Leader’s Message
At Landesign, giving back isn’t a once-a-year gesture, it’s built into how we operate and one of our core values. Each quarter, our team commits to a community-focused project in one of the counties we serve: sometimes that means a hands-on refresh like the one below, and other times it means rolling up our sleeves to volunteer alongside local organizations. It’s our way of investing directly in the neighborhoods where we live and work.
This quarter, our team recently completed a community improvement project at Strawberry Elementary School in Santa Rosa, redesigning the school’s entryway at no cost to the district.
The space had grown tired over time, with aging plantings and little functional design. Our team replaced it with new plantings, cobble, irrigation, and mulch. We repurposed existing boulders as seating for children waiting for pickup – check out the before and after photos below!
BEFORE
The entryway was tired, overgrown and lacked curb appeal.
DESIGN PHASE
Our in house landscape designer, Claire Wonnenberg created the design.
AFTER
A beautiful new entry and welcoming environment for students and families.
We’re grateful to our project partners, JL Construction, Horizon, and SiteOne, for contributing their time, materials, and expertise to help bring this project to life. We’re proud to be able to put our team’s skills to work in the communities we serve and look forward to finding more opportunities to give back throughout the year.
Sincerely,
JJ Fitzgerald
Chief Operating Officer
Lawn Conversions: Getting Ahead of AB 1572
We’ve been working on several turf conversion projects lately as property owners and managers start planning for California’s AB 1572 requirements. The law phases out the use of potable water on non-functional turf—landscaping that serves primarily an aesthetic purpose rather than providing space for recreation or gathering. The requirements begin with commercial, industrial, and institutional properties in January 2028, followed by HOA common areas in January 2029.
For many of the properties we maintain, that means turf in entryways, medians, and along property frontages will need to be addressed before those deadlines.
We’re helping clients get ahead of the change by replacing non-functional turf with low-water, drought-tolerant landscapes that are designed to look good, perform well, and reduce ongoing water use. Below is a recent example of a turf conversion in Santa Rosa. Click here to see the work from start to finish!
BEFORE
AFTER
We’ve also put together a dedicated resource on our website with more information about AB 1572 and what it means for your property, along with guidance on planning a turf conversion. Click here to learn more or reach out to our team to start planning your project.
Property Spotlight: De Silva Island HOA
At DeSilva Island, Landesign manages the property with two full days of landscape maintenance each week. With our Marin branch team nearby, we’re able to respond quickly and provide consistent, hands-on care. From pruning and mowing to proactive maintenance, our Landscape Advisor and crew keep the community looking its best year-round.
Located in Mill Valley, this expansive HOA spans roughly 40 acres and is surrounded by a unique natural setting of tidal wetlands, shoreline, wooded hillsides, and a restored wildlife sanctuary. Set along Belloc Lagoon, DeSilva Island offers a landscape unlike almost anywhere else we work.
Our team maintains not only the community’s landscaped areas, but also the trails and shared amenities residents enjoy every day, including the clubhouse, pool, spa, and common areas. Managing a property of this scale and character takes a thoughtful approach to both the landscape and the people who use it.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to begin several enhancement projects at DeSilva Island in 2027, including a reimagining of the Bay Slope area. We’ll share more as those plans take shape.
If you’re looking for a landscape partner who can provide consistent, hands-on care for your Marin County property, we’d love the opportunity to walk your site!
Transforming Outdoor Spaces, One Project at a Time
Ready to see some landscaping magic?
From lush green lawns to stunning hardscapes, our featured projects showcase the beauty and functionality we bring to outdoor spaces. Take a look at our portfolio and find inspiration for your own landscape paradise!
We hope that you’ve enjoyed this month’s newsletter! Please let us know if there is anything you’d like to see in future newsletters by replying to this email or contacting us here – we look forward to hearing from you!
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COO
John “JJ” Fitzgerald is the Chief Operating Officer of Landesign Construction & Maintenance, a leading commercial landscaping firm in Northern California. Raised in the family business, he has spent over a decade applying his expertise in business management and analytics to foster innovation within the company. A graduate of Cal Poly–San Luis Obispo, his writing focuses on the intersection of modern business strategy and traditional craftsmanship, particularly how sustainable technology can reshape the future of legacy industries. He lives in the Bay Area with his family.