Tree and Plant Installation in San Jose and the South Bay
- Since 1987
- Yelp 4.6 (46 reviews)
- Google 5.0 (8 reviews)
- Fully insured
In brief
We install trees, drought-tolerant and native plants, hedges and garden beds for South Bay clay and Peninsula coast: San Jose, Saratoga, Los Gatos, Los Altos, Monte Sereno, Monterey and Carmel. Planting projects from about $2,000 to $5,000 (our published San Jose guide range). Best planting: October to November. Plants warrantied up to 1 year. We offer ongoing maintenance. Fully insured. Free on-site estimate.
Updated October 2026
Drought-tolerant landscaping in San Jose and the South Bay
Native and Mediterranean plants suit South Bay summers. Clay soil also needs good drainage. We install trees, shrubs, hedges and garden beds with room for mature growth: fruit trees for a productive yard, shade trees for a hot patio, ornamental trees for colour, and evergreen hedges for privacy along a fence line. Start with our San Jose drought-tolerant plants guide. New plants still need water while their roots become established.
| Plant | Type | Why it works here | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western redbud | Native tree | Adds seasonal color to your yard. | Low once established |
| Ceanothus, manzanita | Native shrubs | Suited to dry summers and well-drained soil. | Low once established |
| Toyon | Native shrub | Gives a native garden shape and height. | Low once established |
| Deer grass | Native grass | Texture among shrubs and flowers | Low once established |
| Lavender, rosemary | Mediterranean shrubs | Sunny beds with good drainage | Low once established |
What planting and garden beds cost
Garden bed and planting projects run from about $2,000 to $5,000. Plant sizes, trees, bed preparation, drip irrigation and mulch affect the total. We price each project individually and itemize the work. See our San Jose landscaping cost guide and Saratoga landscaping cost guide.
Lawn replacement rebates: $2 per square foot from Valley Water and Monterey Peninsula options
Valley Water's base rebate for replacing a lawn is $2 per square foot. The combined lifetime limit across rebate types is $3,000 per residential property. San Jose Municipal Water customers (single-family homes or up to 4 units) get $3 per square foot for the first 1,000 square feet and $2 per square foot after that, with a combined lifetime cap of $4,000 per residential site across rebate types. Check with your water provider. See Valley Water eligibility (checked October 2026).
Convert at least 75 sq ft, with 50% coverage by qualifying plants. Leave the lawn in place for the pre-inspection. Wait for the Notice to Proceed before starting work or buying equipment. Artificial turf does not qualify for a rebate. See Valley Water requirements (checked October 2026) and our turf comparison.
On the Peninsula, MPWMD offers eligible customers $1 per square foot of lawn removed. The minimum area is 250 square feet, and the rebate covers up to 2,500 square feet. If you irrigate the replacement planting, you must use drip irrigation. A 15-year deed restriction bars reinstalling lawn anywhere on the site. See MPWMD landscape rebates (checked October 2026).
Tree removal and pruning permit rules by city
Our service is planting. Removing a protected tree requires the city permit shown in the table below. In Saratoga, the work must be done by a business with an ISA Certified Arborist on staff to supervise it. Ask us and we will point you to the right route. See Saratoga tree rules (checked October 2026).
| City | Protected at | Permit to remove | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose | 38 inches in circumference, measured at a height of 4.5 feet (about 12 inches in diameter). For trees with multiple trunks, add the trunk measurements. | Yes, even if the tree is dead. Heritage trees and street trees are also protected. | Any size on multifamily, commercial, industrial, mixed-use or common-area land. Trees with a trunk within 5 feet of a house or garage are classified as unsuitable. Single-family replacement may be 1:1. Pruning or removing a heritage tree without a permit can result in fines up to $30,000. For street trees, fines can reach $15,000. City rules (checked October 2026). |
| Saratoga | 10 inches in diameter, or 6 inches for ten specified native species. Measure at a height of 4.5 feet. | Yes, including dead or fallen trees. A permit is also required for pruning over 25% or outside ISA guidelines. | Businesses that structurally prune or remove protected trees need an ISA Certified Arborist on staff to supervise the work. City rules (checked October 2026). |
| Los Gatos | Diameter at 4.5 ft: 12 in developed residential; 8 in hillside or blue oak, black oak, buckeye, madrone; 4 in vacant, non-residential or development review | Yes; pruning over 25% within 3 years also needs approval | Species exemptions apply. Replacement trees are required except when removing dead or high-risk trees. Payment instead of replacement may be possible. Town rules (checked October 2026). |
| Los Altos | 38 in circumference, about 12 in diameter, at 48 in; natives at 10 in diameter | Yes | City tree rules (checked October 2026). |
| Los Altos Hills | Heritage oaks: 36 in circumference at 4 ft above root crown | Yes; $250 fee | The fee is waived for an immediate hazard or a dead tree that poses a fire hazard. Town rules (checked October 2026). |
| Monte Sereno | Oak/redwood over 20 in circumference; any tree over 25 in, at 48 in; removal of 3 or more trees | Yes | City staff decide cases involving dead or unsuitable trees. On lots with homes, trees classified as unsuitable include Monterey pine, palms, eucalyptus, black acacia, privet and fruit trees. City rules (checked October 2026). |
| Monterey | 6 in diameter at 4.5 ft | Yes | Reasonable pruning is allowed. Trimming tagged landmark trees requires approval. City rules (checked October 2026). |
| Carmel-by-the-Sea | Oak, pine, cypress, redwood: 6 in diameter; other species that can grow to 25 feet tall: 10 in; measured at 4.5 ft. On vacant lots or lots with an active building permit: over 2 inches in diameter | Yes; $1,631, or $250 if dead | Street-visible planting must be informal and natural. City code (checked October 2026); City fees (checked October 2026). |
Planting in clay soil and watering through South Bay summers
Drainage comes first in South Bay clay. Where needed, we set plants slightly above the surrounding soil level. We plan drainage corrections, install drip irrigation and mulch the beds. Young trees are staked loosely when needed. Water new plants through their first summer, adjusting for soil moisture.
