Landscaping Services in Santa Barbara, CA

Paso Robles Landscaping designs and builds gardens, patios, walkways, walls and outdoor living spaces for homes in Santa Barbara. Many Santa Barbara lots are compact, many are on hillsides, and the City runs its own lawn replacement and irrigation rebate programs. We design projects so the parts that should qualify for a rebate do, and the patio, kitchen or turf you want goes where it won't cost you one. Call 805-712-4440 or request a free estimate.

White aluminum patio cover over a furnished concrete patio
An aluminum cover over a concrete patio.

City of Santa Barbara Lawn Replacement Rebate

The City's Sustainable Lawn Replacement program lists these terms as of October 2026:

  • $2.00 per square foot of lawn replaced, up to $1,500 for single-family homes; adding a rain garden can raise the combined rebate to $5.00 per square foot
  • Pre-approval is required before you start, and the lawn (living or golden) must have a history of irrigation
  • At least three plants per 100 square feet, three inches of mulch, and drip or no irrigation in the converted area
  • Permeable flagstone or gravel can cover up to 25% of the area; artificial turf, patios, decks and decomposed granite don't qualify there
  • Projects that need a building permit aren't eligible, and work must be finished within 120 days of the Authorization to Proceed

Call the City's Water Conservation team at (805) 564-5460 with questions. We plan the rebate area and any patio or turf area as separate zones so each part is clear.

Redwood horizontal fence and gate beside stamped concrete
A horizontal fence and gate for a side yard.

Irrigation Rebates

The City's irrigation efficiency rebates cover 50% of drip retrofit materials up to $100, $2 per high-efficiency nozzle up to $50, 50% of a smart irrigation timer up to $100, and 50% of a laundry-to-landscape graywater system up to $100. Applications are due within 60 days of purchase. We set up drip zones and weather-based controllers that fit those programs.

Gravel xeriscape beds with boulders along a concrete path
Low-water beds with gravel and boulders.

Compact Lots and Hillsides

A small yard needs a clear plan: a patio or covered seating area sized for how you use it, a side-yard path and gate, raised beds or a narrow planting strip, and lighting so it all works at night. On slopes, retaining walls and steps create level space and drainage keeps storm water moving where it should. If your home is in a wildland area, we keep the first five feet ember-resistant with gravel, pavers or concrete; you can check any address on the State Fire Marshal's FHSZ map.

Raised garden beds with a pergola and privacy fence
Raised beds for a small backyard.

Outdoor Living

Patio covers, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, fire features and lighting extend the season, and the mild coastal weather means you'll use them most of the year. Permits for structures come from the City; we confirm per lot.

Planning a pool? The pool itself is built by a licensed pool partner. We design and build the poolside landscaping, decks, concrete, lighting and planting around it and coordinate the schedule with the pool builder.

Outdoor kitchen with LED lighting at sunset
An outdoor kitchen with built-in lighting.

What We Build in Santa Barbara

We can help you with everything from the first design to the finished build:

Nearby Areas We Serve

From Santa Barbara we also work in Montecito, Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Maria. See our Santa Barbara County landscaping page, or our home base on the San Luis Obispo County service area page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the Santa Barbara lawn rebate?

As of October 2026 the City lists $2.00 per square foot, up to $1,500 for single-family homes, and up to $5.00 per square foot combined with a rain garden. Pre-approval is required.

Does artificial turf qualify for the City rebate?

No. Artificial turf, patios, decks and decomposed granite are not allowed in the rebate area. Permeable flagstone or gravel can cover up to 25% of it.

Can I get a rebate for a smart controller?

Yes. The City reimburses 50% of a smart irrigation timer up to $100, along with drip retrofit and nozzle rebates. Apply within 60 days of purchase.

Can a rebate project include a new patio?

The patio has to be outside the rebate area, and projects that need a building permit are not eligible for the lawn rebate. We lay out the zones so it is clear.

Do you work on hillside lots?

Yes. We build retaining walls, steps and drainage for sloped yards.

Planning a Santa Barbara Project?

Tell us about your yard and we will check the rebate fit and give you a free estimate.

Call 805-712-4440 Get a Free Estimate

Paso Robles Landscaping · 1345 Riverside Ave, Paso Robles · Licensed contractor, CSLB #986950 · Serving San Luis Obispo, Monterey and Santa Barbara counties