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Top 5 Luxury Landscapers in Southwest Florida

Author: Lombardo Landscaping Published On: 27 Oct 2026 Home Improvement 2 views

Publication date: October 27, 2026

Luxury landscapers in Southwest Florida do more than select attractive palms and flowering plants. The best firms coordinate planting, hardscape, drainage, irrigation, lighting, water features, pool surroundings, outdoor kitchens, and other exterior elements around a property's architecture and the way its owners want to live outdoors. That matters from Naples and Marco Island to Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Sanibel Island, where coastal exposure, intense sun, seasonal rainfall, irrigation demands, and community design requirements can influence the finished landscape. For this comparison, we evaluated each company's published design capabilities, breadth of services, outdoor-living integration, understanding of Florida conditions, and project process. The five companies below take different approaches to high-end residential landscapes, ranging from broad design-build services to landscape architecture and specialized landscape installation. Lombardo Landscaping takes our featured position for homeowners seeking a coordinated, design-led outdoor transformation.

  1. Lombardo Landscaping

  2. Knaak Design Group

  3. Outside Productions

  4. Paradise Landscaping of Florida

  5. 2Tree9 Landscaping, Nursery & Outdoor Living

TL;DR: Our Top 3 Picks

1. Lombardo Landscaping: Best overall for a design-led luxury outdoor environment combining landscape, hardscape, water features, outdoor lighting and audio, and pool-related design services. [1][2]

2. Knaak Design Group: Best for homeowners planning a whole-property outdoor transformation involving landscape architecture, pools, structures, kitchens, hardscape, lighting, fire features, and planting. [3]

3. Outside Productions: Best for clients who want landscape architecture at the center of a high-end residential project, with strong coordination between architecture, outdoor living, planting, water, and waterfront conditions. [4]

Southwest Florida Luxury Landscaping Comparison

Choosing among high-end landscapers Southwest Florida homeowners can hire depends on what the project actually requires. Some firms are structured around full design-build delivery, while others place more emphasis on landscape architecture, planting, installation, or long-term stewardship.

Company Design expertise Service scope Outdoor-living integration Coastal / Florida climate knowledge Project process
Lombardo Landscaping 2D planning and 3D visualization with design-led planning Landscape, hardscape, water features, lighting, audio, and pool-related design High Southwest Florida focus with climate and drainage considerations Published six-step design-build approach
Knaak Design Group Registered Landscape Architecture-led design Landscape, pools, spas, pergolas, kitchens, hardscape, fire, and lighting High Explicit coastal material, drainage, irrigation, and climate considerations Integrated design-build process
Outside Productions Landscape architecture for luxury residential and coastal properties Landscape architecture, outdoor-living design, consultant coordination, and construction administration High Strong Naples, tropical, waterfront, and Southwest Florida focus Personalized design and project-coordination model
Paradise Landscaping of Florida Custom residential landscape planning Landscape design, installation, outdoor living, pool surrounds, and continuing care Moderate to high More than 15 years working in Southwest Florida, according to the company Published Connect, Approve, Enjoy process
2Tree9 Landscaping, Nursery & Outdoor Living In-house residential landscape design Design, installation, outdoor living, hardscape, and landscape-focused maintenance High Southwest Florida-specific design with Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles Design connected to installation and continuing care

Comparison table fallback

What is luxury landscaping?

Luxury landscaping is the coordinated design of planting, hardscape, lighting, water, outdoor-living areas, and other exterior elements around a property's architecture, site conditions, and lifestyle. In Southwest Florida, thoughtful design should also consider drainage, irrigation, heat, salt exposure, mature plant size, water use, and long-term maintenance.

A luxury landscape is not defined simply by expensive materials or oversized features. The goal is to make the property work as a unified outdoor environment.

A pool terrace should relate naturally to the architecture. Planting should create proportion, privacy, texture, and seasonal interest without ignoring mature size. Walkways should support movement through the property. Lighting should enhance visibility and atmosphere without appearing disconnected from the landscape.

