Slopes and terraces
Hillside lots need retaining walls, steps and drainage designed together with the patio. Getting the grade right first is what keeps pavers flat and walls standing.
3D landscape design & build · El Dorado Hills, CA
Hillside yards, designed first.
El Dorado Hills lots tend to be bigger and steeper, often backing onto oaks and open space, and many neighborhoods have architectural review. David designs the whole yard in 3D, walls and drainage included, so you and your HOA can see it before his crew starts digging.
Why El Dorado Hills is different
What we plan for here.
Fire-aware design
County rules require defensible space around your home. Hardscape, gravel and well-spaced planting near the house look good and keep that zone easy to maintain.
Design review
Many EDH neighborhoods have architectural review for patio covers, walls and front-yard changes. A 3D design and drawn plan make that approval simpler.
Know before you build
El Dorado Hills rules.
El Dorado Hills is unincorporated El Dorado County, so County rules apply instead of city ones. Checked against official sources.
Oak trees
The County's Oak Resources Conservation Ordinance (Zoning Ordinance Chapter 130.39) covers oak removal. Trees under 6 inches in diameter are exempt; most others need a County permit, even when no mitigation is required. The Board of Supervisors updated the rules for single-family parcels in July 2025.Source: El Dorado County: Oak Tree Removal Information
Defensible space
The County's Defensible Space Ordinance (Chapter 8.09, in effect since August 2024) requires at least 100 feet of defensible space around structures in unincorporated areas. That does not mean clearing every plant. The ember-resistant Zone 0 next to the house isn't enforced yet, pending state guidelines.Source: El Dorado County: Defensible Space Ordinance
HOA approval
Many El Dorado Hills neighborhoods have architectural review. DG Landscape Design provides the plan and 3D renders your committee asks for before work starts.
Last checked October 2026. Rules change; confirm with El Dorado County before you start.
What we build in El Dorado Hills
One team, start to finish.
Concrete & driveways
Patios & outdoor kitchens
Pergolas & shade5.0★★★★★ David's Google rating from his past clients
“They rebuilt our deck, added an outdoor kitchen and a trellis, and took care of the plumbing and electrical. It's been two years and everything is still in great shape.”
Dave B. · Google review
Questions
El Dorado Hills FAQ.
Do you work in El Dorado Hills?
Yes. El Dorado Hills is one of our main service areas, along with Folsom, Granite Bay and Gold River. Site visits and 3D designs are free: call (916) 665-4684.
Will you help with my HOA approval?
Yes. Our designs come with a drawn plan and 3D renders, which is usually what an architectural review committee asks to see.
Do I need a permit to remove an oak in El Dorado Hills?
El Dorado Hills is unincorporated El Dorado County, so the County's Oak Resources Conservation Ordinance applies. Oaks under 6 inches in diameter are exempt; most others need a County permit. The rules for single-family parcels were updated in July 2025, so confirm with the County before work starts.
How does defensible space affect my backyard design?
El Dorado County requires at least 100 feet of defensible space around structures in unincorporated areas. We plan patios, walls and planting with that in mind, keeping the area closest to the house lean and easy to maintain.
Free site visit
Let's walk your EDH yard.
- David comes out himself
- You get a plan and a price before any work starts
- Full backyards typically $20k–$60k
Nearby areas we serve