About Terra Preta
Soil-health consulting and organic landscape support for healthier, easier-to-manage properties.
Terra Preta was built around a simple idea: healthier landscapes start with healthier soil. Instead of treating symptoms with repeated chemical inputs, we focus on the environmental conditions that drive plant health, resilience, and long-term maintenance costs.
"Our job is to help property owners understand what their soil and plants are showing them, then build a practical plan that supports healthier roots, better water use, and more resilient landscapes."
-Ocyrus Erickson, Founder
Why Soil-First Landscaping Matters in Tampa Bay
In the Greater Tampa Bay Area, compacted soils, runoff, heat stress, and repeated irrigation demands can push landscapes into an expensive cycle of decline. A soil-first approach improves how water moves, how roots grow, and how plants respond to stress over time.
Who We Work With
We work with homeowners, managed properties, community landscapes, and agricultural clients who want practical, science-backed alternatives to conventional high-input landscape care.
Our Values
The principles that guide our approach to soil health and sustainable landscaping
We look at soil, water, plants, and site conditions before recommending a plan.
Our work focuses on soil structure, organic matter, roots, and microbial activity.
We serve customer properties by appointment across Pinellas, Hillsborough, and greater Tampa Bay.
We help property owners understand the cause of a problem, not just the visible symptom.
Understanding Soil Health
The foundation of all plant life lies beneath our feet
Plant growth reflects the condition of the soil environment. Compaction, low organic matter, drainage issues, and weak biology can all show up as stressed turf, declining plants, bare spots, or recurring maintenance problems.
A healthy soil system is alive with organisms that help cycle nutrients, build structure, and support root growth. Terra Preta uses that biology as a guide for practical landscape decisions.
The goal is not to chase symptoms forever. We help rebuild the conditions that allow plants to hold up better over time, with clear recommendations and appointment-based follow-up when needed.