Living Earth Landscapes was started in 1997 by Keith Hamm.  Keith has a wealth of knowledge and experience working in our unique northcoast region. After leaving a major in Forestry and Biology at Humboldt State University to pursue entrepreneurial interest , Keith planted close to 1 million trees for reforestation efforts. From there he worked alongside a professional arborist, built water systems for rural property owners, spent a season building trails and bridges with the California State Parks and installed a variety of landscapes and vegetable gardens. Keith also worked in the appropriate technology field before pursuing a contractor's license in landscaping. To further his expertise in landscape contracting, Keith gained additional perspective spending a season working as Senior Project Manager for one of the largest design/build companies in the state. There he, along with 4 other managers, was responsible for 180 employees, 50 trucks, a territory that covered all of California, and a budget of $20 million. In six months Keith was responsible for coordinating landscaping activities for over 400 houses, 2 sets of model homes, a recreation center, police station, a UC campus, several city streetscapes and a planned community. Working far from Humboldt was never a long-term option to Keith. With the intense, fast-paced, corporate experience gained, he was able to apply the best parts to Living Earth Landscapes, creating a higher quality company that our region deserves.

Certifications and Extended Trainings

Completion of our Certified Aquascape Contractor program by the end of 2010. This has been a 5 year process involving extensive travel for training in all types of water features, rain harvesting, quality control and customer service. We will be the only CAC in the North Coast that carries the complete support of the largest pond system supplier in the country.

Certified installer of Decorative Concrete - Products from EliteCrete. This certification was obtained in 2007 involving the use of cementitious overlays, stamping, staining and sealing of exterior and interior concrete.

Irrigation Trouble Shooting - Our most recent certification from Ewing Irrigation helps us provide a professional and efficient approach to identification of automatic irrigation problems. 

We are authorized Retailers and Installers for the following Companies

PaveStone Products
Soil Retention Products
CopperMoon Outdoor Lighting
FarmTek and Clearspan Outdoor Structures

     Besides the above listed items that separate us from our competition we of course carry many well known favorite soils and supplies at our Garden Center along with hand picked plants, art and 'built in-house' products such as worm boxes and custom outdoor items.

Community Activity
 
     From the begining, Living Earth Landscapes has been involved with with as much outreach as we can commit to. Starting with leading design/build projects for community and school gardens and greenhouses to speaking to garden clubs and private groups. Keith also currently sits as Vice Chairperson to the Green Employers Council, an advisory board to the county supervisors.

 
The 'Team'

Keith Hamm, Owner and Director of Operations,  has been a resident of Humboldt since 1990  Currently, Keith resides in McKinleyville with his wife of 9 years and two children, 8 and 5 years of age.

Jesse Whirl, Landscape Foreman, came to us in early 2009 and proved a dependable addition to our team. Well-educated and a fast learner, Jesse applies his skills and quick thinking to his work. His great disposition adds to his professional demeanor and quality performance.

Holly Bugbee, Office Manager, 
As a sixth generation member of our community, Holly brings a perspective and enthusiasm that only a farm raised person can. She is here to be the first face of our company as well as help manage and organize our daily routine. You'll find her busy at the Garden Center answering your calls, emails and scheduling our crew. Holly is also the voice you hear on our commercials and marketing campaigns so lets give her the positive feedback that she has earned with her vibrant approach to informing you how we can help.

Open Positions

We are currently accepting applications for seasonal landscape technicians to begin in spring:

Living Earth Landscapes is licensed in California and can provide full insurance certificates.