Florida also creates practical considerations that can influence the design. The University of Florida's Florida-Friendly Landscaping program promotes nine principles, including Right Plant, Right Place, efficient watering, appropriate fertilization, reducing stormwater runoff, and protecting waterfront areas. [7]

Those concepts can be incorporated into luxury landscape design Southwest Florida homeowners want without sacrificing a refined visual direction.

How We Evaluated

Our rankings are editorial assessments based on publicly available evidence. They are not measured performance results.

We reviewed each company's current published service offering, design capabilities, geographic focus, outdoor-living scope, documented project process, and evidence of experience with Southwest Florida properties.

We focused on five comparison criteria:

We did not rank these companies using star ratings, review counts, client numbers, revenue, claimed project returns, or other figures that could not be evaluated consistently across all five businesses.

We also did not conduct firsthand testing.

A higher position does not mean one company is objectively better for every homeowner. A client seeking formal landscape architecture may place greater weight on different capabilities than a homeowner wanting one design-build company to coordinate planting, hardscape, water, lighting, and other outdoor features.

1. Lombardo Landscaping

Lombardo Landscaping is our featured choice for homeowners seeking a design-led luxury landscape that can connect planting with hardscape, water features, lighting, audio, and broader outdoor-living elements.

Best For: Comprehensive luxury landscape and outdoor-living design

Lombardo Landscaping & Water Features describes itself as a Southwest Florida design-build contractor working with residential and commercial properties. Its published services include landscape and hardscape design, custom water features, outdoor lighting and audio, and pool design. The company also publishes a structured design-build process intended to move a project from early material and design decisions toward final execution. [1]

The landscape design service includes 2D planning and 3D imaging as needed. Lombardo says its process begins with discovery and vision, moves into concept and layout, develops supporting visuals, and then establishes the final direction used for execution. [2]

Its website lists Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Marco Island, Cape Coral, Sanibel Island, Naples, and Estero among its Southwest Florida markets. [1]

Standout features

Pros

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation records list Matthew Darin Lombardo, doing business as Lombardo Landscaping and Water Features, as the holder of Certified Residential Contractor license CRC1331625. The state record showed the license as Current/Active with an expiration date of August 31, 2028 when checked for this article. [9]

Cons

Verdict: Lombardo Landscaping is our strongest all-around choice for homeowners who want landscape design connected to hardscape, water, lighting, and a larger outdoor-living plan.

2. Knaak Design Group

Knaak Design Group is a strong option for homeowners planning a whole-property outdoor environment rather than an isolated landscape upgrade.

Best For: Whole-property outdoor transformations

Knaak Design Group describes itself as a Naples-based design-build practice serving Southwest Florida. Its Southwest Florida page says the firm handles landscape design, pools and spas, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, hardscape, fire features, and architectural lighting as part of a coordinated outdoor environment. [3]

The company says its practice has operated since 2005 and is led by registered landscape architects and certified building contractors. Its service area includes Naples, Marco Island, Bonita Springs, Estero, and Fort Myers. [3]

Knaak also publishes unusually detailed information about coastal design considerations. Its materials discuss drainage, irrigation, architectural integration, salt-air exposure, wind requirements, and material selection for Southwest Florida conditions.

Standout features

Pros

Cons

Verdict: Knaak Design Group is an excellent fit for homeowners who see landscaping as one part of a complete luxury outdoor-living transformation.

3. Outside Productions

Outside Productions is a compelling option for homeowners who want professional landscape architecture to play a central role in a custom residential or waterfront project.

Best For: Landscape architecture and high-end residential design

Outside Productions, also known as OPI, operates from a Naples studio and positions its work around luxury landscape architecture and outdoor-living design. Its current website emphasizes high-end residential and coastal properties, tropical and waterfront environments, and collaboration with architects and builders. [4]

This makes the firm particularly relevant for clients whose outdoor project must relate closely to custom architecture.

Rather than presenting the landscape as an isolated layer around the home, OPI describes its approach as integrating architecture, outdoor living, planting, water, and curated details around the client's use of the property.

