Business Details
Trusted Outdoor Landscape & Pool Contractors in Walnut Creek
Alderland has spent over 40 years dedicated to transforming outdoor spaces across the San Francisco Bay Area. As a licensed landscape and swimming pool contractor, we combine creative design with expert craftsmanship to create functional, beautiful environments. Our founder, Don Vivatson, began his career in the late 1970s, developing a passion for landscape design that has grown into a trusted local business. Through decades of experience, we've completed over 1,100 projects, including award-winning designs featured in Sunset magazine and California Landscape Contractors Magazine. Our services have expanded to include swimming pool construction, outdoor kitchens, fire elements, and shade structures, offering clients a comprehensive solution for outdoor living.We prioritize personalized service, working closely with clients to understand their vision and budget. While initially focused on landscaping, client demand led us to integrate pool construction, streamlining the process for homeowners. Our team of skilled craftsmen shares Don's commitment to excellence, ensuring every project reflects our reputation for quality and lasting beauty. With service areas spanning the Bay Area, we bring expertise to both large-scale transformations and small, functional upgrades. Let us help you create an outdoor space that enhances your home's value and your quality of life.
Services
Landscape Construction
Swimming Pool Design
Outdoor Kitchens
Fire Pits
Shade Structures
Pool Remodeling
Hillside Engineering
Water Features
Outdoor Fireplaces
Patios & Decks
Highlights and features
- We offer over 40 years of experience in Bay Area outdoor design and construction.
- Our founder Don Vivatson personally consults on every project for continuity and quality.
- We hold California landscape and pool contractor licenses (#492439) for compliance and safety.
- We provide full-service solutions combining landscaping, pools, and outdoor living structures.
- Our portfolio includes 1,100+ completed projects with regional award-winning designs.
What people say
Artistic design eye
Talented team
Phenomenal job
Award-winning designs
Creative solutions
Services
Landscape Construction
We transform outdoor spaces with custom landscape designs that integrate natural elements, functional layouts, and aesthetic features. Our construction includes hardscaping, planting, and water-efficient solutions tailored to California climates. Each project combines durability with visual appeal to create lasting value for residential properties.
Swimming Pool Design
From modern infinity pools to traditional designs, we create customized swimming pools that complement home architecture and landscape features. Our designs include integrated spas, waterfalls, and safety features while meeting local construction standards. We specialize in complex hillside and small-space pool installations.
Outdoor Kitchens
We build functional outdoor kitchens featuring premium appliances, custom countertops, and weather-resistant materials. Our designs incorporate grills, pizza ovens, refrigeration units, and bar areas that enhance entertainment capabilities. Each setup integrates seamlessly with existing landscape elements.
Shade Structures
Our shade solutions include pergolas, pavilions, and aluminum structures that provide sun protection while extending usable outdoor space. We incorporate lighting, heating, and ventilation systems to create comfortable year-round environments. Materials match property aesthetics for cohesive design.
Fire Pits
We design and build custom fire pits using natural stone, concrete, or metal finishes that serve as focal points for evening gatherings. Options include gas or wood-burning systems with safety-compliant installations. Fire pits integrate with seating arrangements for optimal social spaces.
People
Don Vivatson
Owner & Lead Designer
Don Vivatson founded Alderland after working at Diablo Nursery since the 1970s. He pioneered award-winning designs featured in Sunset magazine and California Landscape Contractors Magazine. With 40+ years of Bay Area-specific experience, he personally guides each project from concept to completion.
Questions
What services does Alderland offer?
We specialize in landscape construction, swimming pool design and construction, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, shade structures, and complete backyard transformations.
Which areas do you serve?
We serve all San Francisco Bay Area counties including Marin, Napa, Sonoma, Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, and Santa Clara.
Can you handle both pool and landscaping projects together?
Yes, we offer integrated pool and landscaping services to streamline your project with a single point of accountability.
Do you work with existing landscapes or focus on new builds?
We handle both new construction and remodeling of outdated landscapes and pools for modern functionality.
What experience does your team have?
Our founder Don Vivatson has been in the industry since the 1970s with 40+ years of Bay Area-specific experience.
Are you licensed for pool construction?
Yes, we hold California contractor license #492439 covering both landscape and swimming pool construction.
Reviews (3)
Randi K.
May 31, 2022
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Do businesses really ghost clients? I suppose that in this post-Covid era, they do. I really felt a connection with Don and his excellent design partner. They spent hours at my house drawing up plans (in real time!) and making us feel that they were our partners. We paid $3K UPFRONT for their time and plans. We were owed another hour of their time to fine-tune. We never had this opportunity. We first met in July 2021.
We received the first draft of our design in late July '21. Respecting Don's busy schedule, I said I would call back in late November. I called, texted and emailed at least 20 times since then and have never received a response. 11 months later.no response at all. I truly hope that Don and his partners are okay. I wish they had simply said, "I don't want to take on your project". I have heard worse from service providers during Covid. It's the ghosting that bothers me. I did not expect such unprofessional behavior.
We received the first draft of our design in late July '21. Respecting Don's busy schedule, I said I would call back in late November. I called, texted and emailed at least 20 times since then and have never received a response. 11 months later.no response at all. I truly hope that Don and his partners are okay. I wish they had simply said, "I don't want to take on your project". I have heard worse from service providers during Covid. It's the ghosting that bothers me. I did not expect such unprofessional behavior.
Paulette M.
Dec 30, 2021
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Unfortunately, we would not be able to recommend the Alder Group. Don is nice, but there is absolutely no follow up! He is very responsive in the design phase or at least until all of that fee is collected, and then he will ghosts you. Lots of excuses for the slow responses, and ultimately no response at all. Don doesn't return phone calls or emails. Promised to deliver a reconfiguration of items discussed within a week. That was ten weeks ago. After several emails and no responses, we have decided not to consider the Alder Group for our project.
Jon B.
Apr 04, 2020
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My yard as never looked better. Walked me through care and how to maintain the plants. It's very empowering to be able to change your landscape and this company comes highly recommended by my entire neighborhood.
