Landscaping and Hardscape in Oceano, CA

Paso Robles Landscaping designs and builds yards, patios and outdoor living spaces for Oceano homeowners. That includes landscape design and planting, pavers and patios, retaining walls, pergolas and patio covers, outdoor kitchens, fire features, decks, irrigation, lighting, and drought-tolerant yards and turf. We're a licensed contractor (CSLB #986950, including C-27 landscaping) serving all of San Luis Obispo County, with one team from design through installation. Call 805-712-4440 or request a free estimate.

Landscaping for Oceano's Sand, Wind and Salt Air

Oceano sits between the Oceano Dunes and the farm fields of the Arroyo Grande Valley. It runs from the beach tract near Pier Avenue and the Oceano Lagoon, past the airport, to the neighborhoods east toward Halcyon Road. Most yards here share three conditions:

• Sandy soil. Much of Oceano sits on sandy, fast-draining ground. Water and nutrients pass through quickly, so we add organic matter where plants need it, use drip irrigation that delivers water slowly to the root zone, and pick plants that thrive in sand.
• Wind. Afternoon onshore wind dries out plants and blows away loose mulch. We use heavier rock and gravel, windbreak planting, and screens or solid patio covers to shelter seating areas.
• Salt and fog. Damp, salty air is hard on metal and wood. We favor powder-coated or aluminum structures, stainless or coated hardware, and sealed pavers.

Building on Sand: Patios, Pavers and Walls

Sand can be a great base when it's handled right, and a headache when it isn't. For paver patios, walkways and driveways, we excavate, lay geotextile fabric where needed, and build a compacted aggregate base with solid edge restraints so pavers don't creep. For retaining walls and raised planters, we design footings and drainage for loose, sandy soil. Fast drainage is an advantage here, too: permeable pavers and gravel let rainwater soak in instead of running into the street.

Permits and the Coastal Zone

Oceano is an unincorporated community, so permits go through the County of San Luis Obispo Planning & Building Department rather than a city. The part of Oceano west of the railroad tracks is in the California Coastal Zone, where development follows the County's coastal land use rules. Some projects there may need a Coastal Development Permit, and projects that trigger landscape review must meet water-efficient landscape requirements. Inland neighborhoods follow the County's inland plan. We check what your project needs before design is final, and we prepare site plans, planting plans and irrigation details when they're required.

Oceano's dunes, lagoon and wetlands are sensitive habitat. We avoid invasive plants such as iceplant and choose coastal natives and well-behaved Mediterranean plants instead.

Water in Oceano

The Oceano Community Services District supplies water from a mix of groundwater, Lopez Lake and the State Water Project. With sandy soil that drains fast, efficient irrigation matters: drip lines, pressure regulation, a weather-based controller, and plants grouped by water needs. A drought-tolerant landscape with gravel, boulders and coastal-tough plants fits Oceano well. We check current rebate programs for your address; see lawn replacement and rebates.

What We Build in Oceano

• Landscape design and installation with coastal-tolerant planting and drip irrigation
• Rock, gravel and decomposed granite that stays put in the wind
• Patios, pavers and concrete
• Pergolas and patio covers built for salt air
• Fire pits and outdoor kitchens for foggy evenings
• Decks, lighting and artificial turf

Planning a new home or major remodel? Our sister company, Harrod Built, builds custom homes, and we can design the landscape alongside it.

Nearby Areas We Serve

We also work in Grover Beach, Pismo Beach, Arroyo Grande, Nipomo and Avila Beach, throughout San Luis Obispo County, and on larger projects in Monterey and Santa Barbara counties.

For poured driveways and walks next door, see concrete flatwork in Grover Beach. Drainage next door, under City of Grover Beach rules: yard drainage in Grover Beach. For lots here in Oceano, under County rules, see yard drainage in Oceano. Patios, walks and driveways on Oceano lots are covered in concrete flatwork in Oceano. Next door, under City of Grover Beach water rules: irrigation in Grover Beach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you work in Oceano?

Yes. We serve all of San Luis Obispo County, including Oceano, Halcyon and the rest of the Five Cities area.

What plants do well in Oceano’s sandy soil?

Coastal natives, succulents, ornamental grasses and many Mediterranean shrubs and trees such as olives do well in sand and wind. We pick plants for your exposure and avoid invasive plants like iceplant.

Do I need a permit for landscaping in Oceano?

Many simple landscape projects do not, but structures, larger walls and some projects in the Coastal Zone (west of the railroad tracks) may need County permits, sometimes including a Coastal Development Permit. We check before design is final.

Will pavers shift in sand?

Not when the base is built correctly. We excavate, use geotextile fabric where needed, compact an aggregate base and install solid edge restraints.

What materials hold up to the salt air?

Aluminum or powder-coated structures, stainless or coated hardware and sealed pavers need the least upkeep near the ocean.