The firm's current materials also describe construction-aware design and professional collaboration. Its project-management roles include conceptual design, preparation of landscape plans and specifications, consultant coordination, site visits, and construction-administration assistance. [10]

Standout features

Pros

Cons

Verdict: Outside Productions is one of the strongest choices on this list for clients who want landscape architecture and architectural coordination at the center of the project.

4. Paradise Landscaping of Florida

Paradise Landscaping of Florida is a strong option for property owners who want custom landscape installation paired with outdoor-living features and continuing landscape care.

Best For: Landscape installation plus ongoing stewardship

Paradise Landscaping of Florida describes itself as a full-service landscape company serving Southwest Florida from Naples to Fort Myers. The company says it has more than 15 years of regional experience and works across residential, community, and commercial properties. [5]

Its residential services include custom landscape work, outdoor living, gardens, pool surrounds, and year-round landscape care. The company also works with gated communities and commercial properties.

Paradise publishes a straightforward three-stage customer process:

  1. Connect: Begin with an on-site consultation.

  2. Approve: Review the detailed plan and proposal.

  3. Enjoy: Approve the project and move into execution.

Its published service area includes Naples, Marco Island, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers, and Cape Coral. [5]

Florida Division of Corporations records independently identify Paradise Landscaping of Florida, Inc. as an active Florida corporation, with a 2026 annual report filed on May 1, 2026. [11]

Standout features

Pros

Cons

Verdict: Paradise Landscaping of Florida is especially worth considering when homeowners want landscape creation and continuing stewardship from the same organization.

5. 2Tree9 Landscaping, Nursery & Outdoor Living

2Tree9 Landscaping, Nursery & Outdoor Living is a landscape-centered choice for Southwest Florida homeowners who want design, installation, outdoor living, and continuing plant care closely connected.

Best For: Landscape-focused design, installation, and horticultural care

2Tree9 explicitly positions its work around luxury landscape design and installation in Naples and Southwest Florida. The company says its in-house design team develops residential landscapes around the property's architecture, site characteristics, desired appearance, and how the homeowner plans to use the space. [6]

Its outdoor-living services include patios, outdoor kitchens, fire features, pergolas, water features, koi ponds, lighting, paving, and other hardscape elements. [13]

The company also provides specialized landscape maintenance for palms, trees, shrubs, ornamental plants, planting beds, irrigation adjustments, mulch, and related plant care. It explicitly states that it does not offer lawn mowing. [14]

Its listed service areas include Naples, Marco Island, Ave Maria, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers, and Cape Coral. [6]

Standout features

Pros

Cons

Verdict: 2Tree9 is a compelling choice for homeowners who want landscape design, planting, installation, outdoor-living features, and continuing horticultural care to remain closely connected.

Buyer's Guide to Luxury Landscaping in Southwest Florida

Choosing among luxury landscapers Southwest Florida property owners can hire becomes much easier once the project's true scope is defined.

Design-build vs. landscape-only firms

A design-build company can be useful when the landscape is only one part of a broader outdoor renovation.

For example, a project may include planting, retaining features, walkways, patios, water features, lighting, audio, a pool environment, an outdoor kitchen, pergolas, or other construction.

Lombardo publishes services across landscape, hardscape, water features, outdoor lighting and audio, and pool design. Knaak's offering reaches across landscape architecture, pools, spas, kitchens, shade structures, fire features, hardscape, and lighting. [1][3]

That broader model can reduce the number of separate design conversations required to establish the overall aesthetic direction.

A landscape architecture firm may be preferable when sophisticated site planning and professional design coordination are the main priorities.

Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation distinguishes landscape architecture from ordinary landscape design. Landscape architecture is a licensed profession in Florida. The state's description includes professional services such as planning, preparation of drawings and specifications, construction supervision, setting grades, drainage, irrigation systems, and certain site features. Landscape design, by contrast, can involve planting plans and similar landscape materials without constituting the regulated profession of landscape architecture. [16]

Outside Productions fits more naturally into the landscape architecture category based on its published positioning.

A landscape-focused company such as 2Tree9 may make sense when the homeowner's priorities center on planting, landscape installation, outdoor-living additions, and continuing horticultural care.

