By Lisa Johns
A Passion for Craft, A Commitment to Care
Ask Sunline Landscapes Founder Curtis Atkinson whether their logo represents sunrise or sunset, and he does not hesitate, saying, “always rising.” It is more than a tagline—it is a philosophy that drives Sunline’s pursuit of new challenges, continuous refinement, and industry-leading innovation. This quiet but resolute commitment has earned the company a well-deserved reputation as a leader in high-end residential landscape design, installation, and maintenance.
That reputation was further affirmed with two National Awards of Excellence from the National Association of Landscape Professionals—one for construction and one for maintenance. More than industry recognition, these accolades reflect a deep commitment to craftsmanship, client experience, and the long-term health of the landscapes they create.
Growing with Intention
Sunline’s journey has been anything but rushed. Founded in 2002, the company has grown organically and deliberately, resisting the temptation of rapid expansion in favor of a measured, strategic approach. Every decision—whether to add services, expand the team, or take on a project—has been made with careful consideration. The result? A company that protects its reputation, values its people, and delivers uncompromising quality.
“We’re thoughtful about the clients we take on,” Atkinson explains. “We want to make sure we’re the right partner for them, and that they’re the right fit for us.”
This discernment is not about exclusivity for its own sake; it is about devotion. Devotion to giving each project the attention it deserves and providing clients with a seamless, considered, and deeply personal experience.
That same philosophy extends to Sunline’s team, which Atkinson considers the heart of the company. “A great company isn’t just about the work, it’s about the people,” he says. “We’ve always put our team first because when you have talented, happy people who take pride in what they do, everything else follows.”
Bringing Design In-House | A Game-Changer for Clients
For years, Sunline worked alongside external designers, bringing ideas to life but not shaping them from inception. That changed in recent years with the establishment of an in-house design team, a shift that has transformed the client experience by allowing Sunline to guide a project from the very first sketch to the final stone.
“A great company isn’t just about the work—it’s about the people. We’ve always put our team first because when you have talented, happy people who take pride in what they do, everything else follows.”
–Curtis Atkinson, Sunline Landscapes
“The best projects happen when there’s alignment between design and execution,” says Atkinson. “With our design team, we’re able to provide that full-circle service, ensuring that what is imagined can be built flawlessly.”
In addition to this in-house design team, Sunline has also embraced cutting-edge technology to enhance both the design and installation process. Clients now experience highly detailed 3D renderings and virtual walkthroughs, allowing them to visualize their outdoor spaces before the first plant is placed. Drones are used to map properties, analyze elevation changes, and refine designs with precision, while advanced irrigation systems adapt in real time to weather conditions and plant needs. These tools not only improve efficiency but also ensure that every landscape is thoughtfully executed down to the finest detail.
For Atkinson, it is about removing uncertainty and making the process as smooth as possible. “When people can really see what their space will look like, they’re more confident and excited about moving forward.”
Installation Ingenuity
Some landscapes whisper their needs; others demand it. Sunline specializes in both. Where competitors see logistical roadblocks, they see creative challenges. Their team is known for sourcing the highest-quality plant materials, from mature specimen trees to rare botanicals, ensuring each design is striking and sustainable. But sometimes, the perfect addition to a client’s property is not just about selection; it is about access.
“We don’t just ‘mow and blow’ we care for landscapes the way a gardener would care for their most prized plants. Everything we do is about protecting the investment our clients have made in their outdoor spaces.”
–Curtis Atkinson, Sunline Landscapes
Sunline has mastered the art of time, bringing decades of growth to a space in a single day. With precision, they crane in towering specimen trees, instantly transforming a space with shade, scale, and a sense of permanence. These trees do not just complement a landscape—they define it, creating the feeling of a place that has always been there. In the high-country desert of the Rocky Mountains, Sunline’s approach results in installations that feel as if nature had planned it all along.
But trees are just the beginning. Sunline’s expertise extends beyond plant materials to encompass complex grading, custom hardscapes, and intricate water features. Their ability to blend natural beauty with structural integrity is a testament to both hands-on experience and forward-thinking innovation. Whether navigating difficult terrain or engineering creative solutions, Sunline brings the same artistry and precision to every aspect of a project, proving that no design is too ambitious to become reality.
Not Just Maintenance | Meticulous Care
Of course, a beautiful landscape does not remain beautiful on its own. It thrives under expert hands and watchful care. While many see maintenance as an afterthought, Sunline sees it as an art form—one that requires the same precision, knowledge, and dedication as the original design.
“We don’t just ‘mow and blow’—we care for landscapes the way a gardener would care for their most prized plants,” Atkinson explains. “Everything we do is about protecting the investment our clients have made in their outdoor spaces.”
Sunline’s maintenance division is a pillar of its legacy. From award-winning rose-trimming techniques to specialized plant healthcare, the team takes a proactive, detail-oriented approach to keeping landscapes vibrant and healthy.
Each client is paired with a dedicated Property Care Manager—a personal steward of their outdoor sanctuary. This is about more than routine upkeep; it is an ongoing dialogue with the land, seasonal fine-tuning, irrigation adjustments, plant healthcare, and thoughtful enhancements that ensure each property looks as stunning as the day it was finished.
Atkinson likens it to concierge service for the outdoors. “Our goal is to take all the worry and effort off our clients’ plates so they can simply enjoy their outdoor spaces,” he says. “They’ve invested in something beautiful, and we make sure it stays that way.”
Luxury, Redefined | The Sunline Way
For Sunline, luxury is not about extravagance—it is about the experience. It is the quiet elegance of a perfectly placed stone, the artistry of a masterfully pruned bush, and the care woven into every detail.
This philosophy is at the heart of The Sunline Way, the company’s white-glove service guarantee. More than a promise, it is a standard built on trust—trust earned through clear communication, meticulous craftsmanship, and unwavering attention to detail.
Sunline’s commitments include:
“Our clients are inviting us into their most personal spaces,” Atkinson says. “That’s not something we take lightly. We’re here to take care of their landscapes the way we’d take care of our own.”
A Future Built on Integrity and Craftsmanship
Over the past two decades, Sunline Landscapes has quietly built something remarkable—not just breathtaking outdoor spaces, but a company rooted in authenticity, focus, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
With two National Awards of Excellence, a state-of-the-art in-house design team, technical ingenuity, and a maintenance division that sets the gold standard, Sunline is redefining what it means to create and care for luxury landscapes.
“Our clients are inviting us into their most personal spaces. That’s not something we take lightly.”
–Curtis Atkinson, Sunline Landscapes
But for Atkinson, the real success is not measured in awards or accolades, but in relationships built, trust earned, and the pride of a job well done. “Landscapes aren’t just about plants and stone,” he says. “They’re about creating places that inspire and bring families together, where memories are made. That’s what we do, and it’s an honor to be a part of it.”
Because at the end of the day, the best landscapes—like the best companies—are not just built. They are nurtured.
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