Business Details
48 Years
experience
Your Trusted Landscaping Partner in Ithaca, NY
Cayuga Landscape has been dedicated to creating imaginative and sustainable landscapes in Tompkins County, NY, for 45 years. Our mission extends beyond aesthetics, focusing on environmentally responsible practices that enhance both residential and community green spaces. We operate multiple divisions, including a comprehensive Garden Center, Residential and Commercial Design-Build services, and Grounds Maintenance programs tailored to local climate conditions. Our team of certified professionals includes landscape architects, horticulturists, and skilled tradespeople who bring expertise to every project. We prioritize sourcing local plants and materials to reduce environmental impact while supporting the regional economy.Our commitment to quality is reflected in our plant guarantee and meticulous attention to client needs. Through community outreach initiatives, we contribute to public spaces like the Cornell Africana Memorial and Ithaca Children's Garden. Our seasonal service plans and educational resources empower clients to maintain beautiful, low-maintenance landscapes year-round. With a fleet of 30 vehicles and specialized equipment, we handle projects of all scales efficiently. Our reputation for excellence is built on decades of delivering innovative solutions that transform outdoor environments.
Services
Landscaping
Garden Center
Grounds Maintenance
Tree Sales
Bulk Materials
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- 45 years of local landscaping expertise with Cornell-trained designers
- Full-service operation from design to installation and maintenance
- Eco-friendly practices including plant recycling and local sourcing
- Community-focused with multiple public space contributions
- Comprehensive plant guarantee for professionally installed specimens
Associations and certifications
- CNLP
What people say
Tremendous difference
Stone work
Design
Yard looks great
Admire the garden
Services
Landscaping
Our comprehensive landscaping services include custom design, hardscaping, and installation of sustainable outdoor environments. We create functional spaces with features like retaining walls, walkways, and rain gardens while prioritizing native plant selection. With 45 years of local experience, our Cornell-trained designers develop site-specific solutions that enhance property value and ecological health through proven techniques like green roof installations and stormwater management systems.
Garden Center
The region's most complete garden center offers extensive selections of locally grown plants, including deer-resistant species and native varieties. We stock over 25 acres of nursery-grown trees like Crabapples and Maples alongside seasonal annuals, perennials, and organic gardening supplies. Our knowledgeable horticulturists provide expert guidance on plant selection and care, while seasonal displays showcase current offerings from spring bedding plants to winter holiday decorations.
Grounds Maintenance
Our seasonal maintenance programs ensure year-round landscape beauty through five-visit plans covering spring cleanup, mulching, summer pruning, fall preparation, and winter protection. Services include lawn mowing, pest monitoring, deer damage prevention, and storm debris removal. Certified technicians use environmentally responsible practices to maintain commercial properties and residential estates while leaving properties neat after each visit.
Bulk Materials
We supply high-quality bulk materials including mulch, topsoil, compost, and decorative stone products. Options range from double-ground hardwood mulch to specialized crushed stone blends for hardscaping projects. Delivery and loading services accommodate both commercial contractors and DIY customers, with sample bins available for material selection. Our inventory supports sustainable practices through locally sourced, eco-friendly options like recycled wood chips and municipal compost.
Design-Build
Our design-build process transforms concepts into reality through full-service project management. Certified designers create detailed plans at 1-inch scale while experienced crews handle construction elements like timber retaining walls, flagstone patios, and custom lighting installations. We specialize in complex features such as large tree relocation and segmented block retaining walls, maintaining strict quality control from initial grading to final planting stages.
People
David Fernandez
President and Company Owner
With over 50 years in the industry, David leads with a Cornell Landscape Architecture degree. He established Cayuga Landscape's commitment to sustainable design and community engagement, guiding the firm's growth while maintaining hands-on involvement in educational programs and environmental stewardship initiatives.
Chris Gruber
Landscape Designer/Senior Estimator
A Cornell Master's graduate with CNLP certification, Chris specializes in complex hardscape projects. He brings 16 years of expertise in full landscape planting design, focusing on technical precision and creative problem-solving for challenging sites while mentoring junior staff in best practices.
James Pagano
Landscape Designer/Estimator
James contributes SUNY ESF-trained expertise to residential and commercial projects. As a CNLP-certified professional, he balances aesthetic vision with practical implementation, developing functional outdoor spaces that align with client needs and environmental sustainability principles.
Pat Wilson
Garden Center Manager
With an AAS in Ornamental Horticulture, Pat oversees plant inventory and customer service. She provides expert guidance on plant selection, manages seasonal displays, and ensures the Garden Center maintains its reputation as a regional resource for both professional landscapers and home gardeners.
Mark Francis
Garden Center Assistant Manager
Mark brings five years of horticultural expertise to plant care and inventory management. He assists customers with product selection, maintains nursery stock, and supports educational initiatives while ensuring high standards of plant quality and customer service.
Questions
What landscaping services do you offer?
We provide full-service landscaping including design, hardscaping, tree installation, and seasonal maintenance programs tailored to local climate conditions.
Do you guarantee your plants?
Yes, professionally installed plants are guaranteed for one year. Customer-planted specimens are covered through year-end with proper care documentation.
What areas do you serve?
We operate throughout Tompkins County and the Finger Lakes region, including Ithaca and Groton.
Can you help with commercial projects?
Yes, we handle commercial bids within 30 miles of Ithaca, with experience on large-scale projects like Cornell University developments.
What bulk materials are available?
We offer mulch, topsoil, compost, decorative stone, and sod. Delivery and loading services accommodate both contractors and DIY customers.
How do I schedule a consultation?
Contact us via phone or email to arrange a site evaluation with one of our certified designers for personalized landscape solutions.
