Steve Jacobs and the Landscape Professionals of Nature Designs created a magnificent outdoor living and entertainment area for an Escondido family recently.  The family envisioned a space that would utilize their view of Downtown San Diego and the ocean, include a pool, spa, sauna, and outdoor kitchen with a fireplace and create a sense of safety and security from unwanted rodents, snakes, and coyotes.

Per the Escondido property’s Homeowner’s Association, approval was needed for this landscape renovation.  Steve represented the homeowner’s at the board meetings in order to answer questions.  Steve also ensured the board that the project would stick to the planned start date, finishing on schedule and not wasting his client’s time.

The previous landscape design on the Escondido property was outdated and not functional, while the driveway was cracking and needed to be repaired.  Electric gates were installed, and a permanent block wall was built at the front of the house, with iron fencing surrounding the remainder of the property.  To prevent wildlife or unwanted critters from entering the family’s safe haven, Nature Designs Landscaping added wire mesh to the bottom of the fence line to prevent “digging and entering,” while including an aluminum tube on top of the fence to prevent coyotes or dogs from jumping the fence.

The project included a custom infinity pool, which is heated by solar panels.  For aesthetic reasons, this infinity pool’s excess water is channeled to an underground storage tank that is placed under the patio, then redirected back to the pool as needed.  Boulders from the property were placed around the pool, and a large Baja Bench was incorporated into the pool design.

An extensive lighting system was installed for this project.  There are 2 separate systems, one for security and one for enhancement.  All the fixtures used are LED and the lamps will last approximately 12 years, while using 75% less power.

In two months time, Nature Designs Landscaping transformed an Escondido acre of land into a safe, functional, and fun living area that the homeowner’s could cherish and share with their family and friends.  Steve Jacobs takes great pride that this is the second project he has designed and created with this family.  He views repeat clients as a great compliment.

Nature Designs Landscaping is pleased to announce two new Project Managers – Jay Thomas and Kelly Fore-Dixon.

Jay, a Michigan native, received his associates in landscape design, is certified in design and horticulture and is a member of the CLCA and ASLA. He has over four years of hands-on experience in landscape design and build. With San Diego’s great year-round weather, Jay looks forward to helping Nature Designs Landscaping clients enhance and beautify their outdoor living space.

With 25 years of experience in high-end, residential design build landscape development, ornamental metal fabrication and brand communication, Kelly  brings a wealth of knowledge to the Nature Designs Landscaping team.  She received her Bachelor’s from Oklahoma State University and authored an instructional workbook entitled, “How to Create a Stylish Garden from Design to Dirty Work.”  She currently holds two positions with the APLD; San Diego District Vice President and State Chapter Chair of Communications. .

Nature Designs Landscaping is excited to welcome both Jay and Kelly to the team.  With their experience and enthusiasm for high-quality landscape design and construction, Nature Designs Landscaping clients can be assured their projects are in the right hands.

In just two months, Steve Jacobs and the professionals at Nature Designs Landscaping transformed an acre of land into a magnificent outdoor living and entertainment space for an Escondido family.

The family envisioned a beautiful and functional space that would include a pool, spa, sauna, fireplace and outdoor kitchen but not interfere with their beautiful views of the ocean and downtown San Diego.  Additionally, the family wanted this new living space to be safe from unwanted visitors such as snakes, coyotes and rodents.

To ensure that the project was started on time, Steve attended the homeowners’ HOA meetings on their behalf to receive the required construction approval, answer questions from neighbors and ensure the HOA board that the project would be finished on time.

The completed project includes a beautiful new entry, electric gates and a block wall with iron fencing that surrounds the property.  The infinity pool has solar panels for heating, a large baja bench and an excess water storage tank hidden under the patio.  Additionally, boulders from the property were placed around the pool so that the landscaping blended with the existing property.

To prevent wildlife from entering the family’s new entertainment area, Nature Designs Landscaping added wire mesh to the bottom of the fence line to prevent “digging and entering,” while including an aluminum tube to prevent coyotes or dogs from jumping the fence.

