Maintaining a perfect lawn in coastal Florida isn’t easy.

Between intense sun, sandy soil, salt air, and heavy foot traffic, natural grass often struggles to survive—especially in places like Sarasota, Siesta Key, and Lido Key. That’s why more homeowners and property managers are turning to artificial turf as a beautiful, low-maintenance alternative.

At Siesta Key Landscape, we design and install custom artificial turf systems that look and feel just like real grass—without the watering, mowing, or constant upkeep.

What Is Artificial Turf and Why Is It So Popular in Coastal Florida?

Artificial turf is a high-quality synthetic grass designed to mimic the appearance and texture of natural lawns. Unlike real grass, artificial turf doesn’t die, turn brown, or need water. It stays lush, green, and consistent all year long—even in the Florida heat.

For homes and businesses in Sarasota, Siesta Key, and Lido Key, artificial turf is especially popular because it:

• Handles salt air and intense sun
• Stands up to heavy foot traffic
• Works well in shady or hard-to-mow areas
• Requires very little maintenance
• Always stays the same vibrant green color

Custom Artificial Turf Applications for Any Outdoor Space

Artificial turf isn’t just for full lawns. Our expert synthetic turf

When it comes to enhancing your outdoor space, few upgrades offer the beauty, durability, and long-term value of hardscaping.

One of the best ways to create lasting property value is through hardscapes or pavers, and at Siesta Key Landscape, we specialize in turning ordinary yards into elegant, functional outdoor living areas with premium materials and expert craftsmanship.

Why Hardscapes Matter

Hardscaping refers to the non-living elements of your landscape design—think patios, walkways, driveways, retaining walls, and pool decks. Unlike softscape features like grass and plants, hardscapes provide structure, accessibility, and long-term investment benefits. They not only increase curb appeal but also add practical function and reduce maintenance.

Upgrading from a plain concrete driveway to a stunning paver surface, for example, can completely transform the first impression of your home. Or, consider replacing a standard pool patio with a thin Travertine tile—it instantly elevates the luxury factor and adds a timeless Mediterranean look.

Custom Hardscape Solutions for Every Property

At Siesta Key Landscape, we work with a wide variety of hardscape materials to suit every style and budget. Whether you want a simple steppingstone walkway that meanders through your garden or a complete overhaul of your driveway with custom pavers, we’ve

At Siesta Key Landscape, we take care of every step of your pool and landscape project.

Our experienced team works closely with you from the initial design through to the final planting, ensuring your new pool not only reflects your style but also enhances your property’s beauty and value.

Our comprehensive services include:

• In-ground custom pool design and construction
• Spas and water features tailored to your space
• Landscape design and installation around your pool
• Artificial turf for a lush, low-maintenance lawn
• Outdoor lighting for ambiance, security, and nighttime enjoyment
• Hardscaping such as patios, pavers, walkways, and retaining walls
• Tropical and Florida-native planting plans for a natural, sustainable finish

We handle all permits, scheduling, and construction coordination, making the process as seamless and stress-free as possible.

More Than Pools, Complete Outdoor Living Spaces

Whether you're looking for a peaceful oasis or an entertainer’s paradise, we create custom outdoor spaces that reflect your lifestyle. From elegant seating areas and outdoor kitchens to landscape lighting and Florida-friendly plantings, we bring the resort home to you.

Let’s Design Your Dream Backyard

When it comes to outdoor spaces, Siesta Key Landscape delivers craftsmanship, creativity, and total project management. From small garden pools to large-scale outdoor

We recently had the pleasure of designing and installing a full landscape plan for a beautiful waterfront property.

From the beginning, our clients envisioned a space that would blend the tranquility of their water view with the warmth and charm of a classic farmhouse aesthetic. They wanted something that felt timeless and inviting—yet with a touch of modern style to keep things fresh.

To bring their vision to life, we created a custom landscape design that carefully balanced lush greenery with clean lines and natural materials. Our team selected and installed a variety of plant materials to soften the space while complementing the serene waterfront backdrop. We leaned into a tropical farmhouse style, incorporating a mix of ornamental grasses, flowering shrubs, and leafy textures that added depth and vibrancy to the property. Subtle modern accents were added to keep the design current without detracting from its rustic charm.

A key feature of the project was the addition of an outdoor patio, strategically placed near the yard to serve as a perfect spot for grilling and entertaining. This area was designed with functionality and comfort in mind, using natural stone and warm wood tones to tie in with the overall farmhouse

We recently had the pleasure of collaborating with a homeowner on a truly transformative project, creating a grand estate entrance for a beautifully remodeled home.

