We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service that we provide to meet every consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent customer service from start to completion of a project. To understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a personal and professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.
"Arrived on time. Courteous, respectful. Cleaned up and removed garbage. Overall very satisfied"
Angela O on May 2025
We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service that we provide to meet every consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent customer service from start to completion of a project. To understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a personal and professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.
"Arrived on time. Courteous, respectful. Cleaned up and removed garbage. Overall very satisfied"
Angela O on May 2025
With 52 years of experience, Spectrum Pool and Landscape creates highly customized, design-driven outdoor environments—from initial sketches to final touches. Founder Chuck Archuletta personally designs and oversees every project, drawing on a lifetime of hands-on expertise to create spaces that are beautiful, livable, and built to last. Known for his elegant hand-drawn plans, Chuck designs with a refined sense of how people move, gather, and enjoy their space. Spectrum’s work includes pools, spas, outdoor kitchens, fire and water features, California rooms, lighting, decks, arbors, landscaping, turf, irrigation, drainage, concrete, walls, and more. Fully licensed in pool, landscape, and masonry work, Spectrum is based in Alamo, CA and backed by decades of happy clients. Chuck is on site regularly and known for his craftsmanship, integrity, and follow-through.
"I cannot say enough about Spectrum Pool & Lamdscape! John, our project manager, was amazing with creating our backyard Oasis. Chuck, owner of Spectrum Pool & Landscape, is extremely knowledgeable and very kind. This company stands behind their work. I am so thankful we found them! if we could give them more than 5 we would! We were so impressed with their work, we decided to have them also landscape our front yard as well!"
Donna T on February 2024
With 52 years of experience, Spectrum Pool and Landscape creates highly customized, design-driven outdoor environments—from initial sketches to final touches. Founder Chuck Archuletta personally designs and oversees every project, drawing on a lifetime of hands-on expertise to create spaces that are beautiful, livable, and built to last. Known for his elegant hand-drawn plans, Chuck designs with a refined sense of how people move, gather, and enjoy their space. Spectrum’s work includes pools, spas, outdoor kitchens, fire and water features, California rooms, lighting, decks, arbors, landscaping, turf, irrigation, drainage, concrete, walls, and more. Fully licensed in pool, landscape, and masonry work, Spectrum is based in Alamo, CA and backed by decades of happy clients. Chuck is on site regularly and known for his craftsmanship, integrity, and follow-through.
"I cannot say enough about Spectrum Pool & Lamdscape! John, our project manager, was amazing with creating our backyard Oasis. Chuck, owner of Spectrum Pool & Landscape, is extremely knowledgeable and very kind. This company stands behind their work. I am so thankful we found them! if we could give them more than 5 we would! We were so impressed with their work, we decided to have them also landscape our front yard as well!"
Donna T on February 2024
We are committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.
"Van was very easy to work with. The price was more than fair. His crew and him were very professional, communicated well with me and were very clean. Van also did some additional little things for no cost. I will recommend this company to anybody I can. The yard came out beautiful and completed ahead of schedule!!! Thanks Van"
Sean D on September 2024
We are committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.
"Van was very easy to work with. The price was more than fair. His crew and him were very professional, communicated well with me and were very clean. Van also did some additional little things for no cost. I will recommend this company to anybody I can. The yard came out beautiful and completed ahead of schedule!!! Thanks Van"
Sean D on September 2024
Over 20 years experience. I do exactly what the customer asks for with no complaints. At Tri Star Landscaping we never cut corners and get the job done right the first time. We look forward to working with you and maintaining a long lasting relationship! Give us a call today!
"Price and responsiveness were reasonable but quality of work was uneven."
Joe L on September 2024
Over 20 years experience. I do exactly what the customer asks for with no complaints. At Tri Star Landscaping we never cut corners and get the job done right the first time. We look forward to working with you and maintaining a long lasting relationship! Give us a call today!
"Price and responsiveness were reasonable but quality of work was uneven."
Joe L on September 2024
CH&L Landscaping is a family and locally owned and operated professional landscaping service company. Our focus is on superior work quality and outstanding customer satisfaction. Our team is full of only highly skilled experts who have a passion for what they do. Our skilled and professional crew is trained to get the job done safely, efficiently, and with the care you would expect from the best in the industry. Whether we are working for a business, homeowner, or an HOA, our standards for safety and workmanship remain the same. We are fully insured and bonded to protect our clients, our workers, our company, and the general public. Contact us today."
CH&L Landscaping is a family and locally owned and operated professional landscaping service company. Our focus is on superior work quality and outstanding customer satisfaction. Our team is full of only highly skilled experts who have a passion for what they do. Our skilled and professional crew is trained to get the job done safely, efficiently, and with the care you would expect from the best in the industry. Whether we are working for a business, homeowner, or an HOA, our standards for safety and workmanship remain the same. We are fully insured and bonded to protect our clients, our workers, our company, and the general public. Contact us today."
We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service that we provide to meet your needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.
