Site review: How should an Orlando design respond to fast-draining soil?
The NRCS classifies Astatula soil as excessively drained. An Orlando plan should confirm the property soil, then coordinate plant selection, bed preparation, and irrigation zones around how quickly that site sheds water.
Orlando Pro Landscape creates custom landscape designs built for Central Florida’s subtropical climate. Every design accounts for Orlando’s sandy soil, OUC irrigation restrictions, year-round growing season, and the sun and shade patterns from Florida’s strong sun.
Designing for Central Florida Conditions
Landscape design in Orlando starts with the site. Sandy soil, high water tables in some neighborhoods, afternoon storm drainage, and each property’s microclimate all shape what thrives and what struggles. A plant that does great in a shaded Winter Park lot may fail in the full sun of a Lake Nona property.
Our designs favor Florida-friendly and Florida-native plants suited to Orange County. That means less water, less fertilizer, and natural resistance to Central Florida’s pests and diseases. Native options we often use include Muhly Grass, Gaillardia, Walter’s Viburnum, Firebush, Gallberry Holly, Saw Palmetto, Coontie, Beautyberry, and Bald Cypress for wet areas.
We assess the property — soil, drainage, sun mapping, and current plants. We develop a design concept with plants matched to your site and preferences. We provide a detailed planting plan with species, quantities, spacing, and install specs. We integrate irrigation to keep coverage within OUC rules. And our crews install it with a plant health guarantee. We also design for commercial properties, including office complexes, HOA communities, and retail centers across Orange County.
Landscape Installation Services
We handle every part of install — site prep, soil amendment, planting, mulching, and irrigation tweaks. Orlando’s sandy soil often benefits from organic matter that improves moisture and nutrient holding, especially in beds where ornamentals and perennials need steadier soil than turf.
Designing for Sandy Soil and Water Restrictions
Central Florida’s sandy soil drains so fast that nutrients can leach away before plants absorb them.
Our designs handle this with slow-release fertilizer programs and proper mulch depth.
We use 3 to 4 inches of mulch in all beds and pick plants suited to low-nutrient sandy soil. We also design with OUC’s watering rules in mind, choosing plants that thrive on two days a week during Daylight Saving Time and one day a week during Eastern Standard Time.
Hardscape Integration
The best designs add hardscaping elements that create structure and define outdoor spaces.
We coordinate paver patios, walkways, retaining walls, and seating areas with the planting plan for a cohesive result. Our hardscaping team works with our design crew so materials, drainage, and grading all fit together from the start, not patched on later.
Serving Orlando and Orange County
We provide landscape design and install across Orlando and nearby communities, including Winter Park, Dr. Phillips, Windermere, Winter Garden, Oviedo, Kissimmee, Lake Nona, Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, and Sanford. From full property transformations to focused bed renovations, our lawn care team keeps your new landscape sharp between design updates.
Get a Free Landscape Design Consultation
Call (407) 863-3647 for a free landscape design consultation in Orlando, FL.
 
We handle landscape design for homeowners across Orlando and nearby, including Landscape design in Ocoee, Landscape design in Oviedo, Landscape design in Sanford, Landscape design in St. Cloud, and Landscape design in Windermere; see all the areas we serve.
We provide landscape design across Orlando and nearby communities, including Landscape design in Ocoee, Landscape design in Oviedo, Landscape design in Sanford, Landscape design in St. Cloud, and Landscape design in Windermere — see all areas we serve.
What is Florida-Friendly Landscaping?
Florida-Friendly Landscaping is the UF/IFAS program for yards that fit Florida conditions: the right plant in the right place, less irrigation, less fertilizer, and fewer pest treatments. In Orlando it pairs naturally with local watering restrictions and summer fertilizer rules, cutting maintenance costs while keeping a landscape that survives sandy soil and heat.
How does a site-zone review shape Landscape Design?
An Orlando landscape design inquiry should identify the address, relevant zones, known concerns, entry conditions, and timing needs. Compare proposals by their project details, exceptions, authorization points, and expiration.
Process Overview
- Site assessment and consultation
- Written estimate with line-item scope
- Scheduled work window confirmed
- Crew executes against the written estimate
- Completion walkthrough with the homeowner
