Montecito Landscape

Name: Montecito Landscape
Address: 1187 Coast Village Rd, Montecito, CA, 93108, United States
Telephone: (805) 969-3984
Rating: 5

15 Reviews

Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers

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About Us

4x Best of Houzz winner

Locally owned

References available

Santa Barbara's Award Winning Master Landscaper

Beautiful Gardens make people happy For over 54 years, Chris and Lisa Cullen, owners of Montecito Landscape have been creating beautiful gardens in Santa Barbara, Montecito, Malibu and beyond. We are a bit old-fashioned, we don't hire salespeople or designers, when you call for a FREE Home Garden Consultation (805-969-3984) we take the time to find out what you want from your garden and work with you to make that happen. It is your garden after all, so it should be perfect. We do it this way because, nothing is more fun than visiting people's gardens, getting to know them, and envisioning how to take their landscape from ordinary to extraordinary. Life is about the journey; for us, this is our journey. The earth is our canvas and landscape design is our passion. I know it sounds corny, but we help people. When we create a more beautiful, more usable landscape and outdoor living environment for our clients we are enhancing our client's quality of life and giving them a little peace of mind, enjoyment, appreciation of nature and a bit of joy. Yes, we can tell you that as design/build contractors we design and install landscapes with our own crew of highly skilled artisans. Yes, Chris is a trained horticulturist and arborist, having graduated from the Sarasota Horticulture Foundation and after over 50 years as a licensed contractor, he KNOWS what works and what doesn't. But in the end, we are designing for our clients, for you. A landscape, a garden is a place to experience, enjoy and celebrate the beauty of outdoor living and nature. What is the Montecito Landscape difference? It’s about the joy, the joy in creating a more beautiful world one garden at a time. Call today (805) 969-3984, for a Free Home Garden Consultation. We look forward to meeting you. And until then, fill your garden with joy.

Awards

Numerous Montecito Beautification and Santa Barbara Beautiful Awards Montecito "lifetime achievement award" from Montecito Beautification Committee

31 Projects

Design ideas for a contemporary landscaping in Santa Barbara.

Business Details

Business Name

Montecito Landscape

Phone Number

(805) 969-3984

Website

montecitolandscape.com

Address

1187 Coast Village Rd
Ste. 1-160
Montecito, CA 93108

Typical Job Cost

$25,000 - 500,000

We bid the job as a turn-key project, but also do time and materials bids. Depends on the client's needs.

License Number

263156

Followers

74 Followers

Socials

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Services Provided

Landscape Design

Garden Design

Hardscaping

Landscape Plans

Patio Design

Drought Tolerant Landscaping

Site Planning

Custom Fire Pits

Pool Landscaping

Custom Water Features

Gazebo Design & Construction

Design Consultation

Outdoor Lighting Design

Organic Gardens

Edible Gardens

Custom Bocce Ball Courts

Masonry

Outdoor Kitchen Construction

Outdoor Lighting Installation

Patio Construction

Pergola Construction

Tree Planting

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Areas Served

Santa Barbara

Goleta

Carpinteria

Malibu

Montecito

Mission Canyon

Toro Canyon

Summerland

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Credentials

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Featured Review

Susan Brunn

From beginning to end, working with Chris & Lisa Cullen was a dream.Read Full Review

Write a Review

15 Reviews for Montecito Landscape

Newest first

5.0|15 reviews

Work Quality

5.0

Communication

5.0

Value

5.0

HU-508521562

My daughter and I had absolutely the best experience with Montecito Landscape. Lisa and Chris expertly planned and executed one of the most beautiful gardens. We loved their ideas, their knowledge and their style. Not only that we had FUN! Recommend them completely! SEC

January 18, 2022

Comment from Montecito Landscape:

Thank you SEC, as you know I loved working with you and had lots of fun collaborating. Very kind of you to post a review. xo Lisa

Susan Brunn

From beginning to end, working with Chris & Lisa Cullen was a dream. At the very first meeting, I could tell that they completely understood what I was trying to do, and what it required. In a very short period of time, we had a plan and a schedule. I was thrilled with their ability to get my project done on a pretty tight time frame. Their crew was amazing - punctual, hard working, dedicated, and considerate of me, as well as my neighbors. Wouldn't change a thing, as I'm thrilled with the end result! After just being finished for a few weeks, my new gardens look like they have always been here. I can't wait to see what they will look like a year from now! I can happily recommend Montecito Landscape for all of your landscape design and installation needs. You will not be disappointed!!