Additionally, two extensive lighting system were installed – one for security and one for enhancement.  All lights are LED and the lamps will last approximately 12 years, while using 75% less power and saving the homeowners each month on their electric bill.

Now, the homeowner’s can cherish and share their new living space with family and friends.  Since Steve and Nature Designs Landscaping view repeat clients as a great compliment, Steve is proud that this is the second project he has designed and completed with this family.

As a certified Water-Sense Partner, Steve Jacobs of Nature Designs Landscaping shows that he is truly concerned about conserving nature’s most vital resource, water.  Steve has a deep interest in water conservation and with the Water Sense partnership, Steve gains a vast amount of knowledge and skills on how to implement conservation practices. The Water-Sense certification process enables Steve to have access to information on water saving techniques and provides contacts with supporters and other Water-Sense Partners in which Steve can learn from.

By guiding his clients to choose water saving devices and installing native and drought tolerant landscapes, Steve and his team of experienced staff are able to save thousands of gallons of water from being wasted in drought-prone San Diego. By choosing the appropriate plant material in softscape design, it is easy to maintain a landscape that requires minimal water use.

By assisting you in maintaining and conserving water usage, clients of Nature Designs Landscaping ultimately saves client money through responsible living.

Want to instantly increase your curb appeal and the value of your home?  Add a sprinkler system that can keep your property looking its best.  Sounds easy, doesn’t it?  When you get to your favorite home improvement store you will find at least one or more aisles stocked floor to ceiling with every kind of irrigation nozzle and pipe known to man.  New and improved products are added claiming that theirs is the best way to irrigate your landscape.  But how do you know what will really work for you?

All sprinklers are not created equal.  The most expensive is not necessarily the best just like the cheapest may not be the worst.  Do your homework first before ever heading to the store.  When it comes to quality irrigation system most consumers are looking for a quick fix to an existing problem.  Consider the overall needs of the area.  Is this a narrow green belt or a football field expanse of grass?  Your landscaping needs are probably somewhere in between.

First create a design of what is needed, proper installation and maintenance for efficient and reliable performance.  How many zones do you need to address?  Are they the same size?  In addition to choosing between fixed spray-type (sprays) or rotor-type (rotors) you will also need to decide if you need “pop-up” or “shrub” style sprinklers or a combination of both.

Not sure which options to choose?  Why not ask a professional?  Nature Designs Landscaping has more than 25 years of success in designing, installing and maintaining sprinkler systems in the San Diego area.  Their award winning designs have increased the beauty of commercial and residential properties.  Contact one of our highly trained professionals to review your property and discuss your landscaping needs and desires.  You will be impressed with the options offered as well as suggestions on low water use irrigation systems that will save you money and de-mystify the options.  When you call Nature Designs Landscaping you have an expert in your corner with your best interests in mind.

Here are some kind words from another one of our satisfied clients.

“I wish to thank Nature Designs and Landscaping in San Diego for coming to our home in Mira Mesa to discuss our project, processing our work order and giving us the estimate. And from there Ernie Pyle came and the job was completed. I was comfortable with both men and my husband and I were pleased with the outcome. Then today Ernie Pyle came to see how the plants were doing. That is going above and beyond and it demonstrates the quality of care of Nature Designs. Our experience will bring us back as we develop our landscaping needs.” Mary L.

We work hard to not only listen to the customer’s needs and wants for their landscaping design, installation and maintenance, but we at Nature Designs Landscaping also offer suggestions that will save money and use the latest green and water efficient technology. If Nature Designs exceeded your expectations, we would love for you to write a review or if you would like to schedule a consultation with one of our professionals please contact us!

Homes built on a hillside have great views of the surrounding area and a home with a sloped backyard can be beautiful with lush greenery adding some additional privacy.  But these can both be intimidating to some homeowners.  Erosion and poor drainage can bring plants and materials down the hill after a short time wasting valuable time and money.

If you are considering landscaping your hillside or slope remember to work from the ground up.  First, find out the type of soil you are working with: silt, clay and adobe can create a barrier that does not absorb water well while sandy soil can drain too well.

