers, putting greens, and concrete services. With over 10 years of experience, this veteran-owned business offers eco-conscious synthetic grass solutions designed for low maintenance and year-round greenery. Their certified team manages the entire installation process, from site preparation to finishing touches, helping homeowners create durable and attractive outdoor spaces.

4.8

330 Reviews

Paz Landscape & Concrete

6725 Capistrano Way, Riverside, CA 92504

Paz Landscape & Concrete is a landscaping and concrete contractor serving Los Angeles, CA, and surrounding areas. With over twenty years of experience, the company offers a wide range of services including landscape and hardscape design and installation, exterior low voltage lighting, concrete and masonry work, fence and retaining wall construction, and patio design. Their team works closely with clients to create personalized outdoor environments that suit both residential and commercial properties. Paz Landscape & Concrete is known for its skilled crew and organized approach to projects.

5.0

35 Reviews

Natural Earth Sustainable Landscape & Design

1420 N Claremont Blvd #200-C, Claremont, CA 91711

Natural Earth Sustainable Landscape & Design is a landscaping company based in Los Angeles, CA. They provide comprehensive services including landscape design, construction, and maintenance with a focus on sustainability and native Southern California plants. Their expertise includes hardscaping, naturalized drainage solutions, and irrigation systems, creating eco-friendly and low-maintenance outdoor spaces that blend form and function. Their approach is based on permaculture principles to ensure long-lasting, beautiful landscapes.

4.8

36 Reviews

See more providers in Highland, CA

Understanding Highland's Unique Environment

Successful landscape architecture in Highland begins with a deep understanding of the local conditions. The city experiences a semi-arid climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters ¹. This environment demands a strategic approach to plant selection and water management. The surrounding biomes, including alluvial fan sage scrub and foothill regions, offer a palette of native plants that are naturally adapted to thrive here with minimal supplemental water ¹.

Furthermore, California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) sets strict guidelines for new and renovated landscapes ². This ordinance isn't just a suggestion-it's a mandate that promotes the use of native and drought-tolerant plants, efficient irrigation systems, and designs that significantly reduce or eliminate traditional turf grass ². Working with these environmental and regulatory factors from the start is the foundation of a sustainable and legally compliant yard design.

Core Principles for a Highland Yard

When planning your outdoor space, several core principles guide effective and beautiful landscape planning.

• Observe First: Before drawing a single line, spend time understanding your specific site. Note sun and shade patterns throughout the day, identify existing drainage issues, and assess your soil type. This knowledge informs everything from plant placement to patio location.
• Prioritize Function: Think of your yard as a series of outdoor rooms. How do you want to use the space? Common functional zones include areas for dining and entertaining, quiet relaxation, children's play, and dedicated planting beds. Defining these uses upfront ensures the final layout works for your lifestyle ³.
• Embrace Water-Wise Design: In Highland, water conservation is paramount. This goes beyond just choosing drought-tolerant plants (xeriscaping) to include strategic grouping of plants with similar water needs (hydrozoning), using mulch to retain soil moisture, and installing high-efficiency irrigation like drip systems ^{1 4}.

Popular Design Styles and Layouts

Local landscape designers often draw from several styles that suit the Highland aesthetic and climate.

• California Native & Drought-Tolerant Gardens: This style leverages plants from local chaparral and sage scrub communities. Think ornamental grasses, sages (Salvia), succulents, and native oaks. The result is a natural, textured look that supports local wildlife and requires very little water once established ^{1 5}.
• Modern and Contemporary: Characterized by clean lines, geometric shapes, and a contrast of materials. This approach might use sleek concrete pavers, structured planting beds with architectural plants like agaves or yuccas, and minimalist water features. It often creates a strong visual connection between the home's architecture and the garden ⁵.
• Outdoor Living-Centric: This layout is all about extending your home's livable square footage outdoors. The design focuses on creating seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, with hardscaping forming the "floor" and shade structures defining the "ceiling" of your new outdoor rooms.

Key Features for Highland Landscapes

Incorporating specific features can transform a basic yard into a personalized retreat. Here are some popular additions in Highland landscape projects.

• Patios, Decks, and Pathways: These hardscape elements define gathering and circulation spaces. Materials like flagstone, concrete pavers, or decomposed granite are popular for their durability and heat tolerance.
• Shade Structures: Essential for comfort during sunny days. Pergolas, ramadas, and shade sails provide relief from the sun and can be adorned with climbing vines for added beauty and cooling.
• Fire Features: An outdoor fireplace or a fire pit creates a cozy focal point for evening gatherings, extending the usability of your yard into cooler nights.
• Outdoor Kitchens & Dining Areas: For those who love to entertain, incorporating a built-in barbecue, counter space, and a dining area makes outdoor meals easy and enjoyable.
• Efficient Irrigation Systems: A well-designed irrigation system is the backbone of a water-wise garden. Modern smart controllers that adjust watering based on weather conditions are an excellent investment for both plant health and water conservation ^{1 2}.

Understanding Project Scope and Investment

The cost of a landscape design project in California varies dramatically based on its complexity, size, and the materials used ⁶. A simple design plan for a small yard with minimal features may represent a more modest investment, while a comprehensive master plan that includes extensive hardscaping, custom-built features, and a full planting scheme for a large property will require a more significant budget ⁷.

Professional design fees themselves can be structured in different ways, such as a flat fee for a full plan or an hourly rate, and often correlate with the project's square footage and detail level ⁷. It's important to view this design phase as a valuable roadmap; it helps avoid costly mistakes during installation and ensures every element works in harmony, ultimately protecting your overall investment in your property.

The Professional Design Process

Engaging a professional for your garden design typically follows a structured process. It often begins with an initial consultation to discuss your vision, budget, and site challenges. This is followed by a site analysis, where the designer measures the property and notes critical environmental factors. The designer then creates a conceptual plan-a rough layout of spaces and features-for your feedback. Once approved, this evolves into a detailed master plan, which may include precise planting lists, construction drawings for hardscapes, and irrigation diagrams. This comprehensive plan becomes the guide for you or a contractor to execute the vision, ensuring the final result is cohesive, functional, and beautiful.

Maintaining Your Designed Landscape

A great design includes consideration for long-term maintenance. In Highland, this centers on smart watering practices, seasonal pruning of native and drought-tolerant plants, and replenishing mulch. Your designer can provide a maintenance guide tailored to your specific plant selections and irrigation system. This proactive approach keeps your landscape healthy and beautiful for years to come, allowing you to fully enjoy the outdoor oasis you've created.

Frequently asked questions

Sources