4 Things to Know Before Starting a Landscaping Project in the Bay Area

Thinking of upgrading your yard, adding a new patio, or reimagining your outdoor living space? Discover some Bay Area landscaping tips to make the most of your project.

Before you break ground on your landscape project, there are some key factors every Bay Area homeowner should understand — from permits to plant selection to working with the right contractor. Here are some Bay Area landscaping tips that might be helpful.

Here are 4 important things to know before starting your landscaping project in Mountain View, Palo Alto, Los Altos, or surrounding areas:

1. Know Your Microclimate

The Bay Area contains numerous microclimates. What thrives in Palo Alto might struggle in Los Gatos, follow our Bay Area landscaping tips to choose plants wisely.

Ask your contractor or landscape designer about:

• Sun/shade balance

• Soil type

• Drainage patterns

• Wind exposure

• Drought tolerance

At Bay Scenery, we recommend native and low-water plants like California lilac, manzanita, and succulents for both sustainability and beauty, and these are included in our Bay Area landscaping tips.

2. Permits May Be Required

If your project includes:

• Retaining walls over 3 feet

• Drainage systems

• Outdoor kitchens or structures

• New irrigation or lighting wiring

• ADU additions or grading work

…you’ll likely need city permits.

We handle all permitting for clients in Mountain View, Los Altos Hills, Sunnyvale, and beyond — saving time and preventing costly mistakes.

3. Set a Realistic Budget

Good landscaping isn’t cheap — and cheap landscaping often isn’t good.

Typical Bay Area projects start around $20,000 for simple designs and can range upwards of $300,000+ for full transformations. One of the Bay Area landscaping tips is to set a realistic budget.

Make sure your contractor provides:

• A detailed written proposal

• A transparent payment schedule

• Material allowances (for stone, lighting, etc.)

We work with your budget and help value-engineer beautiful results.

4. Choose a Design-Build Contractor

Hiring a design-build firm means:

• One team handles design, permits, and construction

• Fewer delays and handoffs

• A more cohesive vision from start to finish

Ready to Begin Your Bay Area Landscape Project?

Whether you’re dreaming of a backyard retreat in Mountain View, a modern front yard in Palo Alto, or a hillside terrace in Los Altos Hills, we’re here to help you design and build it.

Contact Bay Scenery for a free consultation today and let’s transform your outdoor space.