Service area
East Bay Landscaping
We build and renovate landscapes in the East Bay hills and valleys, from Berkeley and Piedmont to Lamorinda, Walnut Creek and the San Ramon Valley.
Where we work
Where does Arkland work in the East Bay?
Arkland Landscape Construction works in ten East Bay cities and communities in Alameda and Contra Costa counties: Berkeley, Orinda, Lafayette, Moraga, Walnut Creek, Alamo, Danville, San Ramon, Blackhawk and Piedmont. We have also finished a full backyard renovation in Fremont, shown below.
The East Bay hills split the region in two. Closer to the bay, Berkeley and Piedmont have older homes on steep, often narrow lots with mature trees, where steps, retaining walls and drainage usually come first.
Over the hills, Orinda, Lafayette and Moraga (Lamorinda), Walnut Creek and the San Ramon Valley towns of Alamo, Danville, San Ramon and Blackhawk get much hotter summers, and many yards sit on heavy clay. Bigger lots there suit outdoor living spaces, shade structures and water-wise planting.
East Bay
10 communities
- Berkeley
- Orinda
- Lafayette
- Moraga
- Walnut Creek
- Alamo
- Danville
- San Ramon
- Blackhawk
- Piedmont
Local conditions
What shapes an East Bay landscape?
Heat inland, slopes in the hills and fire safety near open space. These are the things we plan around here.
Hot inland summers
Lamorinda, Walnut Creek and the San Ramon Valley get real summer heat. Pergolas, shade trees, efficient irrigation and drought-tolerant plants make the yard usable in July.
Landscape EnhancementsSteep hillside lots
Hillside homes in Berkeley, Piedmont and Orinda often need retaining walls, steps and terraces, plus drainage that moves winter rain away from the house.
Landscape RenovationFire-safe planting
Many East Bay hill neighborhoods are in mapped fire hazard zones, where defensible-space rules shape what's planted and built near the house. We plan spacing and materials with those rules in mind.
Tree ServicesEBMUD and other districts
EBMUD serves much of the area and offers a Lawn Conversion Rebate. Parts of Contra Costa County are served by other water districts, so check your water bill first.
Landscape Enhancements
Recent projects
East Bay projects
Real Arkland work in the East Bay, with photos and what we built.
Our divisions
Which landscaping services do we offer in the East Bay?
Upgrade the yard you have, rebuild it from the ground up, or build a new landscape from bare ground.
01
New Construction
Complete landscapes for new builds and bare lots.
Includes
- Full landscape installs from bare ground
- Building from your landscape architect's or designer's plans
- New irrigation and drainage systems
- Hardscape, planting and turf
02
Landscape Renovation
Rebuild an existing yard from the ground up.
Includes
- Demolition of old patios, decks and plantings
- Drainage and retaining walls
- Patios, walkways, driveways and steps
- Fire pits, outdoor kitchens and BBQ islands
03
Landscape Enhancements
Upgrade the yard you already have.
Includes
- Planting and plant selection
- Drought-tolerant and California-native plant upgrades
- Outdoor lighting
- Irrigation repairs, upgrades and new installs
Does EBMUD have a lawn replacement rebate?
Yes. EBMUD offers a Lawn Conversion Rebate for replacing lawn with water-wise landscaping, and you must apply and get approval before removing any grass. Not every East Bay address is an EBMUD customer, since parts of Contra Costa County are served by other water districts, so check your water bill first. Arkland schedules the work after your district signs off.
How do you landscape a home in an East Bay fire zone?
Keep the area closest to the house lean: well-spaced, low-growing plants, gravel or pavers next to the walls, and no dense, dry shrubs under windows or eaves. In mapped fire hazard zones, California's defensible-space rules and your local fire district's guidance apply. Arkland plans planting, materials and tree work around those rules for hillside homes in Berkeley, Orinda and nearby.
Do you work on steep lots in Berkeley and Piedmont?
Yes. Steep lots are common in Berkeley, Piedmont and Orinda, and they usually need retaining walls, steps and drainage before patios and planting. Taller walls and walls that hold up a slope or a structure can need a permit and an engineer, and each city has its own process. Arkland goes over what your site needs during the estimate.
Other areas we serve
Get started
Planning a project in the East Bay?
Tell us what you have in mind and where the property is. We'll take it from there.