Landscape Pro
Francisco Javier Rodriguez
Location
San Francisco, CA
Site | Size
4000 Sq Ft
Start | Completion
2023
Budget
Moderate
Project Data
Landscape Case Study
Project Name
Urban Oasis
Bay Area Landscape Organization
Francisco J Landscaping
Situation + Site Condition
Francisco Javier Rodriguez, owner of Francisco J Landscaping, was introduced to a property owner and real estate agent who were completing a residence remodel in the Potrero Hill area of San Francisco.
This completely rebuilt residence featured a very modern profile with a rear garden, and entertaining area sandwiched between surrounding properties. The owner and architect envisioned creating an urban oasis in this tight area defined by the property boundaries. They also wanted to separate the new spa and shower area from a dining area for gathering and entertaining.
Francisco and his team reviewed the site nearing the end of construction. Many areas were only roughed in with narrow concrete forms or shallow gaps between hardscape paths. These limited areas with soil and some drainage provided opportunities for planting beds or elevated planters.
Project Objectives
Francisco worked with the property owner, real estate agent and architect to help bring their oasis vision to life with a specific set of objectives. They included:
Soften hardscape + severe vertical stucco walls
Expand limited space with targeted + appropriate planting
Create a green, tropical oasis environment
Consider plants with shallow roots to prevent hardscape cracking
Enhance privacy + create green boundaries
Define + divide dining space from featured spa areas
Compliment + highlight modern architecture
Provide low-maintenance plants requiring little care
Plant within hardscape defined beds + planter areas
Work within guidelines of SF building permit
Provide a regular maintenance + fertilization schedule
Limited Space Challenge
The new, modern-style residence was designed to be as large as possible on the site. This left little room for usable outdoor space. Once seating areas and the new spa/shower were integrated into the remodel plans, opportunities for plant and green areas were constrained.
Green area opportunities were constrained with limited outdoor space.
Hard Surface Challenge
The site was built out to very edges of the property lines with many hardscape pathways or vertical surfaces. The result was a rigid and hard-edged environment that was in need of some organic softening and green relief.
A hard-edged environment in need of organic softening + green relief.
Plan + Solution
After an extensive review of the site, including sunlight conditions, water access, opportunities for plant locations, and materials delivery limitations, Francisco considered how to create an oasis-like quality in this challenging environment of concrete and stucco.
Francisco focused on how the right plants could improve privacy. He shared with his client how plants with the right foliage, scale, organic, unstructured branches, and softly moving green leaves could dramatically soften vertical walls and hardscape surfaces.
Francisco J Landscaping prepared a detailed proposal with plant recommendations that could take advantage of the planters’ fixed location. After some minor adjustments and personal preference modifications with his client, Francisco finalized the plant list. He then turned his attention to ensuring that all plants would have adequate water with a new zoned irrigation system.
Once all of the plants were delivered to the site, Francisco Landscaping placed them loosely in place to demonstrate to his customers how each specimen would help create the urban oasis they were looking for. Each plant met low rooting requirements to prevent the planter structures from cracking.
Irrigation feed lines were laid in each planter area. Crushed lava rock was added to each planter’s bottom, and amended and fertilized soil was filled before each plant was installed.
Water-saving mulch and drip emitters were then added to each planting area. Hydrozones and an irrigation frequency schedule were then programmed into the new water distribution and control system.
Francisco J Landscaping used precise criteria to guide plant selection. The residents were unfamiliar with plants and how to care for them. Every chosen plant was designed to enhance the urban oasis feeling that they were looking for.
Essential plant qualities included evergreen, moderate water requirements, shallow roots, and need for only minor maintenance. The gallery above features some of the many plants + trees provided by Pacific Nurseries that were used in the project.
Results | Outcome
When the project was completed, the owner and real estage agent wasted no time putting the property on the market. The result was high community interest and an easy sale for all parties.
The new property owners have retained Francisco and his team to ensure that the landscaped areas would continue to look great.
All plants have performed well in their site locations. And as designed, each plant has retained its’ evergreen tropical appearance throughout the seasons. Root growth continues to remain low in the narrow planters and no structural or cosmetic damage has occured in hardscaped areas.
Francisco now delivers services to the site on a regular maintenance schedule where he reviews and adjusts the irrigation system to provide needed water to all planted areas. Many months after installation, no replacement plants have been required and plant maintenance and care has been minimized.
The new property residents find daily city relief in their green and relaxing urban oasis.
Services Delivered
Project Management
Drainage + Water Management
Irrigation + Hydrozoning
Plant Selection + Installation
Soil Enhancement + Amending
Scheduled Fertilization
Ongoing Maintenance + Upgrades
Documentation
SOLD
Increased Property Value
The beautiful landscape helped to ensure an easy property sale
-%
Minimized Water Use
Water use was minimized with efficient irrigation + limited frequency
2X
Monthly Maintenance + Care
All plants required minimal care with maintenance twice monthly
“Thanks to their generous expertise and professionalism, Francsiso and his team helped us acheive the Urban Oasis that we were looking for. And thanks to their ongoing work, our garden always looks great. We love sharing our oasis with friends and family.”
Urban Oasis Residents
Lessons Learned
Set clear client requirements + expectations
Every project is an opportunity to learn
Running many projects at once requires discipline + planning
Working efficiently isn’t always easy
There is no shortcut for experience
Allow more time for ordering specialty plants + sizes
Always over deliver to ensure client satisfaction
Turn every project into a long term relationship
Success is never guaranteed
Francisco J Landscaping
Francisco J Landscaping has been serving clients in San Francisco and the Bay Area for over 24 years. Their services include landscape design, installation, and maintenance programs that transform garden spaces and sustain their health. With decades of expertise and proven professionalism, they can help you achieve the beautiful landscape that you seek.
