Business Details
Sustainable Landscaping Experts in San Jose
Smart Yards is a community-driven landscaping contractor dedicated to transforming conventional landscapes into thriving ecological environments. Specializing in California-native, water-wise designs, we employ permaculture and regenerative principles to create sustainable gardens that support biodiversity and conserve resources. Our services include installation of greywater systems, rain harvesting, drip irrigation, and dry-laid stone structures, prioritizing reuse of onsite materials.We emphasize educational outreach through workshops and partnerships, empowering communities to adopt environmentally conscious practices. With a certified Bay-Friendly Regional Landscape Designer and Permaculture Design Specialists on staff, we deliver tailored solutions for residential and commercial clients across Santa Clara County.
Services
Landscape Design
Greywater Systems
Garden Maintenance
Stone Hardscaping
Rain Harvesting
Highlights and features
- C-27 licensed contractor with 10+ years of specialized landscaping experience
- Implement patented permaculture techniques for water conservation and soil health
- Offer 100% local material reuse in stone structures and hardscaping projects
- Provide ISO-certified irrigation optimization services (drip and greywater systems)
- Operate with full transparency and no hidden fees across all project phases
Associations and certifications
- Greywater Action
- Permaculture Design Certificate
- Bay-Friendly Regional Landscape Designer
What people say
Outstanding ecological design
Transformed problem-plagued yard
Expert greywater installation
Beautiful flagstone artistry
Process went smoothly
Services
Landscape Design
Our landscape design services create climate-appropriate gardens that mimic natural ecosystems. Using California-native plants and permaculture principles, we develop spaces that require 60% less water while supporting local wildlife. Designs incorporate functional elements like edible gardens and artistic stone features. Initial consultations include detailed site analysis and custom plant selection for year-round blooms and habitat creation.
Greywater Systems
We specialize in Laundry-to-Landscape greywater systems that divert household water to sustain gardens. Installations use local plumbing codes to ensure safety while reducing outdoor water use by 30-50%. Systems include filtration components and are designed to integrate seamlessly with existing irrigation. Our certified technicians handle permitting and ensure compliance with Santa Clara Valley Water District requirements.
Garden Maintenance
Our maintenance services preserve ecosystem health while minimizing resource use. Technicians use organic methods to care for native plants, manage compost systems, and maintain irrigation efficiency. Monthly visits include soil analysis, pest monitoring, and seasonal adjustments to garden features. We prioritize pollinator health through pesticide-free practices and habitat preservation techniques.
Stone Hardscaping
Crafted using traditional dry-stack techniques, our stone features include retaining walls, patios, and pathways. Materials are sourced from job sites whenever possible, reducing waste and transportation impacts. Structures provide erosion control while creating microhabitats for local fauna. Projects incorporate permeable designs that allow water infiltration and support groundwater recharge.
Rain Harvesting
We implement systems that capture and utilize rainwater to sustain landscapes. Solutions include rain gardens, dry creek beds, and cistern installations that reduce runoff by 40-60%. Designs incorporate native plants that thrive in wet-dry cycles while preventing soil erosion. Systems are integrated with existing drainage patterns to maximize water retention and improve site sustainability.
People
Elizabeth Sarmiento
Founder & Lead Designer
Environmental Studies graduate and certified Permaculture Designer with 15+ years of ecological landscaping experience in California. Specializes in greywater system design and native plant ecosystems. Director of Smart Yards Education nonprofit and recipient of multiple sustainability awards.
Aurelio Hilario
Master Stonemason
Ten-year veteran with expertise in dry-laid stone construction. Trained in traditional Mexican stonework techniques. Leads installation teams for retaining walls, patios, and artistic stone features while mentoring apprentices in sustainable construction practices.
Questions
What makes your landscaping approach sustainable?
We combine permaculture principles with California-native plants, water recycling systems, and material reuse to create self-sustaining ecosystems that use 50% less water than traditional landscaping.
Do you provide maintenance services for installed landscapes?
Yes, our maintenance team offers quarterly visits that include irrigation checks, plant health assessments, and ecosystem optimization to ensure long-term sustainability and beauty.
Can you work with existing irrigation systems?
We retrofit existing systems with water-efficient components and integrate greywater solutions where possible, ensuring seamless transition to sustainable water management practices.
What certifications do your designers hold?
Our team includes certified Permaculture Designers, Bay-Friendly Regional Landscape Professionals, and licensed greywater specialists trained in current California plumbing codes.
How do your designs support local wildlife?
We incorporate native plants that provide food and habitat for pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects while creating microhabitats through stone features and water elements.
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