Service area
Landscaping on the San Francisco Peninsula
Most of our published projects are on the Peninsula, from hillside backyards in San Francisco to front yards in Hillsborough and San Mateo.
Where we work
Where does Arkland work on the Peninsula?
Arkland Landscape Construction builds and renovates landscapes in 24 Peninsula cities and communities, from San Francisco and Daly City down to Menlo Park, Woodside and Palo Alto, plus Half Moon Bay and the coastside. 11 of our 12 published case studies are here, 5 of them in San Francisco, and our Daly City and Menlo Park locations are on the Peninsula too.
The Peninsula packs very different yards into a short drive. San Francisco lots are often narrow and sloped, with backyards reached through the house or the garage, so we plan how every load of material gets in before the work starts. The west side of the city, Daly City and Pacifica sit in the coastal fog belt, with cool summers, steady wind and sandy soil in many spots.
Farther south, Hillsborough, Atherton, Woodside and Portola Valley have bigger lots, mature trees and long driveways, while San Mateo, San Carlos and Redwood City get warmer, sunnier summers. Palo Alto is in Santa Clara County, but most people count it as part of the Peninsula, so it's listed here.
Peninsula
24 communities
- San Francisco
- Daly City
- Brisbane
- South San Francisco
- San Bruno
- Pacifica
- Millbrae
- Burlingame
- Hillsborough
- San Mateo
- Foster City
- Belmont
- San Carlos
- Redwood City
- Emerald Hills
- Atherton
- Menlo Park
- Woodside
- Portola Valley
- Ladera
- Palo Alto
- Half Moon Bay
- El Granada
- Montara
Local conditions
What shapes a Peninsula landscape?
The same patio or planting plan won't work in the fog belt and in Atherton. These are the things we plan around here.
Fog, wind and salt air
Near the coast and on San Francisco's west side, plants have to handle cool summers, wind and salt air. We pick plants and materials for your yard's exposure, not a catalog photo.
Landscape EnhancementsSlopes and tight access
Steep city lots and hillside homes often need retaining walls, steps and terraces before the yard is usable. Our San Francisco hillside project turned a slope into levels with a fire pit and a hot tub.
Landscape RenovationOlder yards, rebuilt
Many Peninsula yards come with cracked concrete, worn fences and thirsty lawns. A renovation replaces them with new patios, pavers, planting, lighting and drainage that works.
Landscape RenovationLawn rebates through BAWSCA
Many Peninsula water agencies take part in BAWSCA's Lawn Be Gone! rebate. You apply and get approval before any grass comes out, then we schedule the work.
Landscape Enhancements
Recent projects
Peninsula projects
Real Arkland jobs on the Peninsula, with photos and what we built. A few show only the region because our sources don't agree on the exact city.
Our divisions
Which landscaping services do we offer on the Peninsula?
From planting and irrigation upgrades to full backyard rebuilds and new landscapes for new homes.
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 Arkland do landscaping in San Francisco?
Yes. San Francisco is where most of our published projects are, including a terraced hillside backyard with a hot tub and fire pit, an outdoor kitchen with a fireplace, a paver patio with a gas fire pit and a permeable paver driveway. We plan city jobs around narrow lots, slopes and limited access, and we cover the rest of the Peninsula from our Daly City and Menlo Park locations.
Do I need a permit for a retaining wall in San Francisco?
Often, yes. San Francisco's Department of Building Inspection reviews many retaining walls, especially taller walls and walls that hold up a slope, a driveway or a building, and some sites also need an engineer. The rules depend on your lot, so Arkland goes over what your wall needs during the estimate, before any digging starts.
Which lawn replacement rebate applies on the Peninsula?
It depends on who supplies your water. Many Peninsula cities and water companies take part in BAWSCA's Lawn Be Gone! program, and San Francisco residents can check with the SFPUC for current programs. Rules change, and these programs usually require approval before any lawn comes out, so confirm the details with your provider first. Arkland schedules the work after you're approved.
What grows well in foggy Peninsula gardens?
Plants that like cool summers, wind and salt air do best near the coast and on San Francisco's west side, while inland Peninsula towns can grow more heat-loving plants. Many California natives and Mediterranean plants handle both and use little water once established. Arkland picks plants for your yard's sun, wind and soil during the design, so each one suits the spot it's planted in.
Other areas we serve
Get started
Planning a project on the Peninsula?
Tell us what you have in mind and where the property is. We'll take it from there.