Landscape Design & Landscaping Services in Portland, OR

Your landscape design should reflect your style while complementing the home's architecture. In Portland, popular landscape styles include:

• Native and sustainable landscapes

• Modern and minimalist layouts

• Lush, garden-inspired yards 

At Big Sky Landscaping, we take the time to understand your vision, style, and the unique features of your property. We prioritize creating a space that feels like an extension of your home, thoughtfully designed to match your lifestyle and natural surroundings. 

Yes, rain gardens are welcomed and even encouraged in the Portland area. 

They help manage rainwater runoff. Designed to absorb any runoff from the hard surfaces of your property, such as roofs and driveways, they prevent structural damage and support the local ecosystem.

Portland’s rainy season makes it essential to design a year-round outdoor space. Covered areas and proper drainage ensure comfort, even in wet weather. Strategic design elements, such as patios and walkways, can also help keep your space clear of mud and flooding. 

To maintain curb appeal throughout the winter months, consider adding evergreen trees and winter-blooming plants to your landscape. These additions can bring color and life into your landscape, even during the grayest of months. 

Portland winters are typically wet and cool, with occasional nighttime frosts, so you’ll want to prepare your landscape accordingly. 

Protecting sensitive plants during colder months can be as easy as adding proper mulch to help insulate their roots and crowns, while plant covers, such as burlap, can protect their foliage on chilly nights. 

At Big Sky Landscaping, we provide comprehensive maintenance services throughout the winter to keep your property looking its best year-round. Our experienced team manages all your upkeep, so your outdoor space looks beautiful in every season.

When considering a contractor for your Portland landscaping project, it is important to select one with experience in the local climate, allowing native plants to flourish — a skilled team with expertise in a variety of styles and positive customer reviews. 

With over 30 years of experience serving the Portland area, Big Sky Landscaping has perfected the craft of turning landscape dreams into reality for Portland customers. 

Contact us today for a consultation, and let's work together to transform your outdoor space

Landscape design costs in Portland vary based on the size of your property and the scope of your project. Simple design plans for smaller yards may start in the low thousands, while comprehensive, full-property designs with detailed construction drawings or 3D renderings can cost more. 

Pricing usually depends on different factors such as lot size, site conditions, design complexity, and included features like patios or irrigation. Other factors include permitting requirements and the level of detail in the final plan. A consultation is the best way to get accurate pricing for your specific goals.

The key to mixing hardscape and softscape properly is balance. Hardscape elements, such as patios, walkways, retaining walls, and outdoor living areas, provide structure and function, while softscape elements, such as trees, shrubs, and perennials, add movement, color, and softness. 

Start by defining functional spaces with hardscape, then layer in plantings to soften edges, add privacy, and create visual flow. In Portland, it’s especially important to consider drainage, seasonal interest, and plant varieties for the local climate. A well-designed landscape blends both elements seamlessly so the space feels natural, inviting, and cohesive rather than overly rigid or overgrown.

Using Oregon native plants offers both environmental and practical benefits. Because they’re adapted to the region’s climate, they typically require less water, fertilizer, and maintenance once established. They are also more resilient to local weather patterns, including wet winters and dry summers.

In Portland, native plants support local pollinators and wildlife while thriving in common soil conditions found throughout the area. They also create a natural, cohesive look that reflects the Pacific Northwest landscape, helping your yard feel both sustainable and beautifully connected to its surroundings. 

Creating privacy with a stunning landscape design starts with layering. Instead of relying on a single fence or hedge, combine structural elements like fencing or pergolas with trees, shrubs, and ornamental grasses to build depth and visual interest. 

Use taller evergreen trees or hedges for year-round screening, then soften the space with layered plantings in front to create a natural feel. Specifically in Portland, it’s important to choose plants suited to the local climate and soil conditions so your privacy screen stays healthy and full year-round. With the right balance of hardscape and greenery, you can block unwanted views while enhancing the beauty and functionality of your outdoor space.

Choosing a landscape design and build firm means your project is handled by an integrated team from concept through construction. This approach often streamlines communication, keeps the budget aligned with real construction costs, and reduces delays caused by handoffs between separate designers and contractors. 

In Portland, where site conditions, drainage, and permitting requirements can vary, a design-and-build firm can adjust plans efficiently as the project progresses. Because the same team that designs also builds, there is typically greater accountability, clearer timelines, and a smoother overall experience from start to finish.