Opulands Landscape Design & Construction has been recognized by the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) SF Bay Area Chapter with a 2026 Achievement Award in the Xeriscape Residential Installation category for its Running Springs Xeriscape Oasis project in San Jose. The award highlights excellence in landscape construction and underscores the growing demand for water-conscious outdoor environments in the Bay Area.
The project, which transformed a challenging residential property into a refined, drought-tolerant landscape, required significant technical expertise. According to the company, one of the most pressing challenges was an extreme gopher infestation, necessitating comprehensive underground protection throughout the planting areas to safeguard the new landscape from future damage. The team also addressed complex grading and drainage conditions while designing multiple irrigation zones tailored to different plant communities. These systems had to function together effectively before the landscape could reach its full potential.
Natural stone retaining walls were incorporated to stabilize portions of the property and add texture and character. Drought-tolerant plantings were selected to reduce long-term water demand, creating a landscape that feels established and appropriate for its environment. Rather than treating sustainability and aesthetics as competing priorities, Opulands integrated the two into a cohesive design built for lasting beauty and performance.
The recognition from CLCA reflects the level of care that Opulands brings to projects throughout the Bay Area. The company emphasizes that exceptional landscapes are often defined by details homeowners may never directly see, from grading and drainage to irrigation design, soil preparation, root protection, and structural landscape elements. Those hidden components provide the foundation for outdoor spaces that remain beautiful and functional for years.
For homeowners and industry professionals, this award signals the importance of choosing experienced contractors who understand the technical aspects of landscape installation. As water conservation becomes increasingly critical in California, xeriscape designs that combine engineering rigor with aesthetic appeal are likely to grow in demand. Opulands’ success demonstrates that sustainable landscapes can also be luxurious and enduring.
Opulands Landscape Design & Construction is a Bay Area family-owned company specializing in full-service landscape and hardscape design. The company has been recognized as a Best of Houzz winner four years in a row (2022–2025) and received three prestigious Bay Area CLCA awards in 2025. Their portfolio includes paver driveways and patios, outdoor kitchens, pergolas, firepits, synthetic lawns, and putting greens. For more information about their services, visit Opulands Landscape Design & Construction.
The CLCA award not only celebrates Opulands’ craftsmanship but also serves as a benchmark for landscape construction in the region. It highlights how thoughtful preparation and innovative problem-solving can turn challenging properties into sustainable, beautiful outdoor spaces, offering a model for future projects in Long Beach and beyond.