If you irrigate with drinking water supplied by Valley Water, Ordinance 23-02 prohibits overhead irrigation from 9 AM to 6 PM. The same ordinance bars runoff beyond incidental amounts and any watering during or within 48 hours after 0.25 inches of rain. See Valley Water ordinance (checked October 2026). Irrigation carries a 2-year warranty.
Coastal planting in Monterey and Carmel
Monterey and Carmel planting needs to suit fog, salt air and wind. In Carmel-by-the-Sea, planting visible from public places must be informal and natural. Formal arrangements are limited to focal points. See City planting code (checked October 2026). This city rule does not cover Carmel Valley or Pebble Beach.
Cal Am's watering schedule for the Monterey Main system allows watering on Wednesdays and Saturdays, before 9 AM or after 5 PM. The limit is 15 minutes per irrigation station per day. The same schedule applies to hose watering. Use a shut-off nozzle. See Cal Am Monterey schedule (checked October 2026). Check which water system serves your home before setting your irrigation schedule.
How a planting project runs
Assess your yard at a free planting estimate
During your free on-site estimate, we check the clay soil, drainage, sunlight and existing plants.
Plan which plants go where
We plan trees, shrubs, hedges and beds with space for mature growth. October to November is the best South Bay planting window.
Prepare garden beds and address drainage
We prepare beds and address drainage before planting into clay.
Install plants, drip irrigation and mulch
Drip lines are run before the plants go in; emitters are set to each plant afterwards, then the beds are mulched.
Review your new planting and how to care for it
We show you the new planting and review the care sheet with you. The sheet covers watering through the first summer and irrigation adjustments.
Ongoing care for your plants and garden beds
We offer ongoing maintenance, including pruning, replanting, mulching and irrigation checks. Pruning protected trees must follow the city rules above. Garden maintenance does not replace specialist tree work.
Who plants your yard
David Muhoberac founded Landscape Associates of CA in 1987. We are fully insured. We serve San Jose, Saratoga, Los Gatos, Los Altos, Monte Sereno, Monterey and Carmel. Plants are warrantied up to 1 year.
“David turned my backyard, basically a giant hill of dirt and weeds, into a gorgeous oasis of fruit trees, plants, flowers, and retaining walls.” Alicia D., San Francisco, CA, Jun 2023.
“David installed a new front lawn and side yard plantings and the whole project wrapped up in a week.” Weiyu Z., San Jose, CA, Dec 2020.
Plan your planting with a free on-site estimate. Call or text (408) 207-5545. We reply within 24 hours.
What Our Clients Are Saying
Reviews from Yelp and Google, with the reviewer's city and date
Big job: stump removal, full irrigation replacement, new sod, paver driveway, retaining walls, and lighting. It turned out more beautiful than we imagined. We liked the results so much we had them redo the front yard a few months later.
San Jose, CA
I cannot recommend this company enough. David turned my backyard, basically a giant hill of dirt and weeds, into a gorgeous oasis of fruit trees, plants, flowers, and retaining walls. Working with him was a real pleasure and the pricing was very fair.
San Francisco, CA
This was our second time using Landscape Associates, at a different property. David, Obed, and the crew added new paver stones, a planter, and expanded our irrigation. They even took care of drainage issues the original home builders had left behind.
San Jose, CA
We are very happy with the results. David installed a new front lawn and side yard plantings and the whole project wrapped up in a week. We were impressed that they renewed our entire irrigation system as part of the job. Would recommend to anyone in the area.
