Since 1974, DeSantis Landscapes has combined local expertise with a long-standing commitment to quality, helping commercial properties thrive throughout the region.
Landscape Designer in Portland, OR
Salmon-Safe Certified. Serving Portland Since 1974.
Portland’s natural beauty is one of its defining qualities, and the right landscape design honors rather than disrupts it. DeSantis Landscapes has been doing exactly that since 1974, bringing over 50 years of Oregon landscaping experience to homes, businesses, and HOA properties throughout the Portland metro area. The DeSantis family has called Oregon home for over 140 years, and that connection to the land shapes everything we do. We hold Salmon-Safe Certification, an independently verified environmental credential that reflects our commitment to protecting the region’s waterways, not just a claim we make about ourselves. We’re fully insured, licensed, and offer free estimates to get you started.
Portland’s diverse microclimates, from the forested West Hills to riverfront and east-side neighborhoods, require landscape design tailored to local soil, rainfall, and sun exposure. We account for these neighborhood-specific conditions in every project, selecting shade trees suited to the Willamette Valley, choosing plant varieties that thrive in the rainier west side, and working with the natural slope and soil profiles of each site. The result is a landscape designed to endure seasonal changes and look like it belongs exactly where it is.
Schedule your consultation with DeSantis Landscapes by calling (503) 782-7356 or sending us a message online today. Estimates are free.
Landscape Design Services for Portland Residential, Commercial & HOA Properties
Whether you own a home, run a business, or manage an HOA in the Portland metro area, we offer landscape design services tailored to your property’s specific needs. As a full-service landscape design company, our work covers:
- Landscape Design: Every plan starts with your vision. We listen to your goals, evaluate your site, and develop a design that suits Portland’s climate and ecology. Our designs reflect the area’s distinct character rather than imposing a generic aesthetic.
- Installation: We bring each design to life with close attention to every detail, using environmentally responsible materials wherever possible. Our focus on craftsmanship means your finished landscape reflects the plan we built together.
- Commercial Maintenance: Consistent upkeep is essential for commercial landscapes to look their best. We offer custom maintenance plans for commercial properties to support outdoor spaces year-round.
For residential properties, we design seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, including patios, decks, and gardens that function beautifully through every season. For commercial sites, we focus on efficient layouts that maximize curb appeal, match plant selections to foot traffic levels, and align with municipal requirements. We partner with leading technology companies for irrigation controls and hardscape materials, and we stay current on Portland’s evolving codes for water management and sustainability.
Our team also excels at making the most of Portland’s compact urban lots. Vertical gardens, container plantings, and multi-level layouts can transform even a small footprint into a lush, functional outdoor space. Every landscape we design is built for longevity. It’s adaptable to changing seasons and the evolving preferences of the people who use it.
Environmentally Conscious Landscaping: The DeSantis Approach
Environmental responsibility isn’t a selling point for us. It’s the foundation of how we work. Our Salmon-Safe Certification means our practices have been independently reviewed and verified, not just self-described. In practice, that commitment shows up through:
- Native Plantings: We incorporate locally native plants to encourage biodiversity and reduce the need for supplemental watering and fertilizer. Native species thrive in Portland’s climate with far less intervention than non-native alternatives, and they support the surrounding ecosystem rather than disrupting it.
- Efficient Irrigation: We install sensor-based systems, including Weathermatic irrigation controls, that monitor soil moisture and weather conditions to conserve water and support healthy soil. Smart irrigation isn’t just sustainable. It can reduce long-term maintenance costs.
- Bioswales: We engineer bioswales to slow, filter, and absorb stormwater before it enters storm drains, managing runoff and supporting your property’s ecological balance in line with Portland’s environmental standards.
Beyond specific features, our approach begins with careful site analysis. We evaluate existing vegetation, drainage patterns, and sun exposure before recommending any changes, minimizing disturbance to what’s already working. Pollinator gardens and wildlife-friendly corridors add resilience to the urban ecosystem while creating outdoor spaces that feel alive. We also use organic mulches and sustainable hardscape materials, including reclaimed wood and recycled options suited to the Portland environment. These choices benefit the ecosystem and make ongoing maintenance more manageable for property owners.
Why Portland Property Owners Choose DeSantis Landscapes
Creating Beauty. Respecting Nature.
Experience the DeSantis Difference
-
50 Years of Institutional KnowledgeWe've managed Oregon's most demanding commercial properties through every economic cycle, every season, every curveball. That experience is irreplaceable.
-
One Accountable Contact
Your dedicated account manager knows your property, your standards, and your preferences — and they pick up the phone when you call.
-
Transparent Reporting You Can Share
Site logs, service reports, and photos are available anytime through your client portal — making your next ownership report easy.
-
Sustainability Credentials That Matter
Salmon-Safe and EcoBiz certified. For tenants, residents, and corporate ESG requirements, we help you tell the right story.
Our Landscape Design Process, Step by Step
Our process is built around transparency and collaboration, from the first conversation to the final walkthrough. It begins with an initial consultation to discuss your goals, site requirements, and budget. From there, our team conducts a thorough site assessment, evaluating light, soil, drainage, and any local regulations that may affect your project. That assessment informs a detailed conceptual plan with hand-selected plantings and hardscape features chosen for visual appeal and long-term sustainability.
We share the plan with you before anything moves forward. Client feedback during the design review phase allows us to make adjustments, accounting for site-specific factors like slope conditions in southeast neighborhoods or shade patterns in the West Hills, before installation begins. Once the design is finalized, our team manages every step of installation through to a post-installation walkthrough and maintenance orientation. If you’re looking for a landscape designer in Portland who keeps the process clear from start to finish, that’s exactly what we deliver. Estimates are free.
Portland Landscape Permitting, Codes & Regulations
Landscape projects that alter grading, affect stormwater management, or include certain hardscape features must comply with Portland’s local regulations. We identify any applicable requirements during the site assessment phase, including those outlined in Portland’s Environmental Services Stormwater Management Manual governing bioswales, permeable surfaces, and rain gardens. We also stay current with tree protection and planting guidelines under Title 11 (Trees) of the Portland City Code, and we account for any additional requirements that apply to properties in designated environmental zones or historic districts. Planning for compliance from the start can help prevent costly delays and keep your project on track.
.2605040019362.jpg)
