Landscape designs in Sacramento run the gamut from modern to traditional, but almost always make some nod to the regional landscape in both planting and hardscape choices. Hardscaping frequently features natural materials like stone paving, while planting tends to evoke the grassland or woodland ecosystems of the Sacramento Valley and Sierra foothills. Decorative stone, from boulders to cobble-filled creek beds, features prominently. Designs on the modern end of the spectrum often adopt a rustic flavor, juxtaposing gravel or decomposed granite with clean concrete paving or retaining walls.

Sacramento yards are often built for outdoor living, featuring a variety of amenities for spending time outdoors, from kitchens and dining areas, to pools and sport courts, to lounge and entertainment areas.

Shade is a vital resource, be it from trees, pergolas, shade sails, or even well-designed umbrellas, and designs pay close attention to creating comfortable, shaded environments.

Landscape lighting is another popular feature. By establishing an attractive and comfortable environment at night, lighting is actually another strategy for staying cool, luring folks outside to enjoy the cool of the evening.

Lawns were historically popular, but due to their high water demand, they are increasingly being replaced by more water-wise landscape choices (we love this!). Artificial turf is an increasingly popular lawn replacement, though take care to shade turf where you can – it gets hot in the sun.

Drought is a major factor throughout California, and Sacramento is no exception. It’s crucial that landscape designs in Sacramento do their best to conserve water. Climate-adapted plants from regions like Australia, South Africa, and the Mediterranean can play an important role in a water-wise landscape. Lavender, rosemary, Leucadendron, and olive trees are a few of our favorite climate-adapted species in the Bay Area. Having evolved to thrive in local conditions, plants native to the Sacramento region are also excellent choices for water savings and tend to require lower maintenance than introduced species. Native plants also go a step further, offering unbeatable habitat value. By including native plants in their landscape designs, homeowners can help in the broader effort to restore biodiversity. Ceanothus, manzanitas, California fuchsias, and Salvias are just a few of the many fabulous natives available for Sacramento landscapes. Looking to max out your bird and bee visitors? Include keystone native species like oak trees, California sagebrush, or wild strawberry groundcovers.

Intense heat and close proximity to the rivers place extra responsibility upon Sacramento landscapes to limit water use, capture stormwater, and block pollutants from entering the rivers. To help homeowners in this effort, the City of Sacramento offers rebates to incentivize river-friendly landscaping. Low water native and climate-adapted plants should be a key part of any sustainable landscape design in Sacramento. Landscape designs should respond to the climate in terms of comfort, as well. Provide shaded, breezy areas to stay cool during hot days, and well-lit, comfortable spaces to take advantage of pleasant evening weather. Pay attention to solar exposure, taking particular care to block harsh afternoon light from the west.

Now! Any time of year is great to begin work on a landscape project. When possible, we suggest utilizing the winter to work through the design phase – this sets you up to get on contractors’ books early in the build season, so you can have your design installed and ready to enjoy in time for summer. If winter has passed, don’t worry, it’s never too late in the year to begin work on a landscape design project.

Now! Any time of year is great to begin work on a landscape project. When possible, we suggest utilizing the winter to work through the design phase – this sets you up to get on contractors’ books early in the build season, so you can have your design installed and ready to enjoy in time for summer. If winter has passed, don’t worry, it’s never too late in the year to begin work on a landscape design project.