September 16, 2018Last modified:September 16, 2018

Comment from Montecito Landscape:

Thank you Susan! You were a delight to work with. xo Lisa

Pacific Painting Co

To Whom it may Concern (which should be everyone interested in a gorgeous flower garden): I’m sitting in my newly installed garden, astonished at how quickly the plants are plumping and flowering. I don’t know many names of the plants, but I’ll learn, because the wizards behind this installation aren’t going anywhere. Chris and Lisa Cullen brought their decades of experience with plant selection and knowledge of “what works” in a particular micro-climate, sun exposure, and irrigation needs. This is the second iteration of a Montecito Landscape installation for us. The first go-around was voluptuously successful, but was decimated by the Jan. 9 mud flow. I did not hesitate to call Chris and Lisa again. They knew what we liked and what we wanted. They have a marvelous sense of color and texture and a way of creating a topography of highs and lows. They have a knowledgeable crew who are on time, responsive, and their jefe, Javier, is one of the nicest and most competent people you’ll ever meet. And, oh yeah, Chris and Lisa are pretty nice people themselves. Bob Latham Montecito

August 7, 2018

Comment from Montecito Landscape:

thank you Bob and Maryann, it was a pleasure transforming your sea of mud into a beautiful garden. xo lisa

jhart240

Being a girl from the Midwest, when we built our new home in CA, I had absolutely no idea what plants should be planted in CA! We asked Chris and Lisa to give us a plan.. Of course it was lovely! The landscaping was done and looked so beautiful I stood in awe! Everyone who came to our home said how beautiful it was driving up the drive and coming into the house! Thank you Chris and Lisa, you are the best! Sincerely, Jeanne

June 24, 2016

Comment from Montecito Landscape:

Jeanne, you were such a delight to work. I appreciated your allowing us to create that beautiful eden.

robinalex

Montecito Landscape, Santa Barbara, California Chris and Lisa Cullen, creative and knowledgeable professionals, are above all, completely receptive to their client’s individuality. Their crew is hard working, skilled, tidy, cooperative, and always polite. They joyfully took on the challenge of my very small space, an uninspired condo garden patio that had boring (and water guzzling) grass, an awkward slope and a lopsided, ailing lemon tree I insisted on keeping. To them, the slope was a design opportunity for a stairway and path undulating down to the creek, using only stone and boulder already on site, and no mortar whatsoever, completed in only one afternoon by their highly skilled crew. They gave invaluable technical advice in siting the hot tub, considering the landscape, slope and especially privacy. They had top notch sub-contractors for tile and carpentry. Inspired by my own Polynesian roots and preferences, they removed the grass, expanded the patio, and created a magnificent tropical garden, beginning with the existing palm and fern trees, adding some exotic but hardy choices, both large and small, and finally a fabulous passion flower vine. I am so pleased with my tiny “jungle,” a truly striking, inviting, intimate, organic tropical environment. It feels like an arboretum. Everyone loves it, especially me.

June 21, 2016

Comment from Montecito Landscape:

Thank you Robin, you were such fun to work with and love the jungle we created for you! xo Lisa

HU-327792

Our backyard is very modest, but it had deteriorated with overgrown corners, making it even smaller, with old, dying orange trees. Much of it was really inaccessible because it was raised and terraced away from the walkway at the side of the house. When Chris first visited, he asked if I liked to cook, and when I said "Yes," he had the theme for our garden. It would be dominated by edible plants--herbs, and fruit trees, and anchored by 2 existing trees--a white peach and a Meyer lemon. He added a second set of stone steps that led up to a gravel pathway that meandered from just outside the kitchen to a newly planted guava at the back corner. The path and the newly exposed sandstone wall at the back of the yard really enlarged the garden. The whole project was very swiftly accomplished, and Montecito Landscape's own employees were even even able to mine our own yard for stones to even out a stone wall and provide a "riverbed" down the side of the house. The pathway and the plants make it a delight to walk through, as I generally do several times a day. Many of the original plants are still here--rosemary and lavender bushes and several Mexican Sages, 2 new oranges, a lime and 2 guavas. Even here in the drought it looks pretty good, quite remarkable since we turned off the irrigation over a year ago.