"Quick, Effective and the project was done in a timely manner. Thank you Ultra!"
Shane D on February 2025
We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service that we provide to meet your needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.
"Quick, Effective and the project was done in a timely manner. Thank you Ultra!"
Shane D on February 2025
Ecocon is a high-end home builder and full-service contractor serving the Bay Area, specializing in premium concrete work, expert framing, and sophisticated plumbing and electrical systems. We build custom homes with precision, elegance, and lasting value — blending modern craftsmanship with timeless design. From foundation to finish, Ecocon delivers refined construction solutions tailored to the unique needs of discerning Bay Area homeowners. When you choose Ecocon, you’re choosing quality, integrity, and a seamless building experience.
"To work with these guys as easy. All good things to say. Great communication, great price, great work. Couldn't be more happy with the results. Will be using them for my next project."
Kaleb B on June 2025
Ecocon is a high-end home builder and full-service contractor serving the Bay Area, specializing in premium concrete work, expert framing, and sophisticated plumbing and electrical systems. We build custom homes with precision, elegance, and lasting value — blending modern craftsmanship with timeless design. From foundation to finish, Ecocon delivers refined construction solutions tailored to the unique needs of discerning Bay Area homeowners. When you choose Ecocon, you’re choosing quality, integrity, and a seamless building experience.
"To work with these guys as easy. All good things to say. Great communication, great price, great work. Couldn't be more happy with the results. Will be using them for my next project."
Kaleb B on June 2025
Vitoria Pavers is a family owned and an owner operated company established in 2009 We specialize in design and installation of hardscape style projects , including interlocking concrete pavers , , retaining/seating walls , planter boxes , fire pits/outdoor kitchens and artificial turf . We serve the entire Bay Area and offer Free Estimates. For more information visit our website: https://concretecontractorsanpabloca.com/
"Excellent job…on time, professional, beautiful work and great communication"
Susan S on May 2025
Vitoria Pavers is a family owned and an owner operated company established in 2009 We specialize in design and installation of hardscape style projects , including interlocking concrete pavers , , retaining/seating walls , planter boxes , fire pits/outdoor kitchens and artificial turf . We serve the entire Bay Area and offer Free Estimates. For more information visit our website: https://concretecontractorsanpabloca.com/
"Excellent job…on time, professional, beautiful work and great communication"
Susan S on May 2025
Welcome to Exotic Landscape, where nature meets artistry! We specialize in creating breathtaking outdoor spaces with a perfect blend of greenery, hardscaping, and water features. Transform your backyard into a paradise with our expert landscaping services. Contact us today for a free consultation!
Welcome to Exotic Landscape, where nature meets artistry! We specialize in creating breathtaking outdoor spaces with a perfect blend of greenery, hardscaping, and water features. Transform your backyard into a paradise with our expert landscaping services. Contact us today for a free consultation!
I pride myself on my professionalism, as well as my ability to complete every job to the homeowner's total satisfaction. I never leave a job unfinished, or a homeowner not 100% satisfied with my level of service - Call today!
"Very, very happy with the work that was done!"
ed t on May 2025
I pride myself on my professionalism, as well as my ability to complete every job to the homeowner's total satisfaction. I never leave a job unfinished, or a homeowner not 100% satisfied with my level of service - Call today!
"Very, very happy with the work that was done!"
ed t on May 2025
Most railroad tie retaining walls have a life span of 20 to 30 years, though you may need to replace your wall sooner if it's repeatedly exposed to heavy rain, runoff, and excess moisture. The creosote treatment in traditional railroad ties helps resist rot and insects, but proper drainage is essential for maximizing longevity. Regular inspections and prompt repairs of minor issues can help extend your wall's useful life.
Creosote-treated railroad ties can pose health risks if used near edible plants or children's play areas. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that creosote may be harmful to humans and wildlife. Many localities restrict or prohibit creosote-treated wood in residential settings. For garden applications, consider alternative materials like recycled plastic composite ties or lumber treated with more garden-friendly preservatives.
The ideal drainage solution depends on your specific site conditions and wall height. For most residential applications, a combination of gravel backfill and perforated drain pipe works effectively.
A complete drainage system costs between $2,100 and $6,500, though basic solutions start at $500. Proper drainage prevents water pressure buildup behind your wall, significantly reducing the risk of failure and extending its useful life.
For walls under four feet tall on relatively flat terrain, you can proceed without engineering services. However, walls exceeding four feet, those on steep slopes, or projects with unusual soil conditions require professional engineering input.
A structural engineer can design appropriate footings and reinforcement to ensure your wall safely handles the lateral soil pressure it will face.
Railroad tie retaining walls start at $15 to $25 per square foot, with most projects averaging $25 to $30 per square foot, depending on complexity and site prep. This makes them more affordable than natural stone or concrete block walls initially.
While vinyl options may cost less upfront ($10 to $15 per square foot), railroad ties offer superior aesthetics and strength. Though they require more maintenance than masonry options, their lower initial cost makes them attractive for many homeowners.