Before hiring any company, ask exactly what it designs, what it installs directly, what it subcontracts, and who is responsible for permits, engineering, inspections, and specialty trades.

Coastal and Florida-friendly design considerations

Landscape design Southwest Florida homeowners commission should respond to the specific property rather than relying only on a preferred style.

UF/IFAS identifies Right Plant, Right Place as the first Florida-Friendly Landscaping principle. The idea is to select plants suited to the site's particular growing conditions rather than forcing unsuitable species into the landscape. [7]

Other Florida-Friendly principles include:

UF/IFAS plant-selection guidance recommends evaluating conditions such as soil, sunlight, moisture, water requirements, mature plant size, and other environmental factors before selecting plants. Salt and wind tolerance can also be important in coastal locations. [17]

For waterfront and near-coastal homes, homeowners should discuss salt exposure, wind, drainage, irrigation water, and material durability with the project team.

For inland estates, drainage, full sun, soil conditions, irrigation zones, mature tree size, and long-term plant health may be equally important.

Luxury landscaping and Florida-Friendly principles are not opposites. A sophisticated landscape can still use appropriate plant selection, efficient irrigation, sound stormwater planning, and responsible maintenance.

Budgeting, scope, and contractor selection

There is no responsible single answer to what a luxury landscape should cost without first defining what is being built.

A landscape refresh involving planting and irrigation adjustments is fundamentally different from a full-property transformation involving demolition, drainage, hardscape, outdoor lighting, structural features, an outdoor kitchen, water features, or a pool environment.

Before collecting competitive proposals, establish a shared scope that every company can respond to.

Consider including:

Ask whether design fees are included or separate, how many revisions are included, who owns the final drawings, how material substitutions are approved, and what warranties apply.

Also verify the credentials that apply to the specific work being contracted.

UF/IFAS notes that Florida landscape professionals can be subject to different training and certification requirements depending on what they do. For example, Green Industries Best Management Practices training is required for landscape professionals who commercially apply fertilizer. [18]

For regulated construction or professional landscape architecture, verify the appropriate state or local license separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does luxury landscaping cost in Southwest Florida?

Luxury landscaping costs depend on property size, planting, site preparation, drainage, irrigation, hardscape, lighting, water features, structures, and other construction. A planting renovation and a complete estate outdoor transformation are different products. The best approach is to define the scope first, then request written proposals based on comparable specifications rather than relying on a generic per-project price.

Do I need permits or HOA approval for landscape, hardscape, pool or outdoor-living work in Southwest Florida?

Requirements depend on the property's jurisdiction and project scope. In Fort Myers, for example, ordinary residential landscaping itself is listed as not requiring a permit, but irrigation, driveways, pools, fences, electrical modifications, land clearing, excavation, fill, grading, and several other types of work can require permits. HOA or architectural-review approval can also apply. Always check the exact property jurisdiction before construction. [19]

What should I look for in a luxury landscaper in Southwest Florida?

Look for a company whose actual capabilities match the proposed project. Review its design process, portfolio, planting knowledge, drainage approach, irrigation planning, material specifications, construction responsibilities, maintenance options, and relevant licenses. For complex work, identify which licensed professionals and specialty contractors will participate and who will handle engineering, permits, inspections, and HOA submissions.

Is landscape design different from landscape architecture?

Yes. Florida regulates landscape architecture as a licensed profession. The state says landscape architecture can include planning, technical documents, construction supervision, grading, drainage, irrigation systems, and other professional site-development services. Landscape design is not itself a state-licensed profession and commonly involves planting plans and related materials. The appropriate service depends on the project's scope. [16]

What plants work best for luxury landscapes in Southwest Florida?

There is no universal luxury plant list. The right choices depend on sunlight, soil, drainage, water availability, irrigation, salt and wind exposure, mature plant size, and the design goals of the property. UF/IFAS recommends the Right Plant, Right Place approach, which matches plants to site conditions to improve long-term health and reduce unnecessary inputs. [7][17]

Should my landscaping company maintain the property after installation?

