Landscaping Services in El Dorado Hills, CA

A yard that works for you and your family.

Your yard is one of the first things people notice about your home. A well-planted, tidy yard makes your property feel welcoming. Also, a yard with good drainage and the right plants saves you time and money on upkeep.
Progressive Landscapes builds yards that are clean, green, and ready for outdoor life. We handle everything from preparing the soil to laying the last row of sod.
Our team works in El Dorado Hills, Folsom, and other foothill cities nearby.

Landscaping Services
We Provide in El Dorado Hills

Soil Conditioning and Site Grading

Good soil is the foundation of any healthy yard. First, we remove rocks, roots, and weeds from the build area. Next, we use a tractor to till organic compost deep into the clay soil to loosen the surface and open up the drainage channels. We test the softness of the ground with a graduated dial-gauge soil penetrometer to confirm the dirt is ready for planting. All grading work meets California Building Code Section 1804.4 site grading slope requirements so water runs away from your home and not toward it.

Drip Irrigation and Sprinkler Systems

Water is expensive, and the wrong system wastes a lot of it. A drip system puts water right at the root zone so very little is lost to evaporation. We run separate sprinkler lines for lawns and drip lines for flower beds and shrubs. Next, we connect everything to a smart irrigation controller that reads local weather data and adjusts the watering schedule on its own. We test every valve with a battery-operated digital irrigation solenoid tester to confirm each zone opens and closes on cue. All systems meet California Code of Regulations Title 23 Section 492.7 water-efficient landscape requirements.

Tree and Shrub Planting

The right plant in the right spot will grow for decades with very little help. We pick trees and shrubs that match El Dorado County’s soil type, rainfall, and sun levels. Next, we dig a wide planting hole and set each tree root ball into a bed of rich, loose soil that gives the roots room to spread outward. We anchor large trees with a spring-tensioned metal tree staking band tensioner to hold them straight through winter windstorms. All planting follows California Code of Regulations Title 23 Section 492.6 soil preparation and mulch placement standards.

Yard Drainage and Runoff Solutions

Water with nowhere to go causes damage. It can kill plants, erode pathways, and push against your home’s foundation. We map the low points in your yard and dig a trench to install a perforated pipe, also called a French drain, that carries runoff to a safe exit point. Next, we measure the soil’s drainage speed with a calibrated soil drainage percolation cylinder before we choose the right pipe size for the job. All drainage work follows California Residential Code Section R300.2 yard grading and drainage guidelines to prevent erosion and property damage.

What Makes Working With Us Different

We believe every yard project starts with honesty and ends with follow-through.
  • Licensed and Insured – CSLB No. 970596: We carry an active California contractor license and full liability insurance. This protects your property from start to finish.
  • Free Yard Visit Before You Commit: We come to your property and look at the soil, slope, and sun exposure. You hear our honest opinion before any money changes hands.
  • Clear Written Estimate: You get a written price that lists every material and every hour of labor. Nothing gets added later without your approval.
  • HOA Approval Handled for You: Communities like Serrano and Blackstone have plant and design rules. We prepare all the documents and submit them to your HOA board on your behalf.
  • Soil Prep Before Every Plant: We break up the clay and work in organic compost before anything goes in the ground. This gives plant roots the loose, rich soil they need to survive the summers.

How We Build Your Yard Step by Step

Step 01

Site Walk and Assessment

We walk your full yard with you before we touch anything. We check the soil, look for low spots, and note which areas get full sun versus shade. Next, we listen to what you want the finished yard to look like.
Step 02

Layout Drawing and HOA Submittal

We create a simple site plan that shows where plants, sod, and irrigation lines will go. Also, we send the plan to your HOA board for approval before any work starts.
Step 03

Clearing and Grading

We pull out old plants, weeds, and loose debris from the yard. Next, we use the tractor to level the ground and fix any slope issues that could create drainage problems later.
Step 04

Soil Prep and Trench Work

We till compost into the planting beds to loosen the clay. Also, we dig the trenches where the irrigation pipes and drainage lines will be buried.
Step 05

Water and Drainage Systems

We lay the pipes, set the valves, and install any catch basins or French drains. Next, we run the full system from end to end to check the pressure and confirm every nozzle covers its zone.
Step 06

Plants, Sod, and Mulch

We plant every tree and shrub in its prepared hole, roll out the fescue sod on the lawn areas, and spread a thick layer of bark mulch over all the beds. Finally, we program the irrigation timer and do a full site cleanup before we leave.

Start With a Free Yard Visit

Your yard has a solution. We come out, find it, price it clearly, and build it on schedule.
Call 916-439-8096 to book your free yard visit. We cover El Dorado Hills, Folsom, Granite Bay, and all surrounding foothill cities.

Common Questions From
El Dorado Hills Homeowners

How long until new sod takes root?
Tall fescue usually takes two to three weeks to root into the soil. During that time, you water it lightly two or three times a day to keep it from drying out.
What plants are safe if deer come into my yard?
Rosemary, lavender, sage, and most native California grasses are not appealing to deer. We select from these plant families first so your new plantings have a real chance.
When is the best time to plant in the foothills?
Late September through November and late February through April are the safest windows. The mild temperatures let roots settle in before hot summers or cold winters arrive.
How much water can a drip system save?
Drip systems typically cut outdoor water use by forty to fifty percent. The water goes straight to the root zone, so very little is lost to wind or surface evaporation.
How do I know if my yard needs drainage work?
If you see standing puddles more than two hours after a rainstorm, or if patches of your lawn turn yellow every wet season, you likely have a drainage issue. We check for this during your free yard visit.
Is mulch really worth it in garden beds?
Yes. A thick layer of mulch keeps the soil cooler by blocking direct sunlight. Also, it slows evaporation so you water less often, and weeds have a much harder time getting started.