--- title: "CARL BALTON + ASSOCIATES — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/carl-balton-associates-pfvwus-pf~721443450 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~721443450.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "CARL BALTON + ASSOCIATES" category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/8c531caf0f42fd8e_6076-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "P.O. Box 5579, Santa Monica, California 90409-5579, United States" latitude: 33.7866 longitude: -118.2987 phone: "(310) 738-3610" website: http://carlbalton.com rating: 5 review_count: 32 best_of_houzz_awards: 10 followers: 383 last_updated: 2026-08-13 --- # CARL BALTON + ASSOCIATES Original Houzz profile: [CARL BALTON + ASSOCIATES](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/carl-balton-associates-pfvwus-pf~721443450) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** Santa Monica, CA - **Serves:** Los Angeles, Bel Air, Brentwood Los Angeles, Hollywood, Venice, Santa Monica, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Culver City, Studio City, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Pacific Palisades, Marina del Rey, Topanga, Playa del Rey - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (32 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 10 awards (2012–2022), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 25,000 Ideabook Saves - Published locally - High-end - Offers Custom Work The Landscape you envision becomes a reality with inspired original design. Our successful designs come from our ability to analyze your location, and implement your intentions for the space. We are not well-suited for clients looking for piecemeal landscape design work versus redesigning the full garden space nor if you already have a very detailed vision of what you want for your space. VALUES: Carl Balton + Associates is dedicated to uniting our clients' needs with a clear and creative vision for the unique places they inhabit. Our goal is to create landscapes that people love. Our designs have renewed the environmental integrity and transformed the quality of a wide range of residential and commercial spaces. We have extensive experience working from Master Planning through realization and beyond. We believe that if the solution is right, it will enhance the environment and be beautiful, people will use it, and it will endure. WORKING WITH CLIENTS: Every physical space is unique. We work closely with clients to understand their sites and the fabric - social and environmental - in which they are woven. We do not impose a program or a signature style. Designs emerge out of the intensive process of re-imagining place and use. We are well versed in responding to concerns, anticipating challenges, and accomplishing what we envision together. HOW WE WORK TOGETHER: We marry accountability and accessibility and this makes it easier for clients to get attention and information. We believe that the better the input from our clients, the better the solution. It also means that there is more than one creative idea and the contest of ideas produces better designs. Carl settled in Los Angeles over 25 years ago after moving from the East Coast. With a B.S. in Microbiology and an M.B.A. in Finance Carl has taken a rather circuitous route to Landscape Design. Although seemingly unrelated, the benefits of studying Biology and Business, and understanding how each can inform the other within the scope of a project, create a perfect harmony between the spontaneity of nature and the structure of planning. He continues studies at the UCLA Extension-Landscape Architecture Program and City of Santa Monica Sustainable Landscape Design Series for Professionals. Carl comes to a project with a working understanding of the complete home renovation process as well as all phases of Landscape Design. ### Services Provided - Garden Design - Hardscaping - Drought Tolerant Landscaping - Site Planning - Custom Fire Pits - 3D Rendering - Drafting - Construction Drawings ### Areas Served - Los Angeles - Bel Air - Brentwood Los Angeles - Hollywood - Venice - Santa Monica - Encino - Sherman Oaks - Culver City - Studio City - West Hollywood - Beverly Hills - Pacific Palisades - Marina del Rey - Topanga - Playa del Rey ### Typical Job Cost $50,000 - 500,000 Design Fees range from 5-10% of Project Cost depending on scope of work (Example: $100,000 Project = $5,000-10,000 in Design Fees). ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | CARL BALTON + ASSOCIATES | | Address | P.O. Box 5579, Santa Monica, California 90409-5579, United States | | Phone | (310) 738-3610 | | Website | http://carlbalton.com | | Followers on Houzz | 383 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [CARL BALTON + ASSOCIATES](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/carl-balton-associates-pfvwus-pf~721443450) - **Website:** http://carlbalton.com - **Phone:** (310) 738-3610 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Best of Houzz Customer Service 2012-2022 - **Best of Houzz:** 10 awards (2012–2022), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 32 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Shaul Kofler, Dec. 2021** > I had the pleasure of working with Carl on a big landscape project in Torrance. Design was absolutely beautiful! He really knows his craft and understands the type of plants and trees that fit the southern California climate. He was really responsive on getting the delivery on time and oversaw the correct installation of all the landscaping. Looking forward to working with Carl again in the next project. **★★★★★ — cortesejocelyn, Sept. 2021** > Carl is very knowledgeable, and also a great listener. He helped us create landscaping that was appropriate for our home's style, our