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“Tree selection for the Valley requires understanding the soil conditions, available space, and microclimate. Sycamore and mulberry trees are beloved for their shade but have aggressive root systems that damage driveways and sewer laterals within 10–15 years of planting. If you want a large shade tree, plant it at the perimeter of the lot, not within 30 feet of any hardscape or structure.”
Request that the landscape designer include underground utility locations (irrigation main line, site lighting conduit, drainage pipe) on a landscape 'as-built' drawing. This document shows where underground utilities are buried, preventing damage from future digging for landscaping changes, pool work, or hardscape modifications.
Landscape Design in Los Angeles typically runs 5–15% above the greater LA average due to local labor market conditions and LADBS permit processing. Get 3 competitive bids from CSLB-licensed contractors who have completed recent projects in Los Angeles or adjacent neighborhoods for the most accurate pricing.
Project timelines for landscape design in Los Angeles depend on LADBS permit processing time (4–16 weeks for most residential projects) plus construction duration. Total timeline from first contractor meeting to project completion: 3–9 months for most residential scopes. Projects in fire zones or on hillside lots in Los Angeles may run 20–30% longer due to additional permit review.
Outdoor spaces built to last
Landscape & Hardscape Portfolio
20 questions answered by licensed LA contractors
Basic drought-tolerant conversion: $8,000-$20,000. Mid-range design with hardscape: $20,000-$50,000. Premium outdoor living: $50,000-$100,000+. Turf-to-native conversion: $8-$18/sqft before rebates.
LADWP offers up to $5.00/sqft for removing grass and replacing with drought-tolerant landscaping. MWD adds up to $2.00/sqft. Combined: up to $7.00/sqft rebate. A 1,000 sqft lawn removal project can receive $5,000-$7,000 in rebates.
Top performers: lavender, California buckwheat, California poppy, sage (white and black), manzanita, deer grass, agave, aloe, bougainvillea, and rosemary. Native California plants require 60-80% less water than traditional landscaping once established.
No permit needed for planting, mulching, or basic irrigation. Permits required for: retaining walls over 3 feet, grading over 50 cubic yards, hardscape with drainage implications, and structures (pergolas, shade structures, walls). Pool areas have specific requirements.
Replacing a standard lawn with drought-tolerant plants reduces outdoor water use by 50-80%. A 1,000 sqft lawn uses approximately 25,000 gallons per year. Drought-tolerant replacement uses 5,000-10,000 gallons. Annual savings: $300-$600 on water bills.
Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) applies to all new landscaping over 500 sqft in LA. It limits water budget based on property size and climate. Requires irrigation efficiency, soil amendments, and plant water-use calculations. Your designer handles compliance.
Materials + installation: $8-$15/sqft. A 500 sqft lawn replacement costs $4,000-$7,500. Artificial turf lasts 15-25 years with minimal maintenance. However, it does not qualify for LADWP turf removal rebates. Gets hot in direct LA sun (140-170 degrees F).
Decomposed granite (DG): $3-$6/sqft (drought-friendly, natural look). Pavers: $12-$25/sqft (durable, many styles). Flagstone: $15-$30/sqft (natural, premium). Stamped concrete: $8-$15/sqft. All require proper drainage planning for LA's occasional heavy rain.
Drip irrigation for: shrubs, trees, garden beds (90% efficiency). Sprinklers for: remaining lawn areas, groundcovers (65-75% efficiency). LA's MWELO ordinance requires high-efficiency irrigation. Smart controllers (Rachio, Hunter) reduce water use 20-30%.
Defensible space landscaping creates fire breaks around your home. Zone 1 (0-5 feet): hardscape only, no plants against structure. Zone 2 (5-30 feet): fire-resistant plants, 10-foot spacing between shrubs. Zone 3 (30-100 feet): reduced fuel. Required in LA fire zones.
Concrete block: $40-$80/sqft face area. Poured concrete: $50-$100/sqft. Natural stone: $60-$120/sqft. Walls over 3 feet require LADBS permits and engineering ($2,000-$5,000 additional). Hillside retaining walls can cost $20,000-$100,000+.
Fall (October-November) is ideal: cooler temperatures reduce transplant shock, winter rains establish root systems, and contractor availability is high. Avoid planting in July-August when heat stress kills new plants. Native plants establish best when planted before winter rain.
Xeriscaping is water-efficient landscape design using drought-tolerant plants, efficient irrigation, mulch, and appropriate hardscape. In LA, xeriscaping reduces outdoor water use 50-80% and qualifies for LADWP rebates. It is the default approach for new LA landscaping.
Low-voltage landscape lighting: $2,000-$8,000 for a typical yard (12-20 fixtures). Smart lighting systems: $3,000-$10,000. Solar path lights: $50-$200 each. Professional design and installation transforms curb appeal and extends outdoor living hours.
DG works for paths, patios, and large areas. However, it migrates into adjacent areas, tracks into the house, and compacts unevenly. Stabilized DG (with resin binder) costs more but holds better. Use DG for low-traffic areas and pavers for high-traffic.
Budget approach: LADWP turf rebate ($5-7/sqft back), DG and mulch base ($3-6/sqft), 1-gallon native plants from Theodore Payne Foundation ($8-15 each), drip irrigation ($1-2/sqft), and DIY planting. Total for 1,000 sqft: $3,000-$8,000 after rebates.
Maintenance is minimal vs lawns: deep water 1-2x per week (vs daily for lawns), refresh mulch annually (3-4 inch depth), prune native plants in fall, and check drip irrigation quarterly. Annual maintenance cost: $500-$1,500 vs $2,000-$4,000 for lawn care.
LA's climate supports: citrus (year-round), avocado, fig, pomegranate, guava, and stone fruits (peach, plum, nectarine). Citrus trees: $50-$200 each. They require regular watering but produce heavily in LA's climate. Consider water budget under MWELO.
Yes. Professional landscaping increases home value 5-12% in LA. Drought-tolerant landscaping is increasingly preferred by buyers. Curb appeal improvements return 100-150% at resale. A $20,000 landscape project can add $20,000-$35,000 in perceived value.
California law (AB 1572) prohibits HOAs from requiring turf grass. HOAs can set design standards but cannot prevent drought-tolerant landscaping. Some HOAs still have outdated CC&Rs; state law overrides them. Document your plans and cite AB 1572 if needed.
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