This wasn’t just a landscaping update; it was about making a bold first impression that matched the elegance of the interior renovation.

From the start, the vision was clear: a lush, welcoming entryway that combined the sophistication of mature landscaping with the vibrant charm of tropical design. Working closely with the homeowner, we selected a stunning array of fully mature palms and statement plants to frame the front of the house. These towering palms not only added instant grandeur but also created an inviting canopy effect that guides guests toward the main entrance.

To further enhance the tropical feel, we layered in a variety of large-leaf, heavy tropical plants around the entrance. This created a rich, green focal point that feels both luxurious and grounded in nature. The textures and colors of these plants work together to soften the structure of the home while providing visual interest year-round.

Privacy was another key element in the design. Along the side of the property, we installed large, dense shrubs to create a natural screen. These serve a

When our client came to us with a vision to bring new life to their old Lowcountry estate, we knew it would be a transformation to remember.

The property, once beautiful but long overgrown and neglected, needed a complete refresh—not just for everyday use, but to become the stunning backdrop for their daughter’s upcoming wedding.

Our first step was to tackle the overgrown landscape. We carefully cleared away years of wild growth and removed several small trees that were crowding the space and blocking the natural flow of the property. With the land opened up, we turned our attention to reshaping and revitalizing the terrain.

The clients dreamed of a lush, level landscape where they could host friends and family for this special occasion, so we brought in over 300 yards of fill dirt to help regrade the property and create a smooth, walkable surface throughout. Once the ground was properly leveled and prepared, we laid high-quality sod across the entire estate, creating a rich, green canvas that would photograph beautifully and feel incredible underfoot.

To support the extensive new lawn, we installed a comprehensive irrigation system, ensuring the grass would stay healthy and vibrant well beyond the wedding day.

We recently had the opportunity to work on an incredible property located on the stunning shores of Siesta Key.

What started as a storm-ravaged landscape has now been transformed into a breathtaking outdoor retreat—perfect for entertaining and enjoying Florida’s beautiful weather.

When our client approached us, their vision was clear: they wanted an expansive, functional space where they could host guests and enjoy time outdoors. To bring that vision to life, we designed and built an artificial turf custom 9-hole putting green, turning the front yard into a golfer’s dream. Surrounding the green, we created a lush, tropical landscape that blends natural beauty with low-maintenance features.

The first step in the process was a major cleanup effort. The property had taken a hard hit from a recent storm, leaving it in rough shape. We completely cleared the damaged areas, removed debris, and prepared the space for a fresh start.

For the new landscape design, we incorporated a vibrant mix of bromeliads throughout the property to add pops of color and texture. We also installed a variety of palms and ornamental shrubs to create depth and a sense of tropical elegance. To ensure the landscape remained green and pristine year-round, we

Choosing between artificial turf and real grass for your Florida home depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Here are some reasons why you should consider using artificial turf:

Low Maintenance: Artificial turf requires significantly less maintenance compared to real grass. Artificial turf doesn't grow, so you don't need to mow it regularly. With real grass, especially in Florida's warm and rainy climate, grass can grow quickly, requiring frequent mowing during the growing season.

Water Conservation: Florida often faces water shortages, and artificial turf can help you conserve water as it doesn't need regular watering to stay green and lush. This can also result in lower water bills.

Durability: Artificial turf can withstand heavy foot traffic, pets, and various weather conditions better than real grass. It remains green and attractive year-round, even during the hot Florida summers.

No Fertilizing or Pest Control: Real grass often needs fertilizers and pesticides to maintain its health and appearance. Artificial turf eliminates the need for these chemicals, reducing both the cost and environmental impact.

No Weeding: You won't have to spend time and effort pulling weeds in your artificial turf, as it doesn't support weed growth.

Allergen-Free: If you or your family

Unlike the “AstroTurf” of yesteryear, today’s artificial turf looks and feels like natural grass, minus the weeds and brown patches, and it has myriad advantages over a traditional lawn.

For starters, you can choose from a variety grass types, each with its unique characteristics, and you can customize the color, length, and texture to achieve the perfect landscape, and today’s synthetic grass is UV-resistant and extremely durable, so it will stay green and manicured for years.

Artificial grass is a great choice for front yards, backyards, balconies, and terraces, and an absolute must-for hard-to-mow areas, areas that don’t get enough sunlight, and high-traffic areas.

