Landscaping ties the exterior together by shaping grades, managing water, and building outdoor areas that last. Planting, hardscapes, irrigation, and lighting are planned to fit the site, the house, and local climate.

Overview

• Scope: grading and soil prep, planting and sod, patios and walkways, steps and retaining walls, gravel/stone features, drainage, irrigation, and low-voltage lighting.
• Goals: durable surfaces, healthy plantings, controlled runoff, and clear routes from doors to the rest of the site.
• Settings: front yards, backyards, side returns, courtyards, ADU approaches, and small commercial entries.

What This Service Includes

• Grading & soil: rough and fine grading, soil amendment, compost/topsoil placement, and compaction where needed.
• Planting & sod: trees, shrubs, perennials, groundcovers, seed or sod; mulch and bed edging.
• Hardscapes: paver or stone patios and walks, steps, small retaining walls with proper base and drainage, gravel paths and pads.
• Drainage: gutter/downspout extensions, French drains, swales, dry wells, catch basins, and erosion-control measures.
• Irrigation: design and installation of drip and spray zones, smart controllers, backflow prevention, startup and winterization.
• Lighting: low-voltage path, step, and accent lighting; transformers, timers, and dark-sky aware placement.
• Cleanup & protection: finish-safe access, debris haul-away, and protection of adjacent siding, fences, and paving.

Softscape

• Plant selection matched to sun, soil, and water needs; emphasis on regionally appropriate or native species.
• Bed preparation with compost and correct planting depth; staking and initial watering plans for trees.
• Sod vs. seed recommendations based on timing, irrigation, and use; edges cut clean at hardscape transitions.
• Mulch placed for moisture retention and weed suppression, clear of trunks and stems.

Hardscape & Sitework

• Base construction sized to soil and load; compacted aggregate and geotextile where appropriate.
• Paver and stone installation with consistent joints, edge restraint, polymeric sand, and appropriate slope away from structures.
• Retaining walls built with level footing, drainage stone, and fabric; engineering engaged for taller walls as required locally.
• Steps, landings, and thresholds coordinated with door heights and accessibility goals.

Irrigation & Lighting

• Zones organized by plant type and exposure; drip favored for beds to reduce evaporation.
• Backflow prevention and controller programming documented; seasonal startup and winterization available.
• Lighting designed for wayfinding and accent; transformer sizing, cable routing, and timer/photosensor setup included.

Drainage & Erosion Control

• Surface slopes set to move water away from foundations; walkways and patios pitched appropriately.
• Subsurface options (French drains, dry wells) used where surface routes are limited.
• Temporary controls during construction: silt fence, wattles, and stabilized access as needed.

Standards and Practices

• Utility locates completed before digging; roots and existing utilities protected.
• Base and soil compaction verified; geotextile separation used where soils are weak.
• Typical fall for hardscape drainage maintained (often 1–2%); details adjusted to site conditions.
• Materials selected for durability, slip resistance, and maintenance needs.

Sequencing and Timing

• Scheduled after exterior construction and waterproofing; access preserved for equipment.
• Planting favored in spring and fall; summer installs planned with irrigation and shade considerations.
• Concrete and paver work timed around weather and cure periods; lawn establishment period communicated.

Coordination With Other Trades

• Works with site grading, drainage, and concrete crews to align slopes and elevations.
• Coordinates with electricians for outdoor receptacles and lighting power; with plumbers for backflow and hose bibs.
• Interfaces with fence/deck installers and masons at edges and footing locations.

Quality Markers

• Hardscapes sit flat without rocking; clean edges and consistent joints.
• Grading reads smooth, with water moving away from structures; no low spots at transitions.
• Plants set at correct depth, watered in, and mulched neatly; irrigation zones cover without overspray.
• Lighting is even and glare-free; wiring hidden and connections protected.

Safety and Compliance

• PPE and equipment safety observed; safe access maintained for occupants.
• Permits and HOA rules followed where required; tree work coordinated with arborists when needed.
• Backflow devices, electrical components, and retaining wall heights handled per local code.

Care and Maintenance

• Watering schedules and establishment periods provided for new plantings and sod.
• Mulch top-ups, seasonal pruning, fertilization, and spot weeding keep beds healthy.
• Paver re-sanding and sealing as desired; irrigation checks and seasonal adjustments recommended.