The special climate in Santa Barbara. Drought Tolerant Landscapes.

Drought Tolerant Landscapes – A Specialty of SB Evolution Landscape, EcoLawn SB, Landscapes by Davids, and South Coast Landscape

Every summer during the dry months of June, July, August, and September, property owners throughout the Santa Barbara region struggle with water restrictions.  Noble and necessary in its intent, the inability to water our lawns and gardens like we should unfortunately breeds frustration as parched plants wilt and show signs of burnout.  As residents, we enjoy mild temperatures year round but must accept that living in southern California means taking the bitter with the sweet.

Perhaps, however, there is a better way.  We have all heard about drought-tolerant landscapes, but are they right for the Santa Barbara home?  What becomes of the lush, tropical plantings we have become accustomed to?  Fortunately, there are several local landscape companies that have an eye and the knowledge needed to produce beautiful gardens that are well suited to the aesthetic and rainfall patterns of this Mediterranean climate.  From plant selection to water-wise maintenance programs, these professionals know how to develop a landscape that works with—not against—the conditions in Santa Barbara.

When it comes to converting a garden—or even a lawn—to a drought tolerant landscape, SB Evolution Landscape is a seasoned choice for carrying through the conversion from design concept to planting plan, demolition to final installation.  Led by Jorge Cortez, these professionals will provide an assessment of your existing landscape to determine which plants are thriving in the conditions and which may need to be replaced in favor of selections that are more amenable to the conditions here.  This careful and detailed evaluation is only the beginning of an open dialog with their clients that endures throughout the design and construction process.

With a long history of providing landscaping services in Santa Barbara, SB Evolution understands the sentiment and aesthetic of our favorite plants.  Finding similar alternatives—or even replacing other plants with the most drought tolerant material so watering can be focused on just these beloved members of our gardens—can restore the vibrancy and interest in our landscapes without the hefty water bill.  On a larger scale, the company will transform an entire property into a more responsible landscape, creating breathtaking vistas that feature dry river beds and Zen-like gardens minimal in design and water need.

When your lawn has suffered due to drought, high traffic, and other harsh conditions, EcoLawn might be worth a look.  This company’s artificial lawns provides a unique solution to the need for a drought tolerant landscape without giving up on space for kids and pets to play.  With no minimum size requirements, an EcoLawn artificial turf landscape might be the ideal choice for properties big and small.  To boot, customer reviews rave over the realistic look of their new, low maintenance, always green, never-needs-to-be-watered lawn.

Thought they are known for artificial grass, EcoLawn does not stop at synthetics.  An entire overall by this company might include landscape beds with real plants that are likewise drought tolerant.  When the work is complete, EcoLawn continues their partnership by assisting with the process of seeking out and obtaining drought tolerant rebates available through local municipalities.  The savings from both not having to water a lawn and these rebates combine into an exceptional solution for a great looking landscape that will last for decades.

The artistic touch of a landscape architect and a thorough knowledge of the region’s plants and climate combine to create a full service firm that can create well designed landscapes that are as beautiful as they are drought tolerant.  The “Davids”—David Niles and David Boone—of Landscapes by Davids (LBD) will transform a struggling landscape into a serene, water-wise oasis.

The company’s design phase is careful and detailed, responding to its customers’ vision with a strong grasp of the environmental conditions, both regional and by microclimate, and a sensitivity that results in a plant list that will endure drought, sun exposure, and soil types.  The Davids’ gardens are contemporary yet complementary to the architectural aesthetic and are built to last.  Their maintenance services, as well, will keep these water-wise landscapes looking great for years to come.

Established in 1976, South Coast Landscape of Santa Barbara has a reputation based on decades of designing, installing, and maintaining landscapes throughout the region.  The company, owned by a licensed contractor, provides a strong and experienced background in plants, irrigation systems, and maintenance that together create comprehensive services for landscapes that are well suited to the climate in southern California.

Clients of South Coast Landscape can receive the full benefit of holistically designed landscape spaces, including hardscapes, water wise gardens, and artificial turf for a low maintenance and environmentally solution to Santa Barbara’s frequent watering restrictions.  The company’s water wise landscapes offer other touches, as well.  Butterfly friendly gardens, “pondless” water features, and pathways constructed of unconventional materials make each South Coast Landscaping Inc. project a unique and beautiful outdoor space.

With another dry season almost behind us, it’s not too early to begin thinking about next year.  Partnering with a landscape professional who understands the region’s rainfall patterns and climate is a best bet for developing a drought tolerant landscape.  The landscape companies of Santa Barbara can help select the right plant materials, offer solutions for alternatives to traditional lawns, and design a water wise landscape that is gorgeous without sacrificing aesthetics.