Landscape Design & Construction in Salem, OR
Transforming Salem and the Portland Metro Area with Expert Landscape Design & Construction Since 1974
Living in this region means endless possibilities for landscape design and construction. The Willamette Valley's scenery offers inspiration and ideas, so the area becomes a canvas for your ideal outdoor lifestyle. That landscape starts with careful planning: deciding on the size, shape, and placement of features and selecting project materials. Once the plan is set, we use quality materials and experienced contractors to bring your landscape to life at DeSantis Landscapes. We hold ourselves to a high standard on every residential landscaping construction project.
Bring your dream landscape to life with our Salem-based design and build services. Call DeSantis Landscapes at (503) 782-7356 or message us online for service today.
At DeSantis Landscapes, every design-build project is a collaboration with our clients. Since we opened in 1974, our mission has been to advance landscape design and construction with sustainable practices and quality service. We partner with you from beginning to end to ensure your vision is reflected in the completed work. Our comprehensive design-build process keeps everything internal and provides several direct benefits:
Benefits of Design/Build:
- Streamlined Communication: A single point of contact keeps the design and construction process connected.
- Cost Efficiency: Accurate budgeting and fewer change orders keep your project on track.
- Time Savings: Our collaborative approach reduces overlap and delays, resulting in faster project completion.
- Accountability: We manage all parts of the project—no finger-pointing. We take responsibility for every detail.
We stand out because our process ties the build stage into the design phase. During concept development, we review pricing to ensure we follow the right path and can adjust as needed. At the final design review, we deliver a detailed construction proposal. Your designer remains involved throughout, acting as project manager and keeping the work on track at each stage.
If you want a landscape tailored to your needs, we prioritize your preferences. We offer solutions such as native plant choices for low-maintenance and eco-friendly gardens or peaceful backyard retreats. Our goal is to create spaces that remain functional, attractive, and usable year after year.
Many homeowners and businesses in Salem choose our landscape designer team for our knowledge of local conditions and commitment to ongoing education. We stay current with Oregon’s landscape codes, plant recommendations, and modern design practices. This experience helps your project suit your tastes while fitting the area’s environment and meeting Salem's guidelines. We’ve spent over four decades designing for the Willamette Valley’s unique soils, rainfall, and habitats.
Our Landscape Design Process in Salem
We approach every landscape design in Salem by meeting with you to listen closely to your ideas and assess your property’s features. Our on-site assessment examines natural factors like the land’s slope, sun exposure, and drainage patterns. Using this information, we develop designs that celebrate the Willamette Valley’s unique soil and microclimates, recommending layouts and materials built for Oregon’s rainy winters and warm summers.
When we create your plan, we think ahead to how each feature will look and function through every season, making sure it stays practical and in step with Salem’s regulations for landscapes. We update you at every milestone and adjust as needed, confirming every detail is ready for construction. Our process ensures the finished project is beautiful, practical, and fully compliant with Salem’s landscape requirements.
What Our Clients Say
Hear From Those Who Have Experienced Our Commitment to Quality
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"Great Communication"Fabulous job on our fountain and our back patio.- Wendy K.
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"Very Positive"Our organization could not be happier with the company.- Todd F.
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"Carefully & Thoughtfully"Everything on time, crew always on time.- Lynn B.
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"Always Seem Go the “Extra Mile” Leaf"Sure appreciate your thoughtfulness.- Michael W.
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"The Maintenance Services They Provide Have Been Excellent"In short, we would enthusiastically recommend DeSantis for design, construction, and maintenance.- Jeanne C.
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"More Than We Had Hoped For"They completed their work in a very timely manner, and the end result is amazing.- Ken W.
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"Thanks Desantis for Being Awesome"Not only are we getting high quality service but top that off with fantastic quick communication and super friendly employees.- Stefin M.
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"Great Crew"
Speedy demolition of dead brush but sensitive avoidance of "keeper" plants.
- Jeri H.
Why Choose DeSantis Landscapes for Landscape Design in Salem?
A DeSantis Landscapes landscape delivers versatility—spaces for gathering, relaxing, and enjoying Oregon’s beauty through every season. We know your landscape grows and shifts with time, so we design flexible outdoor areas for lasting use and visual appeal.
We select bold plant combinations for structure and visual interest throughout your property—front yard, backyard, or side landscape. Using native plants, many grown at our local nursery, we blend ecological fit with easier year-round upkeep. Your property thrives while making maintenance simpler and preserving local character. For more on garden upkeep, see our maintenance options.
