Business Details
39 Years
experience
Custom Landscaping Services in Marin County
O'Connell Landscape is a family-owned and operated design-build landscape contracting firm serving Marin and Sonoma Counties since 1987. With over 30 years of experience, we specialize in creating high-quality residential gardens that combine functional design, sustainable practices, and exceptional craftsmanship. Our team of skilled professionals offers a full range of services, including landscape design, construction, drainage systems, hardscaping, and planting installations.We pride ourselves on personalized client service, utilizing a collaborative design process that prioritizes client needs while incorporating drought- and deer-resistant plantings suited to Northern California's unique climate. Our commitment to excellence has earned us multiple awards from the California Landscape Contractors Association and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Services
Landscape Design
Construction Services
Drainage Systems
Retaining Walls
Outdoor Lighting
Planting Installation
Hardscape Renovation
Sustainable Landscaping
Outdoor Kitchens
Water Features
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of Northern California landscaping expertise
- Our client-focused design process prioritizes practical, budget-conscious solutions
- We implement sustainable practices certified by Bay Friendly Landscaping
- Our veteran crew maintains 10+ years average tenure with the company
- We've won multiple CLCA design-build excellence awards
Associations and certifications
- California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA)
- Better Business Bureau A+ Rating
- Bay Friendly Qualified Landscapers
What people say
Exceeded expectations
Professional team
On-time completion
Creative design
Budget-conscious solutions
Services
Landscape Design
Our landscape design service creates customized outdoor spaces combining aesthetics and functionality. We specialize in residential projects from small gardens to large estates, offering three-phase design processes that incorporate client input, budget considerations, and site-specific challenges. Our designers use digital tools for flexible planning and provide detailed plant portfolios with care instructions. Projects emphasize sustainable practices, drought-resistant plantings, and materials selection tailored to Northern California's climate conditions.
Hardscape Installation
We deliver premium hardscaping solutions including retaining walls, patios, walkways, and custom stone features. Our craftsmen work with natural stone, concrete, and modular block systems to create durable, aesthetically pleasing structures. Services include site grading, drainage integration, and installation of functional elements like stairs and terraces. We specialize in matching materials to architectural styles while ensuring proper structural engineering for hillside and challenging sites.
Outdoor Living Spaces
Our outdoor living space transformations create functional, beautiful environments for residential properties. This includes complete backyard renovations, front yard makeovers, and specialized features like outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and water features. We integrate lighting systems, synthetic turf options, and custom carpentry elements like arbors and pergolas. Projects emphasize year-round usability and seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor living areas.
Drainage Solutions
We implement comprehensive drainage solutions for residential properties, addressing surface water, subsurface drainage, and erosion control. Our services include French drains, catch basins, swales, and infiltration systems tailored to site-specific conditions. We specialize in hillside drainage management and retrofitting existing landscapes to improve water flow. All solutions integrate with overall landscape design while meeting local permitting requirements.
Planting Services
Our planting services focus on sustainable, low-maintenance gardens using climate-appropriate plantings. We offer complete installation including soil preparation, irrigation integration, and plant selection from our extensive database of proven performers. Services include specimen tree installation, screening plantings, and specialized gardens like vegetable plots. We emphasize proper plant placement for long-term growth patterns and provide detailed care documentation for all installations.
People
Michael O'Connell
Design & Project Management
Second-generation landscape professional with a degree in Landscape Architecture from Cal Poly. Specializes in client-focused design solutions combining natural elements with functional outdoor spaces. Leads all project installations while maintaining direct client relationships.
John O'Connell
General Management
Co-founder with over 30 years of landscape contracting experience. Provides strategic oversight while maintaining hands-on involvement in project execution. Ensures operational excellence across all company functions.
Virginia O'Connell
Landscape Design
Co-founder with extensive design experience. Contributes to project planning and implementation while mentoring the design team. Focuses on creating beautiful, functional outdoor spaces that meet client needs.
Ruben Valdez
Lead Construction Supervisor
Experienced construction professional with over 10 years leading installation crews. Oversees project execution while maintaining quality control standards. Specializes in complex hardscape and drainage projects.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Marin and Sonoma Counties, including Petaluma, Novato, San Rafael, Tiburon, Cotati, and Sebastopol. Our familiarity with local climate conditions and regulations ensures optimal project outcomes.
What services do you offer?
We provide full-service landscape design and construction including hardscaping, drainage solutions, planting installations, outdoor living spaces, and sustainable landscaping. We specialize in complete design-build projects from concept to completion.
How does your design process work?
Our three-phase process begins with conceptual design, moves to preliminary planning with budget integration, and concludes with final design documentation. We use digital tools for flexible revisions and include client collaboration throughout the iterative process.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes, we hold California C27 Landscape Contractor License #745046 and maintain full insurance coverage. We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and follow all local permitting requirements.
What makes you different from other landscapers?
As a design-build firm, we offer seamless project execution with direct principal management. Our veteran crew maintains 10+ years average tenure, and we emphasize sustainable practices certified by Bay Friendly Landscaping standards.
How long do projects typically take?
Project timelines vary by scope but most residential installations complete within 4-12 weeks. We provide detailed construction calendars and maintain consistent progress meetings to ensure timely completion while accommodating necessary design adjustments.
Videos