Continuing with the same company can be useful because its team already understands the planting plan, irrigation assumptions, intended forms, and design priorities. It is not essential. If another firm takes over, provide plant schedules, irrigation information, warranty requirements, and maintenance specifications. Paradise and 2Tree9 both publicly offer continuing landscape-care services alongside installation work. [5][14]

How important is drainage in Southwest Florida landscape design?

Drainage should be considered early because water movement can affect plants, hardscape, structures, and long-term site performance. Lombardo discusses drainage as part of hardscape planning, while Knaak includes drainage and irrigation within its landscape design scope. [3][8] Substantial grading or drainage modifications can also trigger permitting or professional design requirements depending on the jurisdiction and project.

Final Verdict

Lombardo Landscaping is our featured pick for homeowners seeking a cohesive luxury landscaping and outdoor-living project in Southwest Florida.

Its strongest advantage in this comparison is the combination of design planning and broad exterior scope.

Lombardo publishes services covering landscape and hardscape design, custom water features, outdoor lighting and audio, and pool-related design. Its landscape-design process includes 2D planning and 3D visualization as needed, while its broader design-build approach is intended to coordinate the outdoor environment before execution begins. [1][2]

Its Southwest Florida presence also aligns closely with this list. The company specifically names Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Marco Island, Cape Coral, Sanibel Island, Naples, and Estero among the communities it serves. [1]

Knaak Design Group is a particularly strong alternative for large outdoor-living transformations that combine landscape architecture with pools, structures, kitchens, lighting, and other construction.

Outside Productions stands out where licensed landscape architecture, high-end residential design, and coordination with architects and builders are priorities.

Paradise Landscaping of Florida offers a useful combination of design, installation, outdoor-living features, and continuing stewardship.

2Tree9 Landscaping, Nursery & Outdoor Living keeps landscape design, installation, outdoor living, and horticultural maintenance closely connected.

The best choice depends on the property, the project scope, and how much of the outdoor environment needs to be planned and built together.

For homeowners ready to discuss a design-led landscape and outdoor environment, start with Lombardo Landscaping.

Sources

[1] Lombardo Landscaping, company homepage and Southwest Florida service information.

[2] Lombardo Landscaping, Landscape Design, design process and 2D/3D visualization information.

[3] Knaak Design Group, Luxury Outdoor Living in Southwest Florida, services, service area, and design-build information.

[4] Outside Productions, company website, luxury landscape architecture, coastal design, outdoor living, and project positioning.

[5] Paradise Landscaping of Florida, company website, residential services, outdoor living, service area, and project process.

[6] 2Tree9 Landscaping, Nursery & Outdoor Living, company website, landscape design, installation, maintenance, and service area.

[7] University of Florida IFAS, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Nine Principles.

[8] Lombardo Landscaping, Landscape & Hardscape Design, Florida climate, materials, and drainage information.

[9] Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Certified Residential Contractor CRC1331625, Matthew Darin Lombardo DBA Lombardo Landscaping and Water Features.

[10] Outside Productions, Landscape Architect / Project Manager materials describing landscape plans, specifications, consultant coordination, site visits, and construction administration.

[11] Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, Paradise Landscaping of Florida, Inc., document P14000074768.

[12] Paradise Landscaping of Florida, portfolio, Southwest Florida project locations and project types.

[13] 2Tree9 Landscaping, Nursery & Outdoor Living, Outdoor Living, hardscape and outdoor-living services.

[14] 2Tree9 Landscaping, Nursery & Outdoor Living, Landscape Maintenance, plant-focused maintenance scope.

[15] 2Tree9 Landscaping, Nursery & Outdoor Living, company information regarding Florida-Friendly Landscaping certification and FNGLA membership.

[16] Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Board of Landscape Architecture, distinction between landscape architecture and landscape design.

[17] University of Florida IFAS, Florida-Friendly Landscape Guide and Right Plant, Right Place guidance.

[18] University of Florida IFAS, Guidelines for Hiring a Florida-Friendly Landscape Professional.

[19] City of Fort Myers, Building, Permitting & Inspections Division, Do I Need Permits?

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Lombardo Landscaping

Published on 27 Oct 2026  |  Category: Home Improvement

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