Landscape Design

3 Reasons to Plant Trees in Your Landscape

A photo of a team member from The Landscape Company planting a tree.

Nestled in the heart of Santa Cruz, where the fresh coastal breeze meets lush greenery, the art of landscape design goes beyond aesthetics. It’s about creating a sustainable ecosystem that thrives right in your backyard. Among the various ways to enhance your outdoor space, planting trees can be a genuinely transformative approach. That’s why integrating trees into your Santa Cruz landscape should be considered necessary.

1. Flowers, Fruits, and Environmental Harmony

The Bounty of Nature in Your Backyard

Santa Cruz’s mild climate is a haven for a diverse range of fruit trees. Imagine stepping outside to the sight of cherry blossoms in spring, followed by the joy of harvesting sun-warmed peaches in summer. It’s not just about the sensory pleasure; it’s a step towards sustainability. By choosing native or well-adapted fruit trees, such as peaches, figs, apples, and plums, you contribute to the local ecosystem, providing food and shelter for pollinators.

Expert Guidance at Your Fingertip

Navigating the vast selection of fruit trees suitable for Santa Cruz can be daunting. Our plant specialists are here to guide you through selecting species that thrive in our local climate and align with your landscape vision. From the majestic Coast Live Oak, known for its resilience and ecological benefits, to the delicate beauty and fragrance of Citrus blooms, we’ll help you create a backyard orchard that’s a testament to beauty and biodiversity.

2. Erosion Control: The Root of Stability

A photo of a property with trees in Santa Cruz.

Anchoring the Soil, Preserving Our Coastline

Erosion is a silent adversary in many coastal communities, including Santa Cruz. The strategic planting of trees, mainly native species like Coastal Oaks and Redwoods, is a natural bulwark against this threat. Their robust root systems anchor the soil, reducing runoff and preserving the integrity of our landscapes. Incorporating these evergreens into your landscape design fortifies your land against erosion and ensures a splash of verdant color throughout the drearier winter months.

A Green Investment in Property and Planet

A photo of a tree surrounded by grass and flowers.

Beyond the immediate beauty and erosion control, trees are a long-term investment in the health of your property and the planet. They improve air quality, sequester carbon, and even enhance property values. By choosing trees suited to the Santa Cruz climate and soil conditions, you ensure their growth and sustainability, positively impacting the environment and future generations.

3. For the Future: A Legacy of Green

A photo of an orchard on a property in Santa Cruz.

Planting Today for Tomorrow’s Shade

Planting a tree is a gesture of hope and faith in the future. It’s about more than just the immediate aesthetic enhancement of your landscape; it’s a commitment to creating a better world. We’ve witnessed clients transform their landscapes with orchards or a singular majestic tree, each project a unique narrative of growth and change. These living legacies offer countless benefits, from cooling shade to habitats for wildlife, enriching our community and ecosystems in profound ways.

A photo of a person eating a peach in a backyard.

Sowing the Seeds of Community and Well-being

The environmental impact of planting trees extends beyond your backyard. It contributes to a healthier, more resilient Santa Cruz. Participating in local tree-planting initiatives or workshops can foster a sense of community and collective responsibility for our environment. Moreover, we cannot overstate the psychological benefits of connecting with nature, witnessing the growth of trees, and contributing to a greener future.

Enhancing Your Santa Cruz Landscape with Trees: Next Steps

Embrace the Local Beauty and Biodiversity

As you contemplate adding trees to your Santa Cruz landscape, consider the local ecosystem’s unique needs and benefits. Opt for native species that will thrive with minimal intervention, supporting the local ecosystem and reducing the need for water and fertilizers. Our team is here to assist you in making choices that align with sustainable practices and your personal landscape goals.

Your Journey to a Greener Tomorrow Starts Here

Whether you dream of a backyard orchard brimming with fruit, a serene haven of native oaks and redwoods, or a robust defense against erosion, the journey begins with a single step. Contact us to explore how we can bring your vision to life, from selecting the perfect tree species to designing a comprehensive landscape plan that harmonizes with the natural beauty of Santa Cruz.

