La Loma Development Company

I was thinking about hiring this company to remove all my grass and put in drought tolerant Cali native plants. I went by a job site to check out their work, and was not impressed. I was surprised to hear the crew talking so much trash about their boss. I thought Marco was very nice, but what they were saying translates to «that fool Marco is my bitch. I’m the real boss.» No one even noticed I was standing there for 10 min. I got a bad feeling about this place.

La Loma was recommended to me by a Landscape Designer that I totally trust. The hillside behind our house was eroding badly, but we didn’t want a mass of concrete holding it up. Marco and his team were incredibly knowledgable and gave us a few options depending on our budget. They actually SAVED us money by suggesting a cheaper option that would be totally sufficient. Not only is it safe and secure now, but beautiful and organic, with mulch and plants that will grow in over time — exactly what we wanted. They were prompt and worked fast. We would totally use them again if we needed to.

I first met La Loma owner and designer Marco Barrantes at the Southern California Permaculture Convergence in 2008, and at that time we discussed the possibility of converting my suburban swimming pool into a backyard pond. That was the beginning of the development of a design plan that eventually included not only the pond but rainwater catchment, native plantings, greywater installations, drip irrigation, vegetable gardens, a fruit orchard, and some of the absolutely gorgeous dry-​stacked urbanite walls and paths for which La Loma Development is now so well-​known.
That plan was realized in 2010, and though I have continued to tweak the design and experiment with different plantings, the overall realization, now in its third year, has evolved beautifully. Marco and his crew worked with me, offering suggestions, revising as we went along. Despite what some of the other reviews on this site are claiming, the company’s responses to my requests were always carried out promptly and professionally — even as late as a year ago, when one of the pond pumps (still under warranty) failed, they had a crew out within a day or so to replace it at no cost.
I realize that urban permaculture landscaping isn’t everyone’s cup of tea (though maybe it should be), but if you’re looking to make sustainable changes to your property, whether it’s native or edible plantings instead of lawn or permeable walkways instead of cement, these are the people to see first. They will work with you, develop a good clean design, and follow through with a finished project that incorporates best practices land use with a beautiful design sensibility.

I’ve known Marco Barrantes for eight years and live around the corner from one of his more spectacular landscaping projects. I feel privileged to have had him and his crew work here. Marco is thoughtful, knowledgeable… an artist. And when we’ve talked about possibilities for my yard, he is thinking about all aspects; visual appeal, compatibility with this peaceful, rustic neighborhood, costs, irrigation… how the whole ties together. He is thinking of MY yard and what would do the most for it.
His crew is totally enjoyable, efficient, considerate, caring of plants, as Marco is. What a gift to this community. I can’t wait to have them back.

We are longterm customers of La Loma and they have done terrific work for us at our home. Our yard is proudly depicted on the firm’s website. La Loma excels at native-​friendly landscape design, use of recycled concrete, and creative projects. The firm’s slightly laid-​back, laconic vibe may not be everyone’s cup of tea, and they are so sought-​after and acclaimed they sometimes they get busy and a bit hard to pin down. If you are seeking knowledge of modern «green» design, native plants, creativity, and integrity, try ‘em.

If you want a company that has no problem trespassing, damages bordering properties, does not return phone calls (4 of them), then when the owner says they will fix the damage but never do. Then these are the guys for you.

If you make an appointment at 1:30 p. m and get held up someplace else, it doesn’t work to call at 2:30 p.m. with no explanation as to why you can’t keep the appointment.
Nice work, lousy people.

I’ve been wanting to do some much needed landscaping in my barren, hillside backyard. So finally in November of 2009, I made moves towards fulfilling the dream. I started out with a landscaper through a recommendation from the landscape designer. It started well and ended badly. Let’s just say, the work was to begin in January 2010 and end in February 2010. After firing the landscaper in May, it was months before I found La Loma Development Co. through a friend earlier this year. I am happy to report that the backyard is complete and looks amazing. Michelle and Marco were great. They were very knowledgable and worked with the budget I gave them and with the established landscape design plan (with some necessary alterations). The most important thing was that they started, and finished the work when they said they would. After the fiasco with the previous landscaper, it was a welcome relief. I only wish I had heard of them 2 years ago.