family's lifestyle, and our interest in being environmentally responsible. He is responsive, flexible, and passionate about his craft. We are thrilled with our landscaping and he gave us all the information we needed to keep it looking fantastic. I highly recommend him. **★★★★★ — Clayton cohen, Dec. 2020** > Carl is a fantastic landscape architect with a keen eye for modern, practical, eco-friendly design. He has a seamless design process from start to finish, listened to our needs, and provided our landscape contractor with a perfect set of plans. We feel like we’ve added hundreds of square feet to our home with our newly renovated outdoor space! We would highly recommend Carl for his services as we had a great experience with him and he continues to provide follow up and ongoing feedback months after the project. **★★★★★ — Courtney T, Nov. 2020** > Carl was an absolute pleasure to work with and very professional. He was extremely hands on and brought my vision to life. I highly recommend working with him and will hire him for more jobs in the future. 5 star service and style. **★★★★★ — Maureen Bryant, Sept. 2019** > I used Carl to design our small backyard in Beverly Hills. Carl was punctual, on budget, and delivered not only a beautiful but very functional design! **★★★★★ — Darren Diau, July 2019** > Highly recommend Carl! Our property management worked with Carl on the design and implementation of a landscaping renovations project for a 80,000 SF shopping center. This was a large scale project with many moving parts but Carl was very responsive throughout and made sure the project was done in time and on schedule. **★★★★★ — Sterling Landscaping, Inc, June 2019** > We started working with Carl this year to help with our landscape design workload and we could not be more happy with him. He has an eye for not only aesthetically pleasing design but also functional. He is timely, competent, and competitively priced. **★★★★★ — CaliScape Landscape Services, Dec. 2018** > I have worked with Carl on several projects and each time its been a good experience. Carl designs and presents unique, functional and sustainable landscapes. On the job he has a clear vision of the end product with a common sense approach to completing the work. **★★★★★ — Tony Miles, Nov. 2017** > We hired Carl Balton to perform design and landscape work on multiple projects in the Los Angeles region. We worked as owners representatives on all these projects and when the owners would come to the buildings after the exterior work was completed, they were shocked at the transformation from the old overgrown buildings to the clean, modern and street appeal of the buildings. We worked on a total of 7 projects together over a three year period with complete satisfaction on all. Landscape work was the item we ended up receiving the most praise for on all of our projects due to Carl's interaction on these projects. I would highly recommend Carl Balton on any project you have in the future. He is constantly on site to make sure every last touch and detail is attended to. **★★★★★ — User, Aug. 2017** > Carl is a pro. I have very high expectations from creative professionals I hire, Carl meets and exceeds all of them. I hired Carl to work with us on a complete landscape design of our new home. From our first meeting, through the design process and on site support through the landscape contractors installation, Carl was committed start to finish. He is skilled with his plant selection and palate. His design work took into consideration all our needs from being kid/play friendly, our lifestyle, and our taste. Beyond all that, I truly enjoyed spending time hanging out and talking plants and landscaping with him, he's a pleasure to work with. **★★★★★ — Cricket Wardein, June 2017** > I moved into a darling house that had zero landscaping - just dirt and dead trees and a few weeds. Carl had an open canvas and made it so beautiful. He designed a pool secluded with tropical plants, a cozy fire pit, grassy play areas for my daughter and dog, gorgeous trellised front yard, seclusion from my neighbors and soothing water features. I was impatient and wanted things to look good immediately - so he added some pops of color and within 6 months it looked amazing. He worked in my budget and really listened to my needs. I would recommend him highly to anyone. Plus, he is cool and fun to work with. **★★★★★ — Chris Taylor, July 2016** > Carl Bolton is both a talented landscape architect and a great collaborator with clients. He provided great design ideas (with built-in flexibility) and did so at a price that was very reasonable. He followed up with oversight and recommendations for ongoing maintenance after the planting was in and had to a chance to grow. I recommend him highly. ## Selected projects - [Spanish Restoration](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/spanish-restoration-pj-vj~49350) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 17 - Description: The design task was to reconcile an outdated landscape with existing Spanish Architecture. Visitors are first greeted by a sun drenched Bougainvillea (San Diego Red) draped over an entry pergola. The drought tolerant Mediterranean plants (Agave, Thymus, Echium, and assorted grasses) were an obvious choice. A second pergola constructed over a dining room veranda, repeats the concept of “blurring the division between indoor and outdoor living” while providing the perfect network for a climbing pas… - [Larchmont](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/larchmont-pj-vj~147651) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 6 - Description: The overgrown and neglected back yard limited the homeowner’s outdoor living space to a small patio off the house. Our goals were to remove all