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New planting beds and young tree in a Maine back yard

Landscape design in Portland, ME

Landscape design in Portland for yards that last

A plan that fits your lot, your budget and Maine weather, followed through from layout to planting.

  • Plans that suit tight city lots and larger suburban yards
  • Plant choices that handle salt, wind and frost
  • Written scope before work begins

Step 1 of 3

What do you need?

What does landscape design in Portland include?

Good landscape design starts with how you use the yard. We look at where you sit, where the dog runs, where the snow gets pushed and where water goes when it rains. Then we draw a layout that puts paths, beds, lawn, patios and plantings where they make sense.

A full yard overhaul usually covers several steps:

  • Removing worn lawn, old beds, dead shrubs or failing edging.
  • Rough grading so water moves away from the house.
  • New paths, patios or walls where the plan calls for them.
  • Soil improvement and planting beds.
  • Trees, shrubs and perennials chosen for the site.
  • Mulch, edging and a new lawn or seeded areas.

Some owners want the whole yard done in one go. Others prefer to phase it over two or three seasons. Either way, the plan comes first so each phase fits the next.

What problems come up in Portland yards?

Portland lots are not all alike. On the peninsula and in older neighborhoods like the West End and Munjoy Hill, lots are small, access is tight and old brick, granite and fill can sit just under the surface. Further out in South Portland, Falmouth or Cumberland, lots are bigger but soil can be stony or wet.

Common problems include:

  • Salt and wind. Plants near the water or along salted roads can burn. Tougher species do better in these spots.
  • Frost heave. Anything laid on poor base shifts after a hard winter.
  • Ledge and stones. Digging planting holes can take longer than expected.
  • Deer and rabbits. Some plants get eaten, so the plan allows for it.
  • Shade. Mature trees and tall buildings leave many yards with part shade.

Good design deals with these from the start rather than after the first winter.

What changes the price of a yard design and overhaul?

We do not publish prices here because no two yards are the same. A written quote is based on what we find on site. These are the main factors:

  • The size of the area and how much of it is being rebuilt.
  • Access for machines. A narrow side passage means more hand work.
  • How much digging, grading or soil replacement is needed.
  • Ledge, large stones or old buried material.
  • Materials, including stone, pavers, plants and trees.
  • Whether you want the work done at once or in phases.

If you have a budget in mind, say so early. A plan can often be shaped so the most important work is done first and the rest is added later. For stonework you may want to read about our hardscaping services, and for lawn areas our sod installation page.

A small front yard refresh can take a few days. A full back yard with a patio, walls, planting and a new lawn can take several weeks, and weather can push dates around. Rain, mud in spring and cold snaps in fall all matter in Maine.

On the first day the crew usually arrives, protects any areas that must stay untouched and marks the layout. Machines go in for removal and grading. Later days cover stonework, then soil and planting, and the lawn goes in last so it is not trampled.

Expect some noise and dirt while the work is under way. We will go over where materials will be stacked and where you can park before the start date.

When should you call about landscape design?

Call when you are planning a change and want to know what is realistic. That could be a new house, a yard that has been neglected, a patio you want to add or a slope you cannot use. The earlier you talk, the more choices you have on timing and budget.

Winter is a good time to plan, because spring slots fill up. If water is entering your basement or part of the yard keeps washing out, look at our retaining walls and drainage work first, since that can shape the whole design.

You can also start from our home page to see all the services in one place. Send a few details and we will arrange a site visit and give you a written quote.

Request landscape design

Tell us what you need and we call you back.

No obligation.

Step 1 of 3

What do you need?

Questions about landscaping in Portland

Do you provide a plan before work starts?

Yes, every project starts with a written scope and a layout that shows what will be built and where. For larger jobs the layout can show beds, paths, patios and lawn areas so you can adjust it before anything is dug. Changes are far easier to make on paper than once the ground has been broken.

Which plants do well near Casco Bay?

Plants that handle wind, salt spray and cold winters do best, such as rugosa roses, bayberry, beach plum and many ornamental grasses. Exact choices depend on how close you are to the water and how much sun the spot gets. We pick plants for each site rather than using one list for every yard.

Can the work be done in phases?

Yes. Many owners start with grading, drainage and stonework in one season, then add planting and lawn in the next. The plan is drawn for the whole yard first so each phase fits what comes after and nothing needs to be torn out later.

Do I need approval before changing my yard?

Often not for planting, but walls, large paved areas, changes to drainage and work near the shore can need approval. Rules differ between Portland and nearby towns. Check with the local planning or code office, and tell us about any rule that applies so the design can follow it.

How do I get started?

Send a few details about the yard and what you would like changed, or call using the number on this page. We arrange a site visit, look at the layout, soil and access, and then send a written quote. There is no need to have a design in mind before you reach out.

  • Free written quotes
  • Local crews
  • Reliable scheduling
  • Tidy job sites

Ready when you are

Call now or request a quote online.

Call for a free quote Get my free landscaping quote
(207) 555-0129

How it works

  1. Tell us about the yard

    Size, goals and any photos.

  2. Site visit and quote

    We walk the property and put the price in writing.

  3. We do the work

    Scheduled crew, cleanup included.

Takes about 30 seconds. Get my free landscaping quote