K&D Landscaping
K&D Landscaping has been named as the 2024 Aptos Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year.
K&D Landscaping is led by Justin White, a Lawn & Landscape columnist.
This award highlights the company’s initiatives around eco-friendly practices and community outreach. Founded in 1986, K&D Landscaping has grown from a small family-run business into a major sustainable landscaping company in California. The company has served the Watsonville, California, community for nearly 40 years.
The company is family-owned and operated, blossoming to 130 employees with the goal of 300 by 2030. K&D has completed 29 beautification projects in its local community, including contributions to local schools, shelters and public spaces, with a focus on improving the environment for all. Plus, K&D was recognized nationally for its water-saving initiatives, including an irrigation program at Seascape Resort that saved over one million gallons of water annually.
By early 2025, all K&D maintenance crews will transition to using 100% battery-operated equipment, marking a significant shift toward environmentally sustainable operations. White wrote about this decision in his column that appeared in the November issue of Lawn & Landscape. He has also spoken at Lawn & Landscape's Technology Conference several times, including in 2024 at the event in Atlanta.
In addition to these accomplishments, K&D Landscaping is actively involved in promoting responsible water management. The company will host its fourth annual Water Summit in March 2025, bringing together experts to discuss innovative water conservation strategies. K&D also continues to support the community through events like its charity golf tournament, which raised $5,000 for United Way of Santa Cruz.
“We are incredibly proud to receive this recognition from the Aptos Chamber of Commerce,” says Justin White, CEO of K&D Landscaping. “Our team's passion for sustainable landscaping and commitment to the community drive everything we do, and this award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone at K&D.”
