Scapes by Design in Oklahoma City: Native Plant Landscaping and Water-Wise Design
Scapes by Design is a full-service landscaping firm in Oklahoma City that specializes in native plant installation and xeriscaping, focusing on designs that reduce water consumption and maintenance for residential properties across central Oklahoma.
What Scapes by Design actually does
The company handles both design consultation and installation for clients seeking to move away from traditional turf-heavy yards. Their approach centers on Oklahoma native species like prairie blazing star, little bluestem, and drought-tolerant shrubs that thrive in the region's clay soil and seasonal rainfall patterns without supplemental irrigation after establishment. Projects range from front-yard conversions to full-property redesigns, and they also manage removal of non-native plantings that compete with natives. They do not provide ongoing maintenance contracts; work is typically project-based.
Design, installation, and pricing
A site consultation costs $200 to $300 and includes a walkthrough, soil assessment, and preliminary concept discussion. Design fees for detailed plans run $500 to $1,500 depending on property size and complexity; many clients bundle this with installation. Installation pricing is quoted per project after the design phase and typically ranges from $2,000 for a modest front-bed conversion to $12,000 or more for comprehensive property redesigns with hardscaping. Native plant material costs less than ornamental nursery stock, which offsets some labor expense. Most jobs take two to four weeks from start to finish. The company can coordinate with local soil amendment suppliers if clay remediation is needed before planting.
How it compares to other Oklahoma City landscaping options
Most traditional landscaping companies in Oklahoma City base pricing on maintenance contracts (weekly or bi-weekly mowing and upkeep), which assume a lawn-centric property. Providers like those serving the Edmond and Norman areas typically charge $40 to $80 per visit for standard turf maintenance. Scapes by Design's model inverts that: the upfront cost is higher, but monthly maintenance drops sharply or disappears once native plantings mature. This suits homeowners interested in reducing water bills and yard labor; it does not suit those seeking a manicured lawn aesthetic or rapid visual density. A conventional landscaper might deliver faster green coverage with sod or fast-growing ornamentals; native planting requires patience through an 18-month establishment window.
Services and scope
Beyond installation, Scapes by Design advises on hardscape integration (mulched beds, gravel pathways, permeable paving) to complement plantings and manage stormwater runoff. They can design rain gardens to capture roof runoff, addressing one of Oklahoma City's periodic flooding concerns. Soil testing and amendment are available as add-ons. They do not offer regular maintenance, irrigation system installation, or tree removal; clients needing those services must coordinate separately.
Who it suits and who it does not
This firm is a strong fit for homeowners in central Oklahoma City neighborhoods who want to lower water use and maintenance burden, particularly those with south or west-facing properties where summer heat stress traditional landscape plants. It appeals to environmentally minded residents willing to accept a naturalistic, seasonal aesthetic (grasses turning bronze in fall, spring bloomers at different times) rather than year-round uniform green. It is less suitable for renters, clients in strict HOA communities requiring manicured appearances, or properties where dense shade or contaminated soil makes native establishment difficult.
First visit and consultation process
Contact the firm via phone or email to schedule a site consultation. They will walk the property, discuss your goals, assess existing soil and drainage, and take photos and measurements. A preliminary concept typically arrives within one week. If you move forward, you sign a design agreement and deposit; the full design follows in two to three weeks. Once the design is approved, installation scheduling depends on seasonal demand; spring and fall book out fastest. The company provides a plant list with common and botanical names and installation care instructions before work begins.
Hours, location, and logistics
Scapes by Design operates Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with scheduling flexibility for larger projects. They serve properties across Oklahoma County and into Cleveland and Canadian counties. Parking and site access are confirmed during the initial consultation. Installation crews arrive early morning to avoid heat and typically complete smaller projects within one day; larger redesigns may require two or three visits.
Choosing a native plant approach makes sense in Oklahoma City, where summer water restrictions often arrive by July and the region's heavy clay soil naturally suits prairie-adapted species. Scapes by Design removes the guesswork by pairing design intent with plants proven to handle local conditions.