Planting trees is more than a landscaping decision; it’s a commitment to a sustainable, flourishing future. Let’s embark on this journey together, transforming your space into a vibrant ecosystem that offers beauty, benefits, and a legacy of environmental stewardship for generations to come.

Discover our orchard building and design services.

Our Reviews

Scott Pierce

November 16, 2023

Phil, Laura, and the team at The Landscape Company are amazing! We have been working with them on landscaping a large hill in our backyard. They recommended prepping it for winter rains by installing a waddle system and laying down erosion control netting and straw. They noticed a storm system was arriving early so they prioritized the work and got everything installed before the rain arrived. Can't thank them enough!

Rosemary Sarka

October 4, 2023

I had a leak in an old irrigation system and a plumber told me they would need to dig up my yard and walkways. I was panicked and had no idea where to go for a solution. I cold-called 3 different companies and The Landscape Company was the only one that called me back on a timely basis. They came out early the next morning, and, despite my old system being a unicorn, fixed the leak promptly and gave me an idea of how my system could work. I continue to be so grateful for their prompt, professional, creative help.

Andres Flores

May 9, 2023

Paul, Efrain and Thomas were great partners for a new homeowner! They helped us understand what we needed and were very transparent about process, materials and costs associated. We had them come in for a full day to get everything back into shape and I couldn't be happy with how everything turned out. Looking forward to having them come by on a bi-weekly basis to keep things looking manicured and (more importantly) healthy.

Sarah Murphy

July 27, 2020

This is a company that strives on professionalism, attention to detail, and connecting to their customers. Phil takes pride in giving his customers the small mom and pop business feel , but has the team and business knowledge to support a large business operation. I love the fact that the business owner works directly with his clients. He provides custom packages for each of his clients if needed. His team is really friendly, trustworthy, and always arrives on time! Phil has a kind heart. He is a really great guy who cares about his customers. I honestly do not like being one in a million of customers in the corporate world. You feel like you are lost in the shuffle of things. I never felt this way when working with this company. Not only did I receive outstanding customer service, I got direct calls from the owner to check on how my services were going. now if that's not customer service I don't know what else is! I highly recommend The Landscape Company for your landscaping needs!

CRAIG Minshull

November 2, 2019

Professional, friendly and skilled service. Joinery work was excellent and all snags that were brought to their attention were fixed straight away with no issues. Definitely recommend.

Kristen Faris

December 4, 2018

Phil and his team did an amazing job on my front yard remodel. His team was a pleasure to work with, very tidy and friendly. They executed perfectly on our vision! I would highly recommend the Landscape Company.

ian jonson

June 3, 2018

The Landscape Company came to our rescue! Phil and the crew found a way to build an enormous gate to our backyard. TLC had clear communication through out the entire project, very professional people. Everyone was on time, cheerful, and cared just as much ( or more ) for our project. These people are into doing the job right, no shortcuts on quality or craftsmanship. What more can we say? If you have a project that you want done right, call The Landscape Company. Thank You All,

Anita Connor

December 14, 2017

With great enthusiasm I applaud the work product created by The Landscape Company, thanks to its owner, Phil Dundas, and his competent crew. My Santa Cruz Gardens front yard was transformed from 1,200 square feet of lifeless turf to a spectacular display of drought resistant plants, providing a variety of texture and color and accented with three new trees. The backyard was renovated with drought tolerant red fescue and perimeter plants as well as mulch. The experienced crew pruned existing fruit trees, created a flagstone pathway, restored a cracked sidewalk, installed a drip irrigation system, reinforced a retaining wall, and corrected an eroded sided yard with a French drain and river rock. I recommend The Landscape Company because of the owner’s prompt response, accurate estimates, flexibility with plant selection and budget, sense of aesthetics, knowledge, practical considerations, and relationship with the landscape community. Anita

Suki Woodward

June 14, 2017

The Landscape Company provides all my properties with outstanding A+ service. Professional and quality, it's what I've come to expect. Thanks Phil for raising the bar. I would recommend your crews for any landscape project, big or small.