Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Custom Landscape Design & Installation in Montecito
Montecito Landscape has been crafting exceptional gardens for over 50 years, combining artistic vision with deep horticultural expertise. Founded in 1970 by Chris Cullen, our team of trained horticulturists, arborists, and artisans specializes in creating personalized outdoor spaces that reflect each client's unique lifestyle. We prioritize direct collaboration with homeowners, offering complimentary consultations to understand their vision and translate it into functional, beautiful landscapes. Our commitment to quality is evident in our use of drought-tolerant plants, custom hardscaping, and meticulous installation processes. With decades of experience in Santa Barbara, Montecito, Malibu, and surrounding areas, we bring a deep understanding of local microclimates and design aesthetics.Our team's expertise extends beyond aesthetics to include irrigation optimization, soil health, and sustainable practices that ensure long-term garden vitality. We maintain a hands-on approach throughout every project, from initial concept to final installation, ensuring seamless execution and client satisfaction. Our reputation is built on integrity, creativity, and the ability to transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary outdoor living environments that enhance quality of life.
Services
Landscape Design
Garden Installation
Consultations
Outdoor Living Spaces
Drought-Tolerant Gardens
Details
- Year established: 1970
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of combined experience in landscape design and horticulture
- Our team includes certified horticulturists and arborists with local climate expertise
- We provide personalized consultations to create gardens tailored to your lifestyle
- Our skilled artisans handle every project phase from concept to completion
- We guarantee satisfaction with our attention to detail and follow-up maintenance
What people say
Beautiful gardens
Exceeded expectations
Professional crew
Creative solutions
Personalized approach
Services
Landscape Design
Our landscape design service creates custom outdoor environments tailored to your property and lifestyle. Combining artistic vision with horticultural expertise, we develop functional spaces that enhance your home's natural beauty. Each design incorporates drought-tolerant plants, sustainable materials, and elements that reflect your personal style while considering local climate conditions and soil composition.
Garden Installation
We handle complete garden installation with our skilled in-house crew, ensuring precise execution of every design element. From hardscaping features to plant selection and placement, our team implements projects with meticulous attention to detail. Our process includes irrigation system optimization and soil preparation to guarantee long-term garden vitality and client satisfaction.
Consultations
Our complimentary home garden consultations help homeowners discover their ideal outdoor space. During these sessions, we discuss your vision, property needs, and lifestyle requirements to create personalized landscape solutions. Our experts provide professional guidance on plant selection, space utilization, and sustainable design options that maximize your property's potential.
Outdoor Living Spaces
We specialize in creating functional outdoor living areas that extend your home's usable space. Our designs incorporate dining areas, fire pits, kitchens, and entertainment zones seamlessly integrated with natural elements. Each project balances aesthetics with practicality, creating spaces perfect for relaxation and social gatherings while maintaining the property's ecological harmony.
Drought-Tolerant Gardens
Our drought-tolerant garden solutions combine beauty with water conservation expertise. We select native and adaptive plants that thrive in local conditions while implementing efficient irrigation systems. These sustainable designs maintain visual appeal through varied textures, colors, and seasonal interest while significantly reducing water consumption and maintenance requirements.
People
Chris Cullen
Founder and Chief Creative Officer
With over 50 years of experience, Chris Cullen founded Montecito Landscape in 1970. A trained horticulturist and artist, he combines creative vision with technical expertise to design award-winning gardens. His background in fine arts and commercial contracting informs his unique approach to landscape architecture.
Lisa Cullen
Designer and Organic Gardener
Lisa Cullen brings artistic sensibility and horticultural expertise to every project. With a background in fine arts and organic gardening, she specializes in creating sustainable, visually striking landscapes. Her attention to plant selection and ecological balance ensures gardens that thrive naturally in local conditions.
Leana Finley
Office Manager
Leana Finley manages operations with 15+ years of experience in the landscaping industry. Known as 'Nature's Concierge,' she coordinates projects with precision while maintaining the company's signature friendly service. Her irrigation expertise and organizational skills ensure seamless project execution from start to finish.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Montecito, Santa Barbara, Malibu, and surrounding communities, with projects extending throughout California's Central Coast region.
Do you offer free consultations?
Yes, we provide complimentary home garden consultations to discuss your vision and create personalized landscape solutions tailored to your property.
What makes your approach unique?
Our hands-on approach combines artistic vision with technical expertise, using local climate knowledge and sustainable practices to create gardens that reflect each client's lifestyle and property characteristics.
How long does a typical project take?
Project timelines vary based on scope, but we maintain efficient execution while ensuring meticulous attention to detail throughout the design and installation process.
Do you handle maintenance after installation?
While we focus on design and installation, we provide expert guidance on ongoing care and maintenance to ensure your garden's long-term health and beauty.
Can you work with existing landscapes?
Yes, we specialize in transforming existing landscapes, revitalizing tired gardens, and integrating new elements with established features for cohesive, updated outdoor spaces.
