Landscape Design in Costa Mesa, CA
Professional landscape design for Costa Mesa's eclectic neighborhoods. From Mesa Verde's established properties to the Eastside's bungalow-lined streets, we create gardens that fit your home and lifestyle.
Get a Free ConsultationLandscaping Costa Mesa's Diverse Neighborhoods
Costa Mesa offers some of the most varied residential character in Orange County. Mesa Verde, the city's largest planned neighborhood, features mid-century ranch homes from the 1960s on generous lots with mature shade trees. Many of these properties still have original landscapes—aging turf, overgrown foundation shrubs, and irrigation systems past their prime. A well-planned renovation can transform these yards without starting from scratch, preserving healthy trees while refreshing everything around them.
The Eastside neighborhoods near 17th Street and Newport Boulevard have a completely different feel—smaller bungalows, cottages, and newer infill homes on compact lots. Here, every planting decision matters because the space is intimate. Cottage-style gardens, vertical plantings, and multi-use patios work well, creating outdoor rooms that feel larger than their footprint. The proximity to the coast gives Eastside gardens a mild climate advantage that supports a wider range of plants than inland areas.
Costa Mesa's South Coast area near South Coast Plaza and the Segerstrom Center features newer townhomes and condos alongside established single-family neighborhoods. These properties range from postage-stamp courtyards to full front-and-back yards, each with unique design possibilities. Steve Lytle creates custom designs for all of Costa Mesa's neighborhoods, working with each property's scale, architecture, and microclimate.
Our Services in Costa Mesa
Garden Consultation
On-site assessment of your Costa Mesa property covering soil quality, drainage, sun patterns, and existing plantings. We evaluate what to keep, what to refresh, and what to replace for maximum impact within your budget.
Learn more →Plant Selection & Design
Plant choices suited to Costa Mesa's coastal-influenced climate. The mild temperatures and ocean moisture support everything from Mediterranean herbs and succulents to subtropical flowering plants that struggle just a few miles inland.
Learn more →Hardscaping
Patios, walkways, and outdoor living features designed for Costa Mesa's lot sizes. We specialize in making compact spaces feel spacious through smart layout, integrated seating, and multi-function hardscape elements.
Learn more →Vegetable Gardens
Cedar raised bed gardens sized for Costa Mesa backyards. The coastal climate allows nearly year-round growing—cool-season greens in winter, tomatoes and peppers through summer, and herbs that produce twelve months a year.
Learn more →Costa Mesa Landscaping FAQ
What plants grow best near the coast in Costa Mesa?
Costa Mesa's proximity to the ocean means milder temperatures but also salt air exposure. Salt-tolerant plants like New Zealand flax, rosemary, agave, and star jasmine do well here. The mild winters also allow subtropical plants like bird of paradise, plumeria, and hibiscus that wouldn't survive further inland.
How do I update a mid-century landscape in Mesa Verde?
Many Mesa Verde homes still have 1960s-era landscapes with water-hungry lawns and overgrown shrubs. We take a renovation approach—assessing what's worth keeping (mature trees, healthy hardscape) and replacing the rest with drought-tolerant plantings and updated irrigation. The result is a modern garden that respects the home's mid-century character.
Are there water restrictions for landscaping in Costa Mesa?
Costa Mesa is served by Mesa Water District, which follows state water-efficiency requirements. New landscapes must meet water-use efficiency standards, and turf area is limited in new installations. We design with these regulations in mind, creating beautiful gardens that stay well within water budgets.
What does a landscape consultation in Costa Mesa cost?
Contact us for current consultation rates. Steve visits your Costa Mesa property to assess conditions, discuss your vision, and provide personalized recommendations. The consultation fee is applied toward your project if you move forward.
Ready to Transform Your Costa Mesa Yard?
Schedule a consultation with Steve Lytle and start designing the outdoor space you've always wanted.