Estates, eucalyptus and open green space

Hydroseeding in Rancho Santa Fe, CA

Large-area seeding for a community planned in the 1920s around gentleman-farmer estates.

No-charge site visit, with your estimate put in writing
Seed mix matched to coastal or inland conditions
A written watering plan with every new lawn

Seeding Estate-Size Grounds

Hydroseeding in Rancho Santa Fe suits the scale of the properties. Lilian Rice's master plan, in effect from 1921 to 1927, set up a low-density community with a high share of green space, and the original vision was horticultural and floricultural estates for gentleman farmers growing citrus and avocados. Today that means large lawns, long drive edges, orchards turned to open grass and slopes that would take many pallets of sod to cover.

Life under the eucalyptus

Between 1906 and 1914, about 3.5 million blue gum eucalyptus trees were planted from seed on roughly 3,000 acres near the San Dieguito River, meant for railroad ties. The wood turned out too soft to hold spikes, and the venture failed, but the groves remain part of the landscape. Grass struggles under eucalyptus because of shade, leaf litter and root competition. We suggest shade-tolerant mixes or ground cover under the canopy and keep turf to open, sunny areas.

Inland temperature swings

Rancho Santa Fe has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate, but its higher elevation and inland position give larger temperature swings than typical for the San Diego area. Lawns here need sturdier seed choices than coastal yards, and we schedule seeding for fall or early spring to avoid the hottest weeks.

Fire recovery

The 2007 Witch Fire damaged or destroyed more than 80 homes in Rancho Santa Fe. Fire-scarred slopes, cleared brush zones and areas regraded for defensible space all need cover before winter. Hydromulch and bonded fiber matrix give that cover quickly, and native or low-fuel mixes keep the slopes from regrowing heavy brush.

Water history

Lake Hodges Dam and San Dieguito Dam were finished in 1918 to supply water for the community's agricultural plan. Water is still the main cost of keeping big lawns green, so we talk through which areas truly need turf and which can be seeded with native or low-water mixes.

Rancho Santa Fe services

Large-area lawn hydroseeding
Shade and eucalyptus-area ground cover
Fire and brush-clearance slope seeding
Estate grading, topsoil and drainage

Get a free estimate or call (619) 673-9356.

Rancho Santa Fe History and Land

Eucalyptus plantings. From 1906 to 1914 about 3.5 million blue gum eucalyptus were planted on roughly 3,000 acres near the San Dieguito River.
Low-density plan. Lilian Rice's 1921-1927 master plan created a low-density community with high green space.
Witch Fire. The 2007 Witch Fire damaged or destroyed over 80 homes in Rancho Santa Fe.
Dams. Lake Hodges Dam and San Dieguito Dam were completed in 1918 to supply water for the agricultural plan.

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Our Services in Rancho Santa Fe, CA

Rancho Santa Fe Questions

Why won't grass grow under our eucalyptus trees?

Shade, leaf litter and root competition. Shade-tolerant seed or ground cover does better there, with turf kept to sunny areas.

Is hydroseeding practical for an acre or more of lawn?

Yes. The bigger the area, the more hydroseeding saves over sod, and it handles slopes and odd shapes well.

Can part of our lawn be converted to lower-water planting?

Yes. We can seed native or low-water mixes on the areas you rarely use and keep turf where people play and gather.

Our slope was cleared for fire safety. What goes on it now?

Hydromulch or bonded fiber matrix with a low-growing mix to hold soil without rebuilding fuel.

Free Estimates in Rancho Santa Fe, CA

Ask for a written estimate on your Rancho Santa Fe grounds.

Call (619) 673-9356 Free Estimate