June 20, 2016

Comment from Montecito Landscape:

Thank you so much, we are happy to hear that everything is still looking good and that you are happy. As an artist your opinion is particularly important to us. xo Lisa

kristymanning22

Chris and Lisa Cullen, and their professional team at Montecito Landscaping were wonderful to work with on our home landscaping project. They responded quickly to inquiries, provided expert guidance, and executed the project beautifully over a two week period. I’ve recommended their company to dozens of friends and colleagues. It was impressive how they demolished our existing landscaping in the front, side and backyard to create a clear pallet for Chris to do his magic. His artistic abilities and decades of experience became pretty clear to me during our first meeting. He shared stories of when he was younger working for master gardeners and obviously learned a great deal. He’s very straightforward, passionate about his craft, and honest. Our little Spanish house had great potential but it needed to be simplified (less eclectic) with more continuity throughout. Chris suggested that we incorporate herbs, citrus, and flowering plants along with Italian pots and an efficient drip system. He envisioned fluid pathways, low maintenance, drought tolerant plants, and replanting many of our succulents in more suitable areas. My husband and I were very pleased with the final product and two years later it still looks gorgeous!

June 13, 2016

Comment from Montecito Landscape:

Thanks Kristy, We love the way your garden turned out and it's such good to hear that all is well. You know you can always call us to advise on how to take care of your maturing garden. xo Lisa

rob nolastname

Over the last two years, Montecito Landscape has done several jobs for us, from building a wood burning pizza oven to stonework to designing, planning & executing a large garden overhaul. Each project has been handled professionally, both by Chris & Lisa & their crew of workers, all of whom have been efficient, reliable & multi-skilled. We enthusiastically endorse & recommend them.

June 9, 2016

Comment from Montecito Landscape:

Thanks for the enthusiastic review! We love your property and is one of our favorite projects of all time. It may have something to do with the fact that you two were so involved in the execution. And you are just so much fun. Happy pizza making! xo Lisa

dcoventry

Very knowledgeable and friendly, they understood what we wanted to create around our house. They then explained how they would go about the job and then they did just that, we couldn't have been happier. Now any visitor to our home comments on our beautiful garden!!

June 8, 2016

Comment from Montecito Landscape:

We loved renovating your garden and are pleased that you are happy with the result. Thanks so much for the wonderful endorsement. xo Lisa

HU-612528

We have contracted with Montecito Landscape for separate projects on our property. They are very knowledgeable on all plants that grow in different conditions and the constraints on their water usage. Our property already had a color palate and Chris recommendations just enhanced the palate. Their gardeners or staff are very courteous and also knowledgeable. When they leave everything is cleaned, sprinkler working properly and plants planted as we wanted. I will likely hire then for two other projects in the future. Highly recommended.

June 4, 2016

Comment from Montecito Landscape:

Thanks for posting the photos. This was a very creative project and love the modern style that you have created on your property. You were the perfect client, inspired and involved in the transformation. Thanks again, Lisa and Chris

Randall and Jane King

We've used three prominent landscape professionals over the years for our Montecito property and finally found the gold standard. Lisa and Chris at Montecito Landscape proved to be talented, efficient, cost effective and fun to work with. Their entire crew worked diligently and seamlessly to produce for us a natural, vibrant and water conserving outdoor environment.

June 2, 2016

Comment from Montecito Landscape:

Thank you Kings for allowing us to transform your property. We are honored by your wonderful review. We enjoy working for clients who are involved in the process and you certainly were there every step of the way, which we appreciated. We are always available to continue the training of your gardeners on the continuing maintenance of your landscape. Thanks for being such good custodians of the garden. Lisa & Chris

Robert Boulware

Montecito landscape delivered a creative beautiful project on time and on budget. The crew members were extrordinary in every way. Chris was on site daily fully responsive and provided the highest quality materials on budget

June 2, 2016

Comment from Montecito Landscape:

Thank you Bob, your project was a real design challenge and we appreciate that you had the confidence in us and allowed us to "do our thing" with your property. You were dream clients that's for sure. Let us know if you need any follow up consultation as the garden matures. Lisa & Chris

sblc

Chris and Lisa are extraordinary! Their incredible depth of knowledge and decades of experience have helped us transform our desolate property into an amazing natural landscape. More than anything, we love their authenticity and honesty - we would trust them with anything.

