There’s a big difference between a landscaper and the guy that shows up with a mower in the back of his pickup truck.  Not to say that that guy doesn’t do a great job, but give serious thought to what you want out of your landscaper before hiring someone who is not a licensed landscape contractor.  When speaking with a potential landscaping company, you can ask them for their Oregon Landscape Contractor’s Board license number and then verify that with the OLCB’s website. When checking that license number the most important thing to look for is the level of license they have and making sure it corresponds to the type of work you are looking for.  The 3 levels of licenses are as follows:

Standard License:

Planning and installing lawns, shrubs, vines, trees and any other nursery stock.  This license also allows the building of fences, decks, arbors, driveways, patios, landscape , edging, walkways, water-features and retaining walls.

Irrigation Only plus Backflow License:

Planing and installing of irrigation systems and the installation of backflow assemblies

All Phase plus Backflow License:

All aspects of landscape installation and landscape construction are allowed with this license.  This is the “highest” level of licensure with the Landscape Contractors Board

Oregon boasts one of the most diverse variety of landscape in the nation.  We have cities, beaches, mountains, deserts, forests…you name it, Oregon has it!  By living here in Portland, your home sits smack dab in the middle of these landscapes and therefore has the ability to reflect your choice of these themes.  There are hundreds of mediums and ideas when it comes to redesigning your landscape.

Pavers

Pavers are a flat stone used to create any surface area in your landscape.  You can use them to create a driveway, a patio or a walkway.  As there are hundreds of varieties of colors and patterns of paver stones, every paver creation is the unique.  A properly installed paver driveway, patio, or walkway won’t crack, sag, shift, or separate. It will continue looking magnificent for generations, and if it ever becomes stained or marred by paint or oil it can be repaired quickly, easily and invisibly. Individual pavers can be replaced with matching ones so that the surface looks exactly as it did before the accident occurred.

Water Features

Possibly the most popular of all landscape aspects here in the North West, a water feature can add serenity and joy to your home.  A properly designed and installed water feature or pond can mimic the beauty and sound found in the many streams and creeks in Oregon and Washington.  Not only will it be a delight to look at, listening to it has the ability to melt any stress away.

Custom Wood Structures

Using wood as a medium  is one of the most simple ways to create both privacy and beauty.  Wooden privacy screens and fences allow you to enjoy your landscape privately and quietly.  Arbors, trellises and gazebos not only provide hundreds of more planting options, but they also add texture and variety to your view.

Retaining Walls

Portland’s rolling hills add to the unique beauty of our area.  However, when those rolling hills end up in your landscape, it is difficult to find the beauty.  A solid retaining wall eliminates slope in your yard and provides you with a level surface on which to enjoy your landscape.  There are several different kinds of materials to choose from when it comes to retaining walls.  Natural stone is by far the most visually appealing.  And within that medium, there are several different styles. Dry set rock wall, mortared stone wall, thin split rock wall, “A” split rock wall, and many more. With natural stone retaining walls the color and texture options are almost endless. Other retaining wall options include brick, concrete, concrete block, or even a blend of two for strength and beauty.

Decking

Decks offer you a venue on which to enjoy your landscape.  You can choose either a wood deck or composite decking.  Wood decking is a bit more economical, where composite decking will take less maintenance over the years.  A properly built and well designed deck offers a focal point and gives direction to any landscape.

Irrigation

Irrigation may seem silly in our wet climate, but there is no weather pattern that can beat the efficiency of an irrigation system.  A properly installed irrigation system will save you time and money and will make sure your landscape is kept at its greenest all year-round.

The North West’s unique climate, terrain and personality requires a very specific knowledge of the area.  Finding a Portland landscaping company that is both local and established is vital to making sure you maintain your piece of North West landscape.  Knowledge of native plants, climate patterns and soil types is invaluable as you look at different Portland Landscaping companies.  Finding a company that has plenty of experience in dealing with Portland’s dynamic scenery will allow you a landscape that will reflect you and your North West personality.

Nowhere is the use of landscaping services more popular than here in the North West.  We are just as well known for our lush, green surroundings as we are for the rain that keeps it that way.  Living in the Rose City means you’ve been entrusted with your personal slice of Portland Landscape.   We take great pride in our natural beauty, and we want to make sure we are doing our part to maintain and enhance that beauty.  Hiring a well-qualified landscaping company can show your commitment to showcasing our stunning surroundings, however, there are an enormous amount of choices when it comes to deciding on which Portland landscaper to use.  Considering how important our surroundings are to us, this is not a decision to take lightly.  Here are the Top 4 mistakes Portlanders can make when choosing their landscape company:

1.  Not having one!

It is very easy to reason that you can mow your own lawn.  Its not that hard, and, hey it gets you off the couch and doing something active, right? Wrong!  Mowing your lawn is the least of your landscape.  And even that takes more skill than one would think.  The knowledge and skill it takes to maintain a beautifully manicured lawn isn’t something to be dismissed.  And who are we kidding?  You work hard all week so you can spend your Saturday enjoying your landscape, not working on it.

2. Not doing your research

Now that you’ve decided you need to use a landscaper, do you just Google “Portland Landscaper” and hire the first one the pops up?  Not at all.  It is important to not only get several bids, but research those companies.  Check out the company’s website.  Call the Better Business Bureau.  Ask for proof of insurance, both liability and workman’s comp.  Make sure they carry a Landscape Contracting License.  And never underestimate the value of asking them for references.  Most companies are happy to provide you with names, addresses and phone numbers of current or past clients.  Contact these people and make sure to ask them specific questions about the level of service and quality of work.

3. Choosing the “cheaper” option

In this economy, it makes sense that you are looking for for a deal.  No one ever sets out wanting to pay the most money.  However, the old saying is true, you get what you pay for.  Value is what is important.  You want to get the most bang for your buck.  Some companies may offer the lowest price, but how much experience and professionalism are they bringing to the table?  These along with warranties, customer service and skill level, are difficult to put a price on.  This goes along with doing your research…get several different bids and make sure you are comparing all the aspects of the quotes.  Decide what is going to be important to you personally and budget accordingly.

4. Not signing a contract

You may shy away at that word, but a contract is the very best way to protect yourself and the investment you are making in your landscaping company.  But signing a contract does you no good unless you’ve read it!  A landscaping contract should not be a lengthy, complicated document.  Take a few moments to make sure you know what to expect.  Be clear on their schedules and what pricing is for anything NOT included in your contracted price. And feel free to ask them to make changes based on your needs.  A good landscaper should be willing to work with you to make sure you are getting exactly what you want.