overgrowth, expose areas of the yard perceived as inaccessible and uninhabitable, and design living spaces maximizing this neglected space. Multiple “Outdoor Rooms” were designed (Dining, BBQ, Breakfast, Sunbathing, and Pergola covered conversation area with a Fire Bowl) extending the property to it’s boundaries. To compliment the Asian/Zen theme the hom… - [LEED Platinum Culver City](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/leed-platinum-culver-city-pj-vj~1126022) - Location: Culver City, CA - Photos: 8 - Description: We were proud to be selected to design a landscape within LEED guidelines that contributed two points toward Servicon Systems LEED Platinum rating, the first platinum rating for a commercial building in Culver City, California. All turf grass was removed and replaced with water permeable hardscape consisting of decomposed granite and California Gold crushed rock. With employees in mind, a Bocce Court was centrally located and surrounded with plantings of Agaves and Blue Senecio ground cover. The… - [Front Yard Privacy](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/front-yard-privacy-pj-vj~49564) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 17 - Description: The objective with this front yard design was to reign in an overgrown landscape that had rendered the space inaccessible, and create a tranquil outdoor living environment. With privacy as a top priority street exposure to the south was eliminated by 6 foot high horizontal fencing matched with a parallel screen of black bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra). To the east a screen of Silver Sheen (Pittisporum tenuifolium) was planted . The shape and slope of the yard dictated a bold organization of overlap… - [Coastal Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/coastal-retreat-pj-vj~49466) - Location: Malibu, CA - Photos: 11 - Description: The property is located on a bluff with 180 degree panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The ocean is undeniably the focal point so we immediately adopted a design philosophy of “less is more” and deferred all ideas to the ocean view. The client’s request for entertaining were met in two ways. A deck cantilevered over the hillside was restored and redesigned with a counter height dining table and banquet seating to capture the spectacular coastal views to the south. The second entertaining area… - [Paramount Ranch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/paramount-ranch-pj-vj~147663) - Location: Agoura Hills, CA - Photos: 16 - Description: This 10 acre estate is a restoration-in-progress with very specific (Winter 28 degree and Summer 100 degree) planting requirements. The scale of this project necessitated dividing it into phases. The initial phase was the Driveway Procession to the house. Two specimen Agave marginata make a bold statement standing sentry at the street entrance in a bed of California crushed stone. As guests proceed to the house they pass two islands harboring California Oaks (Quercus agrifolia) that seamlessly c… - [Venice Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/venice-modern-pj-vj~108079) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 7 - Description: We were privileged to work on the landscape restoration of the Hempstead House in Venice, CA., designed by Steven Ehrlich. An important challenge of the restoration was to recreate the dialogue between nature and architecture. This required reigning in 20 years of teeming low light Ferns and Elephant Ear that thrive under a canopy of mature King Palms (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana). Our goal was to allow the landscaping to continue to compliment the architecture and strengthen the original des… - [Sherman Oaks Hillside](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sherman-oaks-hillside-pj-vj~2567397) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 8 - Description: Hillside properties present their own set of challenges. The key is to turn those challenges into opportunities. Landscape timbers were installed to create three terraces. The top terrace afforded a grassy knoll to oversee the hillside and street below. The Spanish architecture dictated a Mediterranean palette of Agave weberi, Lantana camara, a robust planting of Echium fastuosum-Pride of Maderia, and three strategically placed Olea europea-wilsonii. The back yard is the interactive space with a… - [Renderings](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/renderings-pj-vj~1126481) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 37 - [Stewart Avenue](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/stewart-avenue-pj-vj~5735281) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - Description: This generous lot on a corner in the flats of Mar Vista, CA was a complete redesign. The young ambitious couple who own the property implemented our design with the assistance of their gardener and sub-contractors they hired. The front of the house has exposure on two sides so with privacy as a priority horizontal 2 x 6 fencing was installed then softened with a taller layer of Podocarpus gracillior. The demands for low water and low maintenance were met by removing all turf grass in lieu of dec… - [Palisades Courtyard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/palisades-courtyard-pj-vj~2045246) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 10 - Description: Our client came to us after completing a contemporary re-design of a traditional house. Our goal was to create a landscape that was in harmony with the new architecture, while not fighting with it. Embracing a “less is more” philosophy the old, overgrown landscaping was stripped back revealing the gorgeous gnarled trunk of the Tea Tree (Leptospermum). Drawing from