Frequently Asked Landscaping Questions (FAQ) & Glosssary of Terms

How important is it to be licensed?

Exstream Landscaping is fully Licensed by the Oregon Landscape Contractors Board, which means we've done ALL the education and licensing necessary to understand every aspect of the landscape in the Pacific NW. We're also fully Bonded and Insured and have 30 years' experience in the field.

What is Hardscaping?

Hardscaping is the aspect of landscaping that includes non-organic materials such as Pavers, Stone and Woodworking. Seating Walls, Walkways & Paths, Driveways, Patios, Decks, Fire Pits would all be considered Hardscaping. As well as fixed Structures like Pergolas, Awnings, Patios & Pavilions.

What is Softscaping?

A landscape design term that refers to the living plants and organic elements used in landscaping like Native Species Plantings and grass.

Do I need an irrigation system?

While it isn't a requirement, we, at Exstream Landscaping, recommend a good irrigation system to keep your plantings and lawn looking good during our hot dry months in the Pacific NW. It is important for new lawns and plant material to keep them growing & thriving. Low-Volume Drip Irrigation systems are also very helpful.

Why does Exstream Landscaping use Pavers instead of Poured Concrete?

Contrary to popular belief, pavers allow for more structural support and manage weight distribution better than poured concrete or asphalt. They're also easier to manage. Any damage can be easily fixed, which is not the case for poured concrete or asphalt. Pavers also allow for a HUGE variety of design styles, colors, finishes and arrangements, giving you the freedom & flexibility to craft the look YOU want!

What are the Trends this year in landscaping?

Fixed Structures in the landscape have been a popular trend for a while now and are only increasing in popularity. The idea of outdoor rooms is a trend that we think is here to stay! Structures under which people can congregate and that increase the usable time of our outdoors, especially during the rainy seasons and in the cooler months, is a popular and important trend. Sustainable Landscaping is another favored trend here in the NW, with the use of native species plantings, low-volume drip irrigation, raised garden-beds and even artificial turf, combining to make our landscapes more user friendly as well as renewable and supportable. Fire features remain a popular trend as well, with outdoor Fireplaces and fire pits in both gas and wood burning being actively sought after elements in the landscape. Night Lighting is also extreamly propular!

How does a typical project work with Exstream Landscaping?

First, we will meet with you at your property to discuss your ideas and thoughts about your outdoor space. We'll make suggestions and listen to yours, as well as taking measurements and photos. Consultations are always Free and generally take between 20 minutes and an hour depending on the complexity of the design and how much we chat! Then we'll write up an estimate for the work with all the different options listed as individual line items and email it to you accompanied by applicable photos of materials and examples of features. This gives you the opportunity to make any changes you'd like. Once you've approved the estimate and send the initial deposit we'll schedule a tentative start date for your project in conjunction with your schedule. This may vary depending on the