Entertaining in an area that has been landscaped with synthetic grass means no allergies and no mosquitos and your lawn will still look pristine when the party is over. This is why synthetic grass has become so prevalent in public spaces where people gather for concerts and the like.

Siesta Key Landscape is extremely mindful of the environmental impact that our actions have on Sarasota, our bays, and our estuaries – that’s why we’re big fans of artificial grass!

With artificial turf, there’s no watering, so you conserve water, and no fertilizing, so you don’t have

Since the mid-nineties, harmful algal blooms known as “red tide” have dramatically increased in duration and concentration.

Although Florida red tide develops miles offshore, human-contributed nutrients like nitrates and phosphates from fertilizer use, foster its growth as it moves closer to our shores.

Siesta Key Landscape is extremely mindful of the environmental impact that our actions have on Sarasota, our bays and estuaries.

We follow strict Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles like:

1. setting an action threshold (a single pest doesn’t automatically mean control is needed)
2. understanding that not all insects or weeds require control (some are actually beneficial)
3. selecting pest-resistant plants, and
4. evaluating pest control methods for their effectiveness, and risk to the environment.

We also follow all recommended fertilizer restrictions, and we conserve as much water as possible, but if we want to save our resources and eliminate fertilizer run off – we have to do better as a community!

When our yards are over-fertilized, excess nitrogen and phosphorus will flow with rainwater into the stormwater system.

You can reduce your environmental impact by:

1. choosing plants that require less fertilizer
2. using slow-release fertilizer minimizing overall fertilizer use
3. adding an infiltration trench for drainage, and
4. making sure your irrigation system

Siesta Key Landscape is honored to have been selected as the Landscaping Contractor for this beautifully Reimagined Retreat,

which was just featured in Home & Design Magazine Suncoast. Check out the great article and photography, and don't skip the parts about how the multi-colored pavers where lush palms, flowers, and other foliage by Siesta Key Landscape round out the vacation-home feel.

In what’s shaping up to be one of our best years ever, our team has expanded to continue offering the best all-around property maintenance in Sarasota. Owner John Butts, who has been an ISA Certified Arborist for nearly 15 years, just completed his qualifications to become a Professional Mangrove Trimmer (PMT) and Jason and Daniel continue to work in our Gardens & Flowers team.

Gardens require a watchful eye, but the enjoyment you get from just one flowerbed makes it all worthwhile. This April we are planting Vincas, Pentas, Dusty Millers, and Angel Wing Begonias. Next month, the Caladiums will be coming out like we look forward to every year. Our secret is mixing ‘Command’ organic compost into the soil before planting new flowers, herbs or vegetables.

We’re excited to announce that we recently transitioned to a new fertilizer and plant healthcare vendor. Long story short, John sold his portion of GreenEdge and hired one of his previous technicians to exclusively handle our properties, allowing for better quality control and more accountability. Josh Ward is our boots-on-the-ground guy. He’s extremely knowledgeable when it comes to plant health, palm nutrition, and turf care. We look forward to seeing immediate results from

Immediately recognizable to most Floridians, mangroves, with their distinctive root systems that dot the muddy shores of rivers and estuaries around South Florida, play an important ecological role.

They provide a habitat for thousands of vertebrate and invertebrate marine species and other wildlife, and they often bear the brunt of tropical storms and hurricanes.

Although most mangroves live in mud, they can also thrive in sand, peat, and coral rock, and they can withstand a level of salinity one hundred times greater than most other plants. In fact, mangroves are the only trees that can live in brackish water and they tolerate the daily ebb and flow of coastal tides that would drown most trees, even if the water itself were fresh.

But these majestic trees are by no means indestructible and, as such, they require expert care.

There are over half a million acres of mangroves in Florida and over 80% are under some form of government or private ownership or control and are expressly set aside for preservation or conservation purposes. This means that mangrove pruning must be conducted by a Professional Mangrove Trimmer (PMT) in compliance with the Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act.

Additionally, the City of

Congratulations to Mark Sultana & April Balliette of DSDG Architects on being named Best Architect and Best Interior Designer, respectively in SRQ Magazine's Best of SRQ local 2020.

Mark’s clean and fresh designs have earned him 10 Best of SRQ awards while April has held the position of Best Interior Designer for the 4 years the category has existed.

Siesta Key Landscape is proud to have worked with this dynamic duo on projects like the recently completed Blue Marlin Residence.

Backyard walkways and paths are a great way to connect parts of your yard and create separate areas within it.