You must have a good irrigation and drainage plan before adding any plants.  Sprinklers must be the correct size and type for the job and they must be correctly installed.  This will save water and money in water bills and lost plants.  Proper drainage will ensure that the water will not actually cause more damage to your hillside or sloped yard.

When choosing plants and grasses find types that have deep roots and thrive in your climate.  This can also help with erosion control.

It is always best to consult with a professional.  Their experience and knowledge can help prevent potential problems and offer suggestions that will increase the beauty of your hillside or slope.

Nature Designs Landscaping has more than 25 years of success in designing, installing and maintaining beautiful hillsides and sloped backyards in the San Diego area.  Their award winning designs have increased the beauty of commercial and residential properties.  Contact one of our highly trained professionals to review your property and discuss your landscaping needs and desires.  You will be impressed with the options offered as well as suggestions on low water use irrigation systems that will save you money.  When you call Nature Designs Landscaping you have an expert in your corner with your best interests in mind.

Because Nature Designs Landscaping has been working in San Diego for over 25 years, they have experienced just about every setback caused by outside sources that can prolong the completion of a project.    They take care of their clients by solving these potential setbacks – their job is to create a beautiful end product.  In fact, Nature Designs tells their clients they only have two jobs – to communicate their ideal outdoor living space and enjoy it. This is why Nature Designs is a premier choice when looking for a complete, all-in-one landscape company.
On a recent landscape renovation project in La Jolla, CA, Steve Jacobs, President of Nature Designs, and his dedicated crew transformed an outdated and unusable small backyard, creating a haven of space that the homeowners now value and enjoy.
During the design process, Nature Designs knew the priorities of their clients – they wanted their new space to be dog-friendly, look beautiful, and stay within budget.  Steve not only completed these tasks, but he managed all the permits required by the city, hauled away debris daily, and worked as quietly and efficiently as possible so as not to disturb their neighbors and keep complaints to a minimum.
Like most projects, there were a few challenges: there was an old patio that needed to be torn out, a dead lawn that needed to be replaced, an old fence, limited room, and many demands from the city.  Steve Jacobs was able to overcome all these with no stress put upon his clients.  He created privacy in their yard by installing a screening fence with lattice and planter boxes, installed a new fence, built a new deck, planter bed, raised benches (which are all made from composite wood), used the best lighting fixtures to enhance the softscape,  and provided sufficient lighting for outdoor cooking. They also built a new outdoor patio with interlocking pavers.  Nature Designs always maintains their standards of excellence by offering wonderful customer service by giving their clients as many choices as possible and managing situations that most landscapers do not want to be responsible for.  They express true artistic talent in their landscape vision and implementation by understanding their clients’ desires and restrictions and coupling it with the finest hardscape and plant material.  Contact Us

What a fantastic landscape and maintenance company!!!!  Nature DesignsLandscaping was the answer to our landscaping and maintenance nightmares which were created by well meaning but ill trained maintenance and landscapeservice personnel.  After years of using several “expert maintenance teams”and a landscape designer who created one of the biggest messes we have had to ever undo, we found Nature Designs. Their services are higher priced than most, but after losing hundreds and thousands of dollars to experts that did not know what they were doing with a property as diverse as ours, (because everything put in had to be pretty much ripped out or transplanted), Nature Designs has created beautiful gardens and open spaces with diverse plants, colors and texture, all perennials, that get the ooohs and ahhhs of all our neighbors and visitors. Nature Designs created the gardens on a master plan which will last for years and years, selecting the proper plants for the location given their size at maturity as well as their water, soil and sun needs.  As part of our maintenance service, they have created a master irrigation plan, with every plant’s watering needs being taken into consideration, some are drip, some pop up spray, some sprinkler heads. In addition the maintenance team has taken such loving care and maintained our gardens with such an eye to detail and customer satisfaction, I call them the Nordstroms of maintenance. In the hot Poway summer days, it is common for me to get a knock on the door and Nature Designs is there on their unscheduled days to make sure the landscaping is having no issues with the extra hot weather.  Kudos to the entire Nature Designs staff and teams.  We can leave our property when we travel for months and know when we return, the property will be even more beautiful then before we left…now that’s saying something. Video Testimonials Contact US