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

Over 50 years of Oregon landscaping experience, a locally owned operation, and an independently verified environmental record: that combination is rare in this region. But what keeps clients coming back is simpler: we listen, we communicate, and we treat every project as a collaboration.

Local Knowledge & Personalized Service

We understand Portland’s soil profiles, microclimates, and planting seasons at the neighborhood level. That knowledge only comes from decades of working in this specific region. We offer practical guidance on caring for landscapes through drought years and wet winters, and our connections with local suppliers mean we source regionally responsible materials that perform well here. Clients stay informed and in charge throughout the process.

Long-Term Relationships & Warranties

We view each project as the beginning of a long-term relationship, not a one-time transaction. Our client-focused approach, built on open communication and genuine attention to your vision, has earned us a loyal base of homeowners, business owners, and HOA managers who return for new projects and ongoing enhancements. We back our work with warranties and serve properties of every scale across the Portland metro area.

Designing for Portland’s Climate & Conditions

Portland presents a specific set of challenges and opportunities that shape every landscape design decision we make. Our landscape design services in Portland are built around the full range of conditions the metro area experiences year-round.

Rainfall, Drainage & Stormwater

Portland’s rainfall is an asset when managed well and a problem when it isn’t. We use effective grading, drainage systems, and water management techniques to move water where it should go and keep it out of places it shouldn’t be. Our designs account for Portland’s Environmental Services Stormwater Management Manual, which governs how bioswales, permeable surfaces, and rain gardens are designed and constructed. In historic neighborhoods, we recommend approaches that preserve mature trees and update traditional plantings with more resilient varieties. This maintains neighborhood character while reducing long-term maintenance.

Soil Quality & Urban Heat

Portland’s urban soils often benefit from organic amendments that improve structure and support healthier plant growth suited to Pacific Northwest conditions. We also address the urban heat island effect through strategic shade tree placement and green roof integration, creating cooler, more comfortable outdoor spaces. Smart irrigation upgrades and other timely improvements help landscapes perform well as the city’s climate continues to evolve. Every recommendation we make is grounded in what can work for your specific site, now and over time.

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.