the surrounding vistas and landscape, a rugged drought tolerant palette of Yucca gloriosa, Agave “Creme Brulee”, and Stipa were plant… - [Mar Vista](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mar-vista-pj-vj~4192180) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - Description: This remodel is a second home for the homeowner. The footprint is small (1,000 square feet of living space and a 4,300 square foot lot) We collaborated closely with the homeowner and architect to maximize outdoor living space. A front deck off of the kitchen affords opportunity for outdoor dining and the fire pit in the back yard is the focal point for the conversation area. The front yard was enclosed with horizontal slatted fencing and a Podocarpus Hedge. In keeping with a Low Maintenance mand… - [Malibu Beach Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/malibu-beach-retreat-pj-vj~49744) - Location: Malibu, CA - Photos: 6 - Description: This project had a singular intention – curb appeal. With a planting area 18 inches by 26 feet our sights were set on maximum impact in minimal space. We instantly seized the opportunity to train a mature Bouganvillea (San Diego Red) and under planted it with rescued (from another project’s demolition) Agave attenuatta and Senecio mandraliscae . The Bouganvillea was counter balanced with a blue (drawing from the house’s blue trim) conical container and planted with low maintenance succulents. Th… - [Bel Air](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bel-air-pj-vj~1477832) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 4 - Description: This elegant Modern Home is a perfect example of landscaping not fighting with the architecture and instead just framing it. The house is lined with a mass planting of Phormium tenax (Flax- Dark Delight) and under planted with Festuca glauca (Elijah Blue Fescue). The artificial turf spacers in the driveway connect to the front lawn. A lone specimen Olive Tree (Olea Europea – Wilsonii) is pruned regularly allowing the natural art of the trunk to silhouette against the house - [Midcentury](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/midcentury-pj-vj~1377952) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 7 - Description: The Greencraig project is a Mid Century home that was in dire need of updating and curb appeal. Wood was introduced to the architecture by means of a Red Balau Mangaris Garage Door and a matching Gate and Privacy Fence adjacent to the driveway. Red brick planters were stuccoed to match the house creating a seamless connection between the hardscape and the architecture. Dated, red brick hardscape was replaced with custom poured pavers and river rock spacers. Fresh plantings of Pennisetum (Firewor… - [Zen Side Yard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/zen-side-yard-pj-vj~1126452) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 4 - Description: This was a completely neglected side yard. Approximately 1,000 square feet of unused outdoor living space. We reclaimed the area and created a Contemporary-Zen outdoor entertaining space. A poured concrete paver patio with river rock in the joints, was designed for a conversation and dining area. An existing Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) creates a natural canopy over the Dining Table. Rolls of 1″ Black Bamboo were attached to an existing privacy fence then a delicate hedge of Podocarpus (Podoc… - [Hancock Park](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hancock-park-pj-vj~1125983) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 5 - Description: The Hancock Park project was a complete re-design. An entry from the street was created allowing guests to walk along a procession of Blue Slate and Thyme to arrive at the front porch. Guests are initially greeted by a hardy sidewalk planting of Agave attenuta and senecio mandraliscae (Blue Senecio). After passing through the entry gate one is drawn along a fragrant path of Lavandula heterophylla to a water feature. Fronting the house is a mass planting of Anigozanthos (Kangaroo Paw), under plan… - [Succulent Containers](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/succulent-containers-pj-vj~171998) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 30 - [Mediterranean](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mediterranean-pj-vj~1377966) - Location: Santa Monica, CA - Photos: 3 - [SEASON'S PLACE](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/season-s-place-pj-vj~5777447) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 [See all 20 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/carl-balton-associates-pfvwus-pf~721443450) ## Community Q&A **Q: paint color pergola** *(in Photo Questions)* Hi can you share paint color of pergola. Thanks A: It was a Benjamin Moore "Taupe" **Q: Pergola** *(in Photo Questions)* Love your garden but particularly your pergola. What type of paint and wood were used if you don’t mind me asking? A: Benjamin Moore Paint. The Wood is Douglas Fir **Q: any idea type of yellow stone? Thank you!** *(in Photo Questions)* A: It's called "Coral Pebble" **Q: ground** *(in Photo Questions)* what kind of stone is on the ground? A: 3/4" Coral Pebble **Q: Can you plz tell me** *(in Photo Questions)* The name of the tall tree/vines? I was looking for something tall to put around a pool and block out queen palms. Also are those the type of agave that grow huge flowering pods out of the center? Thx A: Hedge is "Ficus nitida", and Agave are Agave "Attenuata" **Q: pride of madeira , pink climber paired** *(in Photo Questions)* what are these plants, their preferred light, soil and where are they available.? Thanks. A: Pride of Madeira (Echium) and Bouganvillea --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-13.*