Improve Your Outdoor Space With a Tampa, FL Landscape Architect

From Ybor City’s palm-lined brick walkways to Harbour Island’s native-grass waterfront trails, Tampa’s landscapes endure salty air, blazing sun, and sudden storms. Designing for this setting means navigating a humid subtropical climate, meeting coastal codes, and selecting materials built to withstand hurricane-season winds.

Since 2005, our Tampa landscape architects have created planting, irrigation, hardscape, and amenity plans that meet permitting, endure salt, heat, and storms, and preserve the city’s tropical coastal character.

As Tampa grows, our work helps projects open on schedule, maintain predictable upkeep, and provide 393,000 residents with amenities that ensure long-term enjoyment and usability.

Considerations for Tampa Landscaping

Tampa’s humid subtropical climate, coastal conditions, and intense summer downpours require careful planning for any residential or commercial landscape. Our designers address these challenges with targeted solutions for:

Soil conditions and pH

Fast-draining sand can leach nutrients, and a pH of around 6.0–7.5 limits plant choices and influences irrigation scheduling.

Heat and temperature swings

Summer highs near 90°F raise heat stress, while occasional winter dips into the 30s can burn cold-sensitive species.

Salt and wind exposure

Onshore winds carry salt that scorches foliage; storm gusts can uproot shallow-rooted trees or snap weak limbs.

Rainfall intensity and drainage

Short, heavy downpours in summer cause ponding and erosion unless the site moves water quickly and keeps soils aerated.

Each concept plan factors in soil maps, flood zones, wind exposure, and saltwater proximity to ensure the site functions well in every season.

Professional Landscape Architectural Services in West Central Florida

Our Tampa landscape architects collaborate with land developers, civil engineers, architects, and contractors to deliver fully integrated designs. We provide a full range of services to guide your project from initial planning through final completion:

Successful Tampa land planning starts with understanding the site’s topography, drainage, and environmental constraints. We analyze soil conditions, FEMA flood maps, and existing vegetation to determine the best placement for buildings, access points, and open spaces.

The layouts align with Tampa’s Comprehensive Plan and zoning for parking, open space, and buffers, whether it’s a Channelside waterfront or a Seminole Heights infill lot.

Tampa’s landscape includes native trees like live oaks and sabal palms, many of which are protected. City Ordinance 27-284.2 requires permits for removing or relocating these species, making tree disposition plans essential. 

We evaluate sites with certified arborists to identify protected trees and document their size, health, and location. Plans detail preservation methods, relocation options, and required mitigation plantings to meet city and county standards, balancing project goals with the preservation of Tampa’s canopy.

Tampa’s warm, sunny climate allows for vibrant landscapes year-round. We design with the site’s microclimate, soil drainage, and overall vision, pairing natives like coontie and Simpson’s stopper with adaptive ornamentals such as crape myrtle and bottlebrush

Our planting plans consider spacing, mature size, and upkeep so the design feels balanced on day one and as it matures. Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles guide our choices, supporting biodiversity and creating healthy landscapes with fewer chemical inputs.

Tampa’s long growing season calls for irrigation that saves water while keeping plants healthy. We meet Florida Water Star and Southwest Florida Water Management District standards with drip systems for shrubs and groundcovers and matched-precipitation sprinklers for turf. 

Our designs include smart controllers, rain and soil-moisture sensors, pressure-regulated valves and heads, and a flow sensor with master valve, plus reclaimed-water compatibility and hydrozoning.

From pool decks and dog parks to outdoor kitchens and walking trails, community amenities boost property value and user experience. We create amenity spaces that reflect Tampa lifestyles—incorporating shaded seating for year-round comfort, permeable paving for stormwater management, and native plant buffers for privacy. 

Projects feature integration with nearby greenways or waterfront access, aligning with Hillsborough County’s connectivity goals. Our amenity designs support social interaction, recreation, and long-term usability for residential, commercial, and civic developments.

When your project includes gathering spaces, we design inviting and functional hardscapes. From conversation-friendly plazas to shaded rooftop terraces and walkways that guide visitors, our designs enhance comfort and usability.

Materials like shell aggregate concrete, brick pavers, and coquina stone add texture and style while holding up to Tampa’s climate. Each feature meets City of Tampa standards, from ADA-compliant paths to retaining walls and courtyards.

Why Tampa Clients Trust Our Landscape Architects

Local architects, civil engineers, developers, and commercial property managers value the combination of local expertise and responsive service we bring to every project. As Hillsborough County’s trusted landscape planners, we offer:

Over 20 years of experience designing for Florida’s coastal climate and soils

Detailed knowledge of Tampa’s permitting processes and development codes

Designs that integrate constructability to reduce build time and costs

Collaboration that keeps projects on schedule and within budget

Commitment to sustainable practices that lower long-term maintenance needs

As a veteran-owned firm with licensure in over 40 states, we provide the same high level of service whether your project is in Tampa or part of a multi-location portfolio.

Plan Your Tampa Project With Evergreen Design Group

Every successful outdoor space starts with a plan tailored to its site, purpose, and users. Whether you’re revitalizing a historic property in Hyde Park, building a commercial center in Westshore, or developing a new residential community, Evergreen Design Group can help. 

Our Tampa landscape architects have the skill and insight to turn your plans into functional, inviting, and built-to-last environments. 

Contact us today to discuss your project and see how our team can design spaces that look exceptional and perform reliably in Florida’s unique environment.

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