Service area
Landscaping in Montecito, CA
Many Montecito lots are sloped and full of mature oaks and sycamores, so the work is about building carefully around trees and sending water where it should go.
On a lot with big oaks, the roots are the first thing we plan around. We keep digging light near the trunks, stay out from under the canopy with heavy equipment where we can, and lean toward surfaces that let water through, like decomposed granite and open-joint pavers, so the trees keep getting watered.
Since the January 2018 debris flow, drainage is often the first thing to sort out on a Montecito property. Before patios or planting, we look at where water will go in a heavy storm, then use French drains, regrading, and channels to move it away from the house. Gerson holds an NDS drainage certificate. Soil here also varies. It drains fast up in the canyons and stays heavy on the flats near the creeks, so irrigation zones get set up to match.
The projects on this page are a fair sample of the work: a sandstone wall and flagstone path on a slope, a poolside grid of pavers and turf, and a deck with built-in benches and a fire table. Stone and hardwood are the usual materials, and when a house already has masonry we try to match it. We also keep Montecito gardens up on a regular maintenance schedule.
Recent work
Projects in Montecito
Reviews
What neighbors say
"Reyes Gardening Services did a first-class job installing pavers in our front porch area. It was always a pleasure dealing with Gerson, his prices are more than fair and he always kept his word. I recommend his company without reservation!"
Jonathan Maile
a year ago · Google review
"Gerson Reyes and his team did a great job on my yard! Gerson is a good communicator and pays attention to detail. He helped me choose the right plants for my project and even did a trip to the nursery with me. He has a nice, chill demeanor and is easy to work with."
Tracy Kahn
4 years ago · Google review
"I reached out to Reyes Landscaping to do some initial clean up of my yard and also wanted to set up regular garden maintenance every two weeks. Gerson and team came out promptly to evaluate my yard and he was very reasonably priced. Highly recommend!"
Diana Leon
5 years ago · Google review
Local questions
Montecito landscaping questions
Can you build near mature oak trees?
Yes, but it changes how we work. We lay out patios and paths to stay clear of roots where possible, use permeable surfaces near the trunk, and avoid heavy digging inside the drip line. If a design would put a tree at risk, we'll tell you and suggest a different layout. Larger oaks can also be protected under local rules, so it's worth checking before any work near them.
Should drainage be fixed before a patio or wall goes in?
Usually, yes. A patio or wall built on ground that still sheds water the wrong way can settle, crack, or hold water against the house. We sort out the grade and drains first, then build on top.
Which materials hold up best in Montecito?
Sandstone and flagstone for walls and patios, ipe or redwood for decks, and decomposed granite for paths. The right pick depends on the house and how the space is used, and we go through the options at the estimate.
What we do
Services we offer in Montecito
Hardscaping & Masonry
Flagstone patios, pavers, retaining walls, walkways, and stone seat walls that give the garden its architecture.
Drainage Systems
French drains, surface drains, and regrading that direct water away from your foundation and prevent erosion.
Outdoor Living Spaces & Lighting
Fire pits, seat walls, outdoor kitchens, and low-voltage lighting that turn your backyard into a destination after dark.
Decking
Redwood, ipe, and composite decks with built-in benches and railings, engineered for the coastal climate.
Also in Montecito: Irrigation & Drip Systems, Fencing, DG Pathways, Lawn & Garden Maintenance.
Free Consultation
Get a free estimate in Montecito
Tell us about your project and Gerson Reyes will follow up to schedule an on-site visit.