June 1, 2016Last modified:June 8, 2016

Comment from Montecito Landscape:

Thank you so much. I have to credit you for inspiration as our guide on your project. We enjoyed our recent visit and walk through. You are doing a fabulous job! Lisa & Chris

Kathryn W.

We hired Montecito Landscape for 2 projects. First, they redid our side street from driveway to corner to a more drought tolerant landscape design with fruit trees and mulch. It looks clean and neat, and is much easier to maintain. They did a lovely job, were professional, on time, and we received many compliments from neighbours who loved the new look! The second was to redo the front of our home by eliminating our massive front lawn and redoing a drought tolerant, easy to maintain landscape with vibrant flowering plants for curb appeal. The new look is terrific and plants are well established and alive-almost a year later, despite the water shortage issues in SB County. Our yard looks lovely. We would definitely recommend Montecito Landscape to other consumers.

June 1, 2016

Comment from Montecito Landscape:

Thank you so much for the vote of confidence. You have done a wonderful job with the landscape and working with the drought in Santa Barbara. We appreciate that you trusted our vision for the renovation of your property and are proud of you for taking the plunge is getting rid of your front lawn! You know you can always call us for follow up consults should you have any questions about the maintenance. xo Lisa & Chris

bourbon3

Montecito landscape is not just any landscape company. Chris & Lisa listened to what I wanted & then to my fantasy ideas & helped me fulfill my dream driveway entrance that I had waited 30 years to do. It looked like it was always there. Their workers have been with them for years & I know why. Amazing job. I'm happy beyond words.

June 1, 2016

Comment from Montecito Landscape:

Wow! You are a dream client and such a wonderful family to have gotten to know. Part of the enjoyment for us was hearing about the kids and their adventures in life. The other part of course, was the interaction with the two of you. We appreciate your continuing to consult us on your upcoming projects. Thanks for the great review. xo Lisa & Chris

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Frequently Asked Questions

We specialize in creating beautiful, custom gardens and outdoor living environments. Our projects often include custom bocce ball courts, fire pits, water features, edible and organic gardens, hardscaping, and comprehensive landscape design. We aim to transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary ones, enhancing your quality of life. In short, we do it all.

We handle both the design and installation of your landscape project with our own skilled crew. However, we also offer design-only services and project management. From the initial FREE Home Garden Consultation to the final touches, we ensure seamless coordination to bring your vision to life.

Yes, absolutely. This is not normally needed. We normally design on-site, placing plants, paths, and hardscape in the ground for best accuracy. We can create concept plans as part of our comprehensive landscape design process.

Yes, designing beautiful and functional outdoor living spaces is a passion of ours. We regularly create custom patios, outdoor kitchens, and other hardscaping elements to enhance your enjoyment of the outdoors. Our goal is to make your garden a true extension of your home.

Absolutely. We are experienced in designing beautiful and sustainable landscapes, including drought-tolerant and organic gardens. We understand the importance of creating environmentally conscious spaces that thrive in our local climate while reducing water usage and promoting natural ecosystems.

FAQ content may be generated based on the Pro's Houzz profile and website.

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8 Ideabooks

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17 Comments

Commented: beautiful stoneThe stone was an Oklahoma Cherokee

July 29, 2026

Commented: Wheres the pizza oven from?Yes, I think I could help. Who is doing the design? And, if you could please email me at liscullen@montecitolandscape.com

September 27, 2020

Commented: Fabulous outdoor furnitureThank you Maureen!

May 4, 2019

Commented: WHAT KIND OF TREE IS THATThat is a California Pepper, Schinus molle. You don't normally see them this shape, but this one has been allowed to find it's own way.

August 29, 2018

Commented: type of gravel?Good question, the gravel is called California Gold and it is chipseal on asphalt xo Lisa

August 26, 2018

Commented: What is the driveway color mix and make?The material of this driveway is SB Sandstone Cobble from Stoneyard Building Materials.

February 23, 2017

Montecito Landscape