Business Details
22 Years
experience
Expert Landscaping & Orchard Services in Santa Cruz
Orchard Keepers has been dedicated to creating and maintaining home orchards, edible gardens, and native landscapes since 2004. Our approach prioritizes organic growing practices and sustainable design, rooted in the belief that healthy soil fosters thriving plants. We offer comprehensive installation and maintenance services, specializing in California landscapes that balance ecological responsibility with aesthetic beauty. Our team combines decades of horticultural expertise with a commitment to environmental stewardship, ensuring each project aligns with natural processes.We emphasize clear communication and client collaboration, fostering long-term relationships built on trust and shared values. Recognized for our dedication to employee growth and community engagement, we strive to set industry standards for ethical and sustainable landscaping practices.
Services
Installation
Maintenance
Edible Gardens
Native Landscapes
Irrigation Systems
Pest Management
Educational Consultations
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We use 100% organic materials and sustainable practices for all projects.
- Our team includes certified horticulturists with 15+ years of local experience.
- We offer customized maintenance plans starting at $525/month.
- Our staff receives ongoing training in ecological gardening techniques.
- We prioritize clear communication and client education throughout every project.
What people say
Exceptional knowledge
Eco-friendly practices
Reliable team
Beautiful results
Great communication
Services
Home Orchard Installation
We create custom home orchards tailored to California's climate. Our process begins with site analysis and client consultations to determine fruit tree selection, layout, and irrigation needs. We handle all aspects from soil preparation to planting and initial training of young trees. Clients receive detailed care instructions and seasonal maintenance guidance to ensure long-term success.
Edible Garden Maintenance
Our maintenance team provides regular visits to sustain healthy edible gardens. Services include seasonal pruning, organic fertilization, pest management, and irrigation system checks. We educate clients on sustainable practices while ensuring optimal plant health and productivity through eco-friendly techniques adapted to local conditions.
Native Landscape Design
We specialize in creating drought-tolerant landscapes using native California plants. Our designs balance aesthetic appeal with ecological function, incorporating water-wise irrigation systems and soil health improvement strategies. Projects focus on creating habitats that support local wildlife while reducing maintenance requirements for property owners.
Irrigation System Installation
We install efficient irrigation systems tailored to each landscape's specific needs. Our expertise includes drip irrigation and micro-sprinkler systems designed for water conservation. We ensure proper placement and pressure regulation to optimize water delivery while minimizing waste through regular system maintenance and adjustments.
Integrated Pest Management
Our organic pest management approach combines preventative measures with targeted interventions. We use physical barriers, beneficial insect habitats, and OMRI-approved treatments when necessary. The program focuses on ecosystem balance rather than eradication, addressing pest issues while maintaining soil and plant health through regular monitoring and adjustments.
People
Matthew Sutton
President
Matthew founded Orchard Keepers in 2005 after studying sustainable agriculture at UCSC. With horticultural training from Italy, Wisconsin, and UCSC's farm program, he brings 20+ years of experience in organic orchard management and landscape design to each project.
Kim Mayer
Maintenance Team Manager
Kim leads our maintenance team with 15+ years of experience in ecological gardening. Holding a degree in Environmental Studies from UCSC, she combines scientific knowledge with practical expertise in sustainable landscape management, ensuring client gardens thrive through environmentally responsible practices.
Andy Webster
Installation Manager
Andy oversees all installation projects with a background in hydrology and habitat restoration. His 10+ years managing landscape construction projects ensure seamless execution from design to completion, balancing technical requirements with ecological principles to create lasting outdoor spaces.
Kate Silver
Maintenance Team Manager
Kate combines landscape architecture expertise with agricultural experience to manage maintenance operations. Her background in soil health and nutritional sciences informs our approach to creating productive edible landscapes that integrate seamlessly with ecological systems.
Amy Jackson
Office Manager
Amy manages administrative operations with 10+ years of experience in organizational leadership. Her psychology background helps maintain efficient communication between teams while ensuring smooth client interactions and supporting the company's commitment to positive workplace culture.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito Counties in California, focusing on creating landscapes suited to local climate conditions.
Do you use organic materials exclusively?
Yes, we use 100% organic growing practices and materials for all installations and maintenance services to ensure environmental sustainability.
How often do maintenance visits occur?
We offer monthly, bi-weekly, and weekly maintenance services starting at $525/month, with frequency tailored to each property's specific needs.
What's included in your installation services?
Our installations include site analysis, soil preparation, plant selection, irrigation systems, and hardscape elements like patios and pathways for complete landscape solutions.
How do you handle pest issues?
We use integrated pest management combining physical barriers, beneficial insects, and OMRI-approved treatments while prioritizing ecosystem balance over chemical interventions.
Do you offer educational consultations?
Yes, we provide educational sessions on organic gardening techniques, seasonal care requirements, and sustainable practices to help clients maintain their landscapes effectively.
