Landscape Design & Build in Orangevale, CA

Rated 4.9★ by Orangevale homeowners | Licensed - Bonded - Insured | Since 2008.

South Canyon Construction Inc. takes the headache out of backyard renovations. Instead of you spending weeks chasing down separate guys for concrete, turf, and patio covers, our one licensed team handles everything. We manage the site prep, permit paperwork, excavation, and construction from the first shovel in the dirt to the final walkthrough.

We build clean, comfortable outdoor spaces for Orangevale families who want a yard they can actually use for Sunday dinners and late-night hangouts, without the stress of managing a construction site.

Outdoor patio with stone wall and pergola

Backyards built for kids, pets, and the Orangevale heat

Orangevale lots are unique, but they all share the same challenge: the Sacramento Valley heat. We design spaces that work with our local climate, not against it.

Whether you’re looking for a Modern California look or a lush Mediterranean feel, our plans focus on shade and durable surfaces that don’t require a weekend of yard work.

  • Custom hardscaping: Patios and walkways using Belgard pavers, Travertine, Flagstone, and stamped concrete that won’t crack when the local soil shifts.
  • Shade structures: Pergolas, solid patio covers, privacy walls, and sun shades to make your yard usable even in July.
  • Drought-smart landscapes: Native California plants and drought-tolerant flora paired with MWELO-compliant drip irrigation to save water.
  • Outdoor living hubs: Custom masonry installation for outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and stone seating walls.
  • Specialty installs: Luxury outdoor saunas and complete pool remodeling to turn your existing basin into a modern retreat.
  • Night lighting: Low-voltage lighting for safety and to keep the party going after the sun sets.

Engineering for Orangevale’s hardpan clay and Heritage Oaks

If you live near Greenback Lane or Hazel Ave, you know the soil isn’t always cooperative. Orangevale is famous for its “hardpan” clay and protected Heritage Oak trees.

We don’t just “put in a patio.” We engineer the base, compact the soil properly, and plan for water runoff.

We are especially careful with Heritage Oak root zones, making sure our designs protect your trees while giving you the functional space you need.

From steep slopes to poor drainage near the house, we build with long-term durability in mind so your investment doesn’t sink or flood. We Guarantee our work because we know the local ground conditions.

Recent work from Rollingwood to the Folsom border

We’ve helped neighbors across Orangevale turn “builder-grade” dirt patches into full-function living zones.

  • Compact yards: Using integrated stone veneer seating and vertical planting to make small spaces feel open.
  • Large lots: Creating “outdoor rooms” for cooking, eating, lounging, and play using stone borders and subtle elevation changes.
  • Structural integrity: Retaining walls and French drains that handle winter rains without eroding your landscape.

Licensed craftsmanship without the stress of managing multiple contractors

The biggest risk in a landscape project is the “gap” between the designer and the guy with the shovel. Because we are a true design-build firm, the team that draws the plan is the same team that builds it.

This keeps your budget on track and prevents the delays that happen when multiple vendors can’t get their schedules to work together.

  • One accountable team: From design and site prep to getting materials and the final punch list.
  • Professional masonry: Expert stone veneer and masonry installation that stands up to the elements.
  • Clear milestones: No guessing when we’ll show up. You get a schedule you can count on and transparent pricing from day one.

How we get from the first sketch to your finished patio

  1. The on-site consultation: We meet at your home to look at your grading, wind patterns, sun exposure, and how you plan to use the space.
  2. The approval: We provide a dimensioned plan and a clear proposal that outlines the phases and the target start window. We handle all permit processing and order materials early to lock in your timeline.
  3. The build: Our crew handles the excavation, base work, and installation to manufacturer standards. We finish with a walkthrough to show you how to operate your new lighting and irrigation.

Start your Orangevale backyard project

Tell us what you’re looking for, and we’ll show you how we can make it happen within your budget and timeline.

Call (916) 742-3992 or request your design consultation online.

Often asked questions

1. Do I need a permit for a new patio or retaining wall in Orangevale?

Most small paver patios do not require a permit in Sacramento County as long as they are at grade and don’t change the drainage of the lot. 

However, you will need a permit for any retaining wall over 4 feet tall or any deck that is more than 30 inches off the ground. We handle all the permit paperwork for you to make sure your project stays up to code and follows local safety rules.

2. How much does a full landscape design and build project cost?

Backyard projects in Orangevale vary depending on the materials you choose and the size of your lot. A typical renovation that includes a paver patio, a custom shade structure, and new sod or turf usually starts around $25,000. 

Larger projects with outdoor kitchens or pool remodeling can go significantly higher. We provide a clear, itemized quote before we start any work so you know exactly where your money is going.

3. How do I protect my Heritage Oak trees during construction?

Orangevale has strict rules about Heritage Oaks because their root zones are very sensitive to soil compaction and grading changes. We follow a specific protection plan that includes fencing off the “drip line” of the tree and avoiding any heavy machinery near the trunk. 

This approach makes sure your trees stay healthy and live for another hundred years while we build your new outdoor space around them.

What is the best way to deal with Orangevale’s hardpan clay soil?

The hardpan clay in our area doesn’t drain well, which is why so many yards end up with standing water during the winter. 

We solve this by grading the lot away from the house and installing French drains or dry creek beds where necessary. We also use a deeper gravel base under our paver patios to Guarantee they stay level and don’t sink when the clay gets wet and shifts.