Sustainability Is at the Core of Everything We Do
Every Rubicon service starts with the same idea: feed the soil, work with the plant, and the landscape takes care of more of itself. The result is healthier grounds, less waste and fewer chemicals.
Our Approach
Healthy Soil Grows Healthy Landscapes
We treat every landscape as a living system. Soil rich in organic matter and microorganisms holds water, feeds plants and helps them resist pests and disease on their own. When the soil is healthy, plants don't need synthetic fertilizers or routine chemical sprays.
Any property can be brought to this standard. Through compost, mulch, sheet mulching, natural pruning and careful water management, we move landscapes away from chemical dependence and toward lasting health.
Our Practices
How Sustainability Shows Up in Every Service
These principles shape our maintenance, enhancement, irrigation and landscape conversion work.
Natural Pruning
We prune to each plant's natural form, which reduces green waste, avoids stress regrowth and improves plant health.
Compost and Mulch
Compost feeds the soil, and mulch holds moisture, keeps roots cool and suppresses weeds without herbicides.
Sheet Mulching
Layers of cardboard, compost and mulch smother weeds and turf and turn them into rich soil, with no chemicals.
Soil Biology
We build up the microorganisms that cycle nutrients, improve soil structure and protect roots.
Natural Fertility
Organic matter and nitrogen-fixing plants supply nutrients, so landscapes don't depend on synthetic fertilizers.
Water Efficiency
Routine irrigation checks, smart controllers and drip conversions put water only where plants need it.
Integrated Pest Management
Monitoring, hand removal and mulch come first. Targeted treatment is a last resort, applied only when conditions require it.
Less to the Landfill
We recycle 100% of our green waste, and 75% of our small equipment is electric.
ReScape Principles
Guided by the Eight ReScape Principles
ReScape California's whole-systems approach to landscaping is the foundation of how we plan and care for every property.
| Principle | What It Means on Your Property |
|---|---|
| Act Local | Plants and practices chosen for the site's climate, soil and surrounding plant communities |
| Reduce Waste | Natural pruning, on-site mulching and green waste recycling, so less goes to the landfill |
| Nurture Soil | Compost, mulch and sheet mulching that build organic matter and soil life |
| Sequester Carbon | Healthy soil, trees and long-lived plantings that store carbon |
| Save Water | Efficient irrigation, drip conversions and water-wise planting |
| Conserve Energy | Electric equipment and efficient routing that cut fuel use |
| Protect Water and Air | Integrated Pest Management, less runoff and nothing into storm drains |
| Create Habitat | Native and diverse plantings that feed and shelter pollinators and birds |
Industry Standards
The Standards We Work To
We follow the best practices of California's leading landscape and water organizations.
ReScape California
Whole-systems, sustainable landscaping practices and ReScape Qualified Professional training.
QWEL
Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper certification in efficient irrigation and water-wise landscape care.
MWELO
California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, which sets water budgets and efficiency rules for new and rehabilitated landscapes.
Irrigation Association
Industry best practices for efficient irrigation design, auditing and management.
CLCA
The California Landscape Contractors Association, which sets professional standards for landscape contractors in California.
NALP
The National Association of Landscape Professionals, which sets national standards for safety and professional landscape care.
The Transition
How We Bring Any Property to Sustainable Care
Assess
We review soil, plants, irrigation and current chemical use on a free site walk.
Build Soil
Compost, mulch and sheet mulching restore organic matter and soil life.
Prune and Plant for Health
Natural pruning and the right plants for the site reduce stress and waste.
Reduce Inputs
As the soil recovers, we tune irrigation and step down fertilizers and sprays, and we report the results to you.
See What Sustainable Care Would Look Like on Your Property
Free site assessment and a written recommendation from our team.