Specimen Tree Sourcing & Installation in Santa Barbara & Ventura

For over 13 years, Cornerstone Landscapes has been a trusted name in tree planting services across Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties, developing both residential and commercial landscapes. We build landscapes and outdoor living spaces that enhance the beauty and value of your property, encompassing both hardscape and landscape elements for projects ranging from modest residences to expansive estates. Our commitment is to beautify your property in every sense, enhancing its use and appeal, increasing property values, and improving your quality of life through thoughtful outdoor landscaping.

We install hand-selected specimen trees chosen as focal points in a landscape, delivering immediate visual impact and lasting value, providing shade, seasonal interest, and architectural beauty that enhances any outdoor space.

Selecting the Perfect Specimen Tree for Your Property

At Cornerstone Landscapes, we work closely with our landscape architect partners to select the ideal tree species for each property. This collaborative approach considers key factors such as eventual mature size, root structure, maintenance requirements, water needs, species habit (deciduous or evergreen, for example), and the desired visual impact. We assess soil conditions, sunlight exposure, available space, and access for heavy equipment, ensuring each specimen thrives.

Our vendors carefully manage the relocation of large, mature trees from nursery to site with precision and expertise. The process begins with coordinating heavy equipment, including cranes and specialized trucks. Root balls are protected, and secure tie-downs are used to prevent movement or damage during transit. Our partners handle each tree with care, ensuring that they arrive healthy, supporting their long-term success in the landscape.
The installation of a specimen tree begins with careful excavation of the planting hole, ensuring it is appropriately sized and prepared with soil amendments, gopher protection, and proper drainage to promote healthy establishment. Telehandlers, cranes, boom trucks, or track loaders are used to place specimen trees. After installation, Cornerstone Landscapes provides expert aftercare, including irrigation, mulching, and seasonal fertilizing and pruning, ensuring each tree thrives and becomes a lasting feature in the landscape for decades.

Benefits of Adding a Specimen Tree

Instant Impact: Adding a specimen tree instantly transforms your landscape with shade, scale, and architectural beauty that younger plantings can’t match. These mature, hand-selected trees create immediate curb appeal and long-lasting value for your property.

Environmental Benefits: Specimen trees improve air quality and provide cooling shade that lowers surrounding temperatures. They also support biodiversity by offering food and habitat for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife.

Property Value: Mature specimen trees create a sense of permanence and elegance that instantly enhances curb appeal. Their presence can significantly increase property value by making the landscape feel established and luxurious.

Sustainable Choices: Choosing native and drought-tolerant specimen trees helps reduce long-term water use while maintaining a beautiful landscape. These sustainable selections strengthen the local ecosystem by supporting regional wildlife.

Let Cornerstone Help Plant Your Specimen Tree

We believe in complete transparency. Our open book estimating provides clear options for material choices and detailed cost breakdowns before any work begins, ensuring you're always fully informed about your investment.
Our courteous and professional crew ensures consistent quality and accountability, delivering seamless project flow on time and within budget.
We provide expert project oversight and dedicated project management, partnering with leading geologists, structural and civil engineers, and carefully selected subcontractors when necessary to ensure every detail is handled with precision.