This yard went from overlooked to outstanding. With strategic upgrades to both hardscape and planting, it’s now a welcoming space designed to evolve beautifully over time.

Sometimes it’s not about starting over—it’s about working with what’s there and making it better. For Mike, we updated the landscape with a clean, low-maintenance design that complements the home and the Central Coast climate.

This recent project on the Central Coast brought a fresh take to outdoor living. With updated landscaping and a streamlined design, the space now reflects the lifestyle and needs of its owners—simple, smart, and stunning.

We recently completed this custom landscape project on the Central Coast, bringing fresh design and function to the client’s outdoor space. This installation features thoughtful plant choices, clean hardscape lines, and a layout tailored to the property’s unique needs. As always, our team focused on balancing beauty, sustainability, and durability—hallmarks of every project we take on.

Whether you’re dreaming of a low-maintenance front yard, a modern outdoor living space, or a total landscape transformation, we’re here to bring your vision to life.

You wouldn’t believe the difference a thoughtful redesign can make. This project kept the footprint but completely transformed the experience. A more functional layout, improved materials, and a refined plant palette gave the space a whole new life.

Every space has potential, and this one didn’t disappoint. We gave Madeline’s outdoor area a much-needed refresh with clean lines, intentional planting, and a layout built for year-round enjoyment. It’s now a space that’s both beautiful and functional.

Drought isn’t new in California—but it’s more important than ever to design landscapes that can handle it. That doesn’t mean your yard has to look dry or sparse. With the right planning, you can create a vibrant, resilient outdoor space that actually thrives through dry seasons.

At Bertilacchi Landscape, we focus on building water-smart systems that respond to both the local climate and the unique needs of your property. It all starts with plant choice. Native and drought-tolerant species are a game-changer. They’re adapted to our Central Coast conditions, require less water, and typically resist pests and disease better than non-native varieties. Tools like CalScape make it easy to explore options that match your aesthetic and site conditions.

But it’s not just about the plants—it’s about how water moves through the landscape. Proper grading and contouring help slow down runoff and keep moisture in the soil longer. Techniques like swales, rain gardens, and berms can direct water exactly where it’s needed, instead of watching it disappear down the street.

Smart irrigation systems play a huge role in drought resilience. Controllers that use local weather data—like those approved by the EPA’s WaterSense program—ensure water isn’t wasted on rainy days or during cooler weather. Drip irrigation delivers moisture directly to the root zone, reducing evaporation and keeping soil healthier over time.

One of the simplest and most effective drought strategies is mulch. Organic mulch reduces water loss, regulates soil temperature, and even helps suppress weeds. It’s a small investment that can have a major impact on how your plants perform through summer heat and beyond.

Ultimately, building a drought-resilient landscape means designing for efficiency, not just beauty. It’s about creating a space that can handle the realities of our environment—while still feeling like home.

Ready to make your landscape more drought-ready?
Reach out to Bertilacchi Landscape to start designing a space that works with the climate—not against it.

If there’s one thing every homeowner in California eventually learns, it’s this: water is precious. And expensive. Especially on the Central Coast, where long dry spells and rising rates make efficient water use a non-negotiable part of landscape care.

But here’s the good news—saving water doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty. In fact, with the right planning and smart technology, your yard can look better than ever while using far less.

At Bertilacchi Landscape, we build water-wise systems from the ground up. It’s not just about sprinklers or drip lines—it’s about designing landscapes that thrive in our climate, even during drought years. That means selecting native and climate-adapted plants, using smart irrigation controls, and shaping the land itself to retain moisture and direct water where it’s needed most.

One of our go-to strategies is hydrozoning—grouping plants with similar water needs together so that everything stays healthy without overwatering. You wouldn’t give a cactus and a maple tree the same drink, right? By zoning beds by plant type and exposure, we reduce waste and extend the life of your landscape.

We also recommend weather-based irrigation controllers, which adjust watering schedules based on real-time data. These smart systems, approved by EPA WaterSense, take into account local weather, soil type, and plant needs—so you’re not watering on rainy days or at the wrong times of day. In some areas, rebates are even available for upgrading your system.

Another overlooked piece of water management? Mulch. A fresh layer of mulch around your plants can cut evaporation by up to 70%, regulate soil temperature, and improve plant health all in one go. It’s simple, affordable, and instantly improves the look of any bed.

Water-wise design isn’t just a trend. It’s the future of landscaping in California. And when it’s done right, it works with nature—not against it.

Want to cut your water use without cutting back on beauty?
Let’s talk water-smart landscaping. Bertilacchi Landscape helps you build smarter systems from the ground up.

There’s a moment right after sunset when everything outside softens. The air cools down, the sky goes lavender, and your yard starts to feel like its own little retreat. But unless you’ve got the right lighting in place, that moment doesn’t last long.

That’s why more and more homeowners across San Luis Obispo County are investing in custom outdoor lighting—not just to see better, but to live better. At Bertilacchi Landscape, we see lighting as an experience, not a fixture. It’s the difference between a dark, unused patio and one that hosts family dinners, quiet moments, or even just a glass of wine under the stars.

One of the biggest shifts we’ve seen lately is the move toward integrated lighting. No more relying on a few solar stakes or porch sconces. Instead, clients are opting for low-voltage LED systems that blend into the landscape, creating soft, layered light that doesn’t overwhelm. These systems are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and highly customizable, which means we can create different moods in different areas of the same property.

Picture this: soft downlights in your pergola, gentle path lights guiding you to the garden, and warm uplighting that turns your favorite olive tree into a nighttime focal point. That’s not just functional—it’s beautiful. And it changes how you interact with your space.

Of course, functionality still matters. Lighting improves safety—especially on steps, around pools, and in those tricky corners where shadows collect. Smart timers or app-based controls make it easy to set schedules or dim the lights based on the moment. Want full brightness for a big gathering? Done. Need a soft glow for a late-night unwind? Just tap your phone.

And let’s not forget that great outdoor lighting can actually reduce your environmental impact. By using Dark Sky–compliant lighting, you keep light focused downward, reduce glare, and help preserve nighttime views—for you and for your neighbors. It’s a small design choice that makes a big difference, especially in rural or semi-rural neighborhoods on the Central Coast.

Great outdoor lighting isn’t about being flashy. It’s about helping your space do more, look better, and feel right—long after the sun goes down.

There’s something magical about a well-lit landscape. It’s not just about visibility—it’s about mood, safety, and making your outdoor space feel just as inviting after sunset as it does during the day.

On the Central Coast, where evening breezes and glowing sunsets practically beg you to stay outside longer, landscape lighting turns your yard into a true extension of your home. At Bertilacchi Landscape, we design lighting systems that highlight beauty, improve safety, and bring a sense of calm to the entire property.

Most people think of outdoor lighting as an afterthought—add a few path lights here, a sconce by the door, and call it done. But when it’s done right, lighting can be one of the most transformative elements in your yard. It softens architecture, highlights plant textures, and creates layers of light that change the entire experience of a space.

We always start by walking the property at dusk. That’s when we can see where natural shadows fall and where light is really needed. From there, it’s about balancing three things: function, mood, and efficiency.

For function, we focus on safety and navigation. Well-placed step lights, path lights, and subtle uplighting around entry points help guests move through your yard comfortably. No tripping, no fumbling with flashlights, no guessing where the walkway ends.

For mood, it’s all about ambiance. We often use low-voltage LEDs and warm color temperatures to create a soft, inviting glow. Uplighting trees adds drama, while washing a wall with light brings depth and texture to the space. One of our favorite tricks? Using indirect lighting under benches or walls to create a floating effect—it looks incredible and keeps glare low.

And of course, energy matters. We use Dark Sky–friendly lighting that minimizes light pollution while still delivering performance. Plus, smart transformers and zoning systems let you control different lighting scenes from your phone, so your space adapts to your night—whether it’s a quiet dinner or a full-on party.

The key is subtlety. Great lighting should enhance, not overwhelm. You want guests to feel something before they even realize what’s creating the mood.