Residential and commercial landscapes can benefit from various types of walkways and paths. These are functional but also can be designed to enhance any outdoor landscape. Siesta Key landscape specializes in all varieties of walkway & path design and installation.

We can connect your outdoor living spaces with steppers or pathways. From flagstone steppers and paths to brick, natural stone, gravel or concrete, there are multiple ways to get around your landscape. Let us help you create an attractive walkway or path throughout your gardens and landscaping today.

Landscaping can be a highly effective way to make your property more appealing and also allow you to spend more time in your green space. Outdoor pathways and walkways can guide visitors to your front door or a hidden backyard garden. Custom paths can add aesthetic charm and practical function to your property.

When choosing materials and creating designs for your custom path, we consider the style of your home and surrounding property and use that complements your home’s existing architecture and decorative choices.
Our landscape architects and designers will provide you

DIY landscaping projects can be a lot of fun, as long as everything goes according to plan but, if you don’t have the right training, tools or experience, a simple DIY project can quickly turn into a major unexpected expense - especially if you hit a utility line while digging!

Professional Landscapers have the knowledge, experience, equipment (and insurance) to handle any problem that might arise. They’re familiar with local rules and regulations, and they know what plants, irrigation systems, and water strategies will work best with your soil composition and climate.

There are many great reasons to hire a Professional Landscaper, especially for larger projects, even if you mow your own lawn and trim your own hedges each week. Here are some of them:

Professional Landscaping Increases Your Property Value

Professional landscaping offers an excellent return on investment. According to John Gidding, host of HGTV’s “Curb Appeal” and Logo TV’s “Secret Guide to Fabulous”, a landscaping investment can yield as much as a 1,000% return. As a rule of thumb, Erik Shorb, co-owner American Plant, a Bethesda-based nursery and landscaping company, recommends investing 10% of your property value on landscaping. Of course, there are many things you can do

The source could be your Areca palms.

There’s a common misconception regarding Areca palms that all the new growth must be trimmed away. Unfortunately, all these open cuts provide an easy point of entry for diseases which are often incurable and can spread to other palms on your property.

One common example of an incurable palm disease is Ganoderma Butt Rot. This disease is so contagious that it can easily spread through pruning shears or chainsaws and, once a diseased palm is removed, a new palm cannot be planted in its place for 4 to 5 years.

If you have any questions or concerns about Ganoderma, or any other palm disease, call Siesta Key Landscape at 941-379-3479 and always inform your landscape company if you think you might have an infected palm so they don’t inadvertently transfer the disease to healthy palms.

When you land one of the last original bungalows in paradise, only the best will do and that includes landscaping by Siesta Key Landscape!

Check out the Detroit Home article of this Casey Key gem that we worked on.

Florida Oolite – (Coral Stone) found at or near the surface in southeastern peninsular of Florida from Palm Beach County to the Barrier Islands east of Miami bordering Biscayne Bay and the lower Keys of Florida From Big Pine Island to the Marquesas Keys just south of Key West.

Florida Oolite Coral Stone consists of fossiliferous limestone, quartz sand, marine sediments and lime sandstones.

Fossils present in this Coral Stone include mollusks, bryozoans, and corals. Molds and casts of fossils are common. This Coral Stone is highly porous and permeable. This Coral Stone has a Tropical appeal and is used in walls, columns, Building Veneer and as Bank or Shore Lining.

The most prevalent form of oolite is southern Dade county oolite because of the available rural land. Southern Dade county oolite is characterized by white. Gables oolite or graveyard stone is characterized by deep crevices & rust veining. It is available in limited quantities & because of its porosity can not be hatchet faced in thicknesses less than 3 inches.

Oolite is temperamental and requires expert installation, skills that exceed those of most commercial or residential tile layers.

Siesta Key Landscape can install it in a variety of formats:

For this unique project on North Lake Shore Drive in Sarasota we removed all the existing landscape in order to allow for renovations to take place.

Then, once the new driveway was installed, we provided all the irrigation, landscape, drainage, and landscape lighting.

We carefully routed all the gutter drains underground and out to large drain basins near the bay, we installed several sections of artificial turf near the front entrance for low maintenance and aesthetics, and we added zoysia grass sod in the front yard and back.

Siesta Key Landscape worked closely with the homeowner and Tim Borden Landscape Architect to complete this stunning landscape design.

Coming Soon: Look for these pictures on the cover of Home & Design magazine!

Click here to see more photos