Landscape Architect in South Carolina

Speak With Experienced South Carolina Landscape Architects for Your Next Project

Landscape architecture in South Carolina requires careful planning. The state’s long coastline, humid summers, and active storm season shape every design decision. Each region—from Charleston to Greenville—presents its own distinct ecological and regulatory challenges.

Evergreen Design Group is a South Carolina landscape architecture firm with experience creating resilient, sustainable, and functional outdoor spaces. With a talented team of land planners, irrigation designers, and landscape architects, we’ve successfully designed projects across more than 40 states.

Challenges of Landscape Architecture in South Carolina

As a licensed landscape architect firm in South Carolina, we understand how varied the conditions are across the state. We adapt every design to match its site and meet local challenges head-on, such as:

• Diverse regional conditions. South Carolina has three main regions, each requiring a tailored approach to landscape architecture. For instance, the Lowcountry has poor drainage and saltwater intrusion, whereas the Midlands has dense, easily compacted red clay. The Upstate features steep slopes, cooler climates, and erosion risks.
  
  
• Storm and flood risks. The state’s long hurricane season affects both the coast and inland areas. Lowcountry sites may need breakaway hardscapes and flood-tolerant planting. The Midlands and Upstate often face runoff and flash flooding after long rain periods, making stormwater management a primary design concern.
  
  
• Hot, humid summers and urban heat. Prolonged heat and high humidity can limit plant options, especially in cities like Columbia and Charleston, where the urban heat island effect makes it even hotter. Designs must include shade structures, tree coverage, and reflective materials to reduce surface temperatures.
  
  
• Wildlife proximity in expanding areas. As development spreads into natural areas, sites encounter deer, snakes, and other wildlife. Integrating defensive plantings, fencing strategies, and buffer zones is critical for reducing risk and maintaining ecological balance.
  
  
• Historic preservation requirements. In places like Charleston, local ordinances protect the look and feel of historic neighborhoods. To remain in compliance, landscape designs must follow strict rules on plant types, hardscape finishes, and even lighting.
  
  
• Wildfire risk in dry inland areas. The state’s western half faces a growing risk of wildfires, especially during dry seasons. Landscaping designs in these regions require fire-safe techniques, such as planting fire-resistant species or creating defensible spaces.

 Techniques Used by Our Landscape Architects in South Carolina

At Evergreen Design Group, our South Carolina landscape architects develop solutions tailored to local conditions and long-term functionality. Our design strategies include:

• Resilient planting. We prioritize salt-, heat-, and storm-resistant species native to the state. Common selections include sabal palmetto (the state tree), cordgrass for coastal and wetland areas, wax myrtle, and pond cypress.
  
  
• Storm-resistant hardscaping. To minimize storm damage, we design with permeable materials and breakaway pavers that help manage water flow and reduce flood impact.
  
  
• Erosion control. To prevent soil loss in hilly or clay-rich regions, we use mulching, terracing, and other slope stabilization techniques.
  
  
• Heat mitigation. To reduce surface temperatures, we use canopy trees for natural shading and light-colored paving materials that reflect sunlight.
  
  
• Wildlife planning. Designs in newly developed or edge communities incorporate defensive plantings and controlled access points to reduce animal-human conflict.

A South Carolina Landscape Architecture Firm You Can Count On

The Evergreen Design Group team is licensed to operate across the state and has over 20 years of nationwide experience. When partnering with our landscape architect firm in South Carolina, you can expect the following:

• Local expertise. We understand the conditions, regulations, and permitting needs of each region in South Carolina. Our designs are built to last in each region, from the Lowcountry coast to the mountains upstate.
  
  
• Guidance through complexity. Our team can help you meet all local and state requirements, including compliance with coastal floodplain rules or Charleston’s historical preservation regulations.
  
  
• Full-service design team. Our staff includes professional land planners, irrigation designers, and landscape architects. We provide planting plans, irrigation plans, tree disposition plans, and hardscape designs.
  
  
• Program management for large-scale developments. We manage design programs across multiple locations and developments, maintaining consistent quality and performance.
  
  
• Diverse project experience. We support a wide range of properties, including residential developments, retail, industrial parks, civic spaces, hospitals, and schools.

 Contact Evergreen Design Group’s Offices in South Carolina 

Whether planning a new development in the Lowcountry or upgrading civic landscapes in the Midlands or Upstate, Evergreen Design Group supports your project. Our experienced South Carolina landscape architects design durable landscapes that comply with the state’s regulations while meeting your unique demands.

Contact Evergreen Design Group to speak with a licensed landscape architect in South Carolina.