San Jose, CA
David and Obed were great from start to finish. They gave us solid advice on design choices and made sure our vision drove the project. They took a backyard full of dirt and turned it into our family's dream outdoor space. Highly recommend!
San Francisco, CA
David's team did a beautiful job transforming my yard into a gorgeous patio. They worked closely with me to bring my design to life and went the extra mile to make sure everything was right. Honest work, no hidden costs, no surprises.
Cupertino, CA
Landscape Associates did a full remodel of my front and back yards. David understood exactly what I had in mind, delivered the yard I hoped for, and somehow made it even better. He kept in touch through every step and his crew was respectful of my property.
San Jose, CA
If I could give more stars I would. Workers showed up every single day at 8:30am sharp. David was always easy to reach and when I had changes mid-project, they accommodated every one without complaint. The customer service really set them apart.
Milpitas, CA
Great communication throughout and they walked us through every step. The paver patio and driveway are flawlessly integrated. We would absolutely hire them again. In fact I was already texting David about redoing the entire front yard.
San Jose, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Call (408) 207-5545When is the best time to plant in San Jose?
October to November is the best planting window in San Jose and the South Bay. Choose plants for the sun, clay soil and drainage in your yard. Even drought-tolerant plants need watering while they establish, including through their first summer. We offer ongoing maintenance after installation.
What affects the cost of installing garden beds?
Garden bed and planting projects run from about $2,000 to $5,000 in our published San Jose guide. The total depends on plant sizes, trees, bed preparation, drip irrigation and mulch. Landscape Associates of CA gives an itemized project price after a free on-site estimate. Our San Jose landscaping cost guide explains the costs of other landscaping work.
How do I choose drought-tolerant plants for my San Jose yard?
Ceanothus, manzanita, toyon, deer grass and western redbud are native plants suited to San Jose gardens. Lavender and rosemary suit Mediterranean-style beds with good drainage. Choose plants that suit your yard's sunlight and soil. Make sure they have enough room to reach their full size. Read our drought-tolerant plants guide before choosing.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in San Jose?
The City of San Jose requires a removal permit for a tree with a trunk circumference of 38 inches, measured at a height of 4.5 feet, even if the tree is dead. Add the trunk measurements for multi-trunk trees. Heritage trees, street trees and trees of any size on multifamily, commercial, industrial, mixed-use or common-area land are also protected. See City tree rules (checked October 2026).
Do you remove trees?
Our service is planting. Removing a protected tree requires the city permit shown in the table above. In Saratoga, the work must be done by a business with an ISA Certified Arborist on staff to supervise it. Ask us and we will point you to the right route. See the City of Saratoga tree rules (checked October 2026).
What must I do before starting work to qualify for a Valley Water lawn replacement rebate?
Valley Water offers $2 per square foot, with a combined $3,000 lifetime residential cap. San Jose Municipal Water customers get $3 per square foot for the first 1,000 square feet, then $2; the cap is $4,000. Convert at least 75 square feet with 50% qualifying plant coverage. Leave the lawn for pre-inspection. Wait for the Notice to Proceed before starting work or buying equipment. See Valley Water requirements (checked October 2026).
What should I consider when setting a watering schedule for new plants?
Through the first summer, adjust watering based on soil moisture, plant type and how much sun and wind the plants receive. With drinking water supplied by Valley Water, overhead irrigation is prohibited from 9 AM to 6 PM. Watering is prohibited during or within 48 hours after 0.25 inches of rain. Avoid more than incidental runoff. See Ordinance 23-02 (checked October 2026). Check with your water provider for additional restrictions.
How do fog, salt air and wind affect plant choices for my coastal yard?
Choose coastal plants that suit your yard's exposure to fog, salt air and wind. Check the soil drainage and how large each plant will grow. A sheltered Carmel garden and an exposed Monterey bed need different planting plans. Landscape Associates of CA offers a free on-site estimate to plan trees, shrubs and beds for those conditions.
What is the warranty on plants?
Landscape Associates of CA provides a plant warranty of up to 1 year. Irrigation carries a 2-year warranty. New plants still need care through their first summer, including watering suited to the soil and exposure. We offer ongoing maintenance with replanting, mulching and irrigation checks.
Where do you install trees and garden beds?
We serve San Jose, Saratoga, Los Gatos, Los Altos, Monte Sereno, Monterey and Carmel, including Los Altos Hills, Carmel Valley and Pebble Beach. We also work in Campbell, Cupertino and Sunnyvale. Call or text (408) 207-5545 for a free planting estimate; we reply within 24 hours.
Get a Free Quote
Call us, send the estimate form, or email us. We reply within 24 hours to book a free site visit. Call or text (408) 207-5545.
- (408) 207-5545
- david@landscapeassociatesca.com
- Mailing address: 125 Surf Way #443, Monterey, CA 93940
- Mon - Fri: 8:00-5:00 · Closed on weekends