Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Portland, OR

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Most homeowners have a basic level of lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping necessitates more advanced skills. Large projects may require heavy equipment and intense labor. Complicated projects such as fire pits or irrigation systems require additional machinery and construction expertise.

You can handle some landscaping projects yourself. Smaller projects, such as adding a flower bed or removing overgrown plants, are easier to DIY. However, you should hire a professional landscaper for things like a total yard overhaul, or smaller projects for which you lack the needed expertise.

Professional landscape architects and designers can enhance your lawn, recommend the most cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a long-term maintenance plan. These professionals have the skills and knowledge to elevate your outdoor space. Contactors that offer lawn care services can improve your lawn's health and help you avoid costly mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Portland Landscaping Company

Choosing the right landscaper depends on several factors, such as your budget, your service needs, and the company’s experience. Consider the following factors when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

You should know what services you need before choosing a provider. Some companies provide lawn care services focused on yard health and maintenance. These services may include controlling weeds, fertilizing, mulching, mowing, and pruning. Many also offer pest control and tree removal services.

You should hire a full-service landscaping company if you're adding new outdoor elements (such as a fire pit) or planning a revamp of your whole yard. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, such as adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. They can also help install sprinkler or irrigation systems, retaining walls, fire pits, and other architectural elements. Some also provide lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas like outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. A company should have the appropriate licenses from the Oregon Landscape Contractors Board. It may also have the following certified staff members:

• Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
• Licensed arborists
• Licensed horticulture specialists
• Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects

It may also hold certifications from professional organizations, including the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. While not mandatory, these certifications are an added bonus. Request a certificate of insurance or a company's insurance numbers before starting a project. All landscaping companies should be insured and bonded. Contractors will normally have liability insurance to protect against bodily injury or property damage.

Reputation and Reviews

You want a provider with an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. You can read both negative and positive reviews on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau in order to get a feel for how a company treats its customers. Avoid companies that have frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results, or that have generally poor reviews.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance companies will have before and after photos of past projects to showcase their work to potential customers. Request the company's portfolio. You can specifically ask for photos of projects similar to yours, to see how yours might look and even get some inspiration.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability is important to consider both during and after a landscaping project. Ask your provider about its best practices for waste management, eco-friendly material options, and water conservation; you might also ask for maintenance recommendations. Landscapers should choose native plants (such as evening primrose, red columbine, and beach strawberry) when planting new vegetation, and they shouldn't allow their work to affect your existing vegetation.

Cost

Request multiple quotes to compare companies and find the best pricing and services. Most companies offer free consultations to review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and discuss project plans. You’ll receive a detailed quote outlining your project costs, including labor and materials. You may wish to use competing quotes to help negotiate a lower price.

Landscaping Costs in Portland

In Portland, you should expect to spend around $32–$48 for landscaping, depending on project size and type. Significant yard work like resodding will cost more than easier tasks like mowing and gardening. Pricing can depend on your chosen materials. For a larger yard, companies may charge by the acre. Larger projects require more labor, which will increase the total cost. The table below shows the average cost of different landscaping services:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,953 - $17,271
Landscaping Design	$2,434 - $3,246
Landscaping LandGrading	$444 - $2,666
Landscaping Mulch	$27 - $133
Planting FlowerBeds	$89 - $1,777
Planting Trees	$233 - $388
Sodding	$44 - $53
Swimming Pool	$33,763 - $88,851