Project Spotlight – Xeriscape Landscape Remodel in Lakeside, Ca.
The Deep Rooted Designs team was knighted by a couple in Lakeside to take their outdoor living space from lackluster to eye-catching. We were excited to break ground in Lakeside because most of our projects lately have hovered around central and coastal San Diego.
Lakeside, Ca is about 25 miles from Downtown San Diego and stands as a rodeo haven for East County residents. Lakeside is full of single family homes and is scolding hot in the summer time – a combination that has homeowners craving drought-proof landscapes that they can enjoy during those oh-so-fun 100+ heatwaves.
Most homes in East County were built circa 1960-1970. The evidence of this varies from home to home, but it’s not uncommon to see neighborhood blocks full of small 3b/2b with slanted roofs, carports and other subtle nods to that era. Many first-time homebuyers take advantage of the lower price points of these homes and invest in remodels to increase the property value.
This Lakeside home didn’t look terrible by any means. But as you can see by the before photo, it was missing that “special something.” The home was visually plain and seemed to blend into the street, lacking any interest to draw the eye.
And let’s talk about that grass for a minute. Whether you live in Lakeside or Carlsbad, grass is a PAIN in the [you-know-what]. It’s near impossible to keep green. And those who try cause significant strain on our delicate water resources…not to mention rack up a hefty water bill in the process.
The first goal we set to accomplish was to give these homeowners an over-haul of their front yard that they were proud to come home to. The second goal was to design a xeriscape landscape to create a low-maintenance, drought-proof space to reduce their water usage and ease up on the household chores.
We started by leveling the yard and removing the dying grass. We installed a brand new stucco wall that matched the home perfectly. By looking at it, you’d never notice it was an add-on – which is exactly how home remodels should be. We then installed premium redwood horizontal fencing on top of the stucco to give it a nice mix of texture. We love how the contrasting elements of stone and wood come together to create dimension.
Our landscape designers chose a plant palette that was suitable for hot, dry climates while still incorporating color – which was important to the the homeowners.
Lastly, the driveway and front door entry received a makeover so that the entire space would blend perfectly. We added landscape lighting to provide a finishing touch. These Lakeside homeowners now have a yard to be envied by all passerby’s and a reduced water bill coming their way!
Click here to see more photos from this Lakeside Landscape Design.