About Us

Who is DL Cunningham?

David L. Cunningham emigrated from England in 1937 where his first nursery job was handing out tools to the workers at California Nursery Company in Niles. After other various nursery positions, he eventually ending up at Descanso Gardens as Vice President and member of the board. Popularly known as “Mr. Descanso”, he served as President of the California Association of Nursery in 1956-1957.

In 1959, he left Descanso Gardens to start his own company which eventually became known as D.L. Cunningham, Inc.

Robert Cunningham

With his father working out of the home, Rob was exposed to the nursery business at a very early age. Going to the nurseries with his dad, tagging trees, meeting nursery owners, and various landscape architects was always informative and exciting. After graduating from college with a degree in Agriculture and a minor in OH, Rob started with the family business in 1976 joining his sister Sue (1973) and his brother Lawrie in 1977. Working with his sister and brother was always an honor and a privilege. Sue and Lawrie retired in 2017.

Rob is still active in the business and looking forward to celebrating his 50th year of servicing clients throughout California.

 

Doug Navarette

A California Native with a love for the outdoors, Doug pursued a degree in Ornamental Horticulture. He began his 30+ year career working for Village Nurseries before moving to ValleyCrest/BrightView where he spent the next 23 years as Chief Estimator, Regional Purchasing Manager and finally National Director of Strategic Sourcing. Doug has worked on many of the largest projects throughout Southern California including Disney’s ‘Galaxy’s Edge’, USC Village, The Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, and Sofi Stadium just to name a few. In 2019, Doug joined forces with D.L. Cunningham, Inc. in Newport Beach. 

Today, Doug is the new owner and president of D.L. Cunningham, Inc. bringing decades of experience in all aspects of landscape construction in addition to continuing a 64 year tradition of supplying the finest Trees and Shrubs available to the largest Landscape Architects, Developers, Contractors, and Projects throughout our industry. 

Our Notable Projects

Spectrum Terrace,
Irvine

Laguna Altura,
Irvine

Orchard Hills,
Irvine

Villa Siena,
Irvine

The Marketplace,
Tustin

550 Building,
Newport Beach

Shady Canyon,
Irvine

Hillcrest CC,
Los Angeles

Pathline Park,
Sunnyvale

Los Olivos Apt.,
Irvine

Ladera Ranch,
Thermal

Madison Club,
La Quinta

Fashion Island, Newport Beach

Pelican Hill,
Newport Coast

Hotel Del
Coronado

Irvine Spectrum,
Irvine

Cypress Village,
Irvine

Crystal Cove,
Newport Coast

Apple Store,
Irvine

Oak Creek Golf Club, Irvine

La Jolla UTC,
San Diego

Discovery Park,
Irvine

1 Ford Road,
Newport Beach

Promenade,
Irvine

Sharon Heights,
Menlo Park

Lido House Hotel,
Newport Beach

La Jolla UTC,
San Diego

Villas,
Fashion Island

Newport Ridge,
Newport Beach

Westwood Gateway,
Los Angeles

And many more throughout California…

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