Landscape design is a long-term process. Our team outlines maintenance plans for you that fit Salem’s climate and your landscape’s features. We guide you with pruning, irrigation, weed management, and year-round care advice so your space remains beautiful and easy to manage. We also suggest ways to attract pollinators and support wildlife to boost ecological balance. When we help your property adjust through the seasons, you enjoy beauty, value, and usability for years.
Investing in Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Landscapes
Sustainability guides everything we do for Salem clients who want both attractive and environmentally responsible results. We stay informed on the latest local regulations, efficient irrigation, and Oregon’s standards for landscape installation. When we choose drought-tolerant plants and efficient water systems, you save water and enjoy healthier landscapes season after season.
Ongoing community efforts make bioswales and rain gardens valuable tools for clean water management and flood prevention in the Salem region. We incorporate these features where possible, so your property works with the natural environment. Our landscape designer team treats every new project as a chance to improve local ecology by building outdoor spaces that serve your lifestyle and the Salem community for years to come.
Start planning your dream landscape with the team at DeSantis Landscapes! Contact us at (503) 782-7356 or send us a message online today to get started.
Commonly Asked Questions For Landscape Design in Salem, OR
What is the meaning of landscape design?
Landscape design means planning and creating outdoor spaces that blend beauty, function, and sustainability. You arrange plants, hardscapes, and structures to fit your needs while enhancing the surrounding environment. In Salem, we match your design choices with the unique feel and climate of the Willamette Valley.
In Salem landscape design, we pay special attention to native plants suited for the local soil and changing seasons. Choosing these plants helps your landscape look great and supports the balance of local wildlife. Our design approach creates outdoor areas that stay vibrant and practical all year.
What is the concept of landscape design?
Landscape design combines art and science to develop outdoor areas that are attractive, practical, and eco-friendly. Designers aim to create spaces that reflect your tastes and fit Salem’s natural rhythm. With native plantings and water-saving irrigation, we adapt every plan to Oregon’s seasons.
We also bring new technology into our landscape design concepts. With weather-responsive irrigation, plantings use exactly the water they need. By designing for both sustainability and appeal, we build landscapes you can enjoy for the long term.
How can I enhance my Salem garden with native plants?
Native plants are ideal for Salem gardens because they adapt to our weather, need less water, and don’t require as much care as non-native species. They draw birds and pollinators, enhancing local biodiversity. We guide clients to select native plantings for gardens that blend into the natural look of Salem and the Willamette Valley.
Layering native species gives your garden color and texture that change with the seasons. Many native choices improve soil health and work as natural protection against pests. With the right mix, you get a healthy and visually rich garden year-round.
What is the best time of year to start a landscaping project in the Portland area?
The best times to start landscaping in the Portland Metro Region are early spring and late fall. These windows let roots grow steady before intense summer heat. Our team at DeSantis Landscapes helps clients plan project timelines that maximize plant success.
Taking advantage of Salem’s mild seasons helps new landscapes establish faster. Early spring or fall starts offer enough moisture for root growth, laying the groundwork for a thriving landscape that stands up well to Oregon’s changing conditions.
Can you help with irrigation systems for my Salem landscape?
Irrigation matters for every thriving Salem landscape, given our weather extremes. At DeSantis Landscapes, we design and set up efficient irrigation that matches each site’s needs, balancing water use so every plant receives the right amount throughout the year.
Our advice includes drip systems and weather sensors to spread water precisely and prevent waste. We help you achieve healthy plant growth while making Salem’s limited resources go further, in line with community sustainability goals.
How does hardscaping contribute to landscape sustainability in Salem?
Hardscaping shapes your outdoor space and supports sustainable landscape design. In Salem, we use permeable surfaces to keep water moving into the ground and prevent runoff. Design elements like retaining walls fight erosion and define space without damaging soil structure. Proper hardscape improves both beauty and long-term utility.
We choose materials built for local conditions and, when practical, use recycled or regionally sourced products to reduce impact. Each hardscape is planned for long-term fit and easy integration with your outdoor space.
What factors should I consider for a landscape design in Salem?
When planning a landscape design in Salem, you need to account for local weather, soil, and plant availability. Native species that thrive in our wet winters and dry summers need less maintenance and stay healthier year-round. We also consider your lot’s slope and drainage patterns to keep features safe and dry.
Think about your daily needs and how you want to use the space. Entertainment, privacy, gardening, and sustainability features such as rain gardens or bioswales all play a part in creating a beautiful, lasting landscape tailored to Salem’s distinct environment.
Start planning your dream landscape with the team at DeSantis Landscapes! Contact us at (503) 782-7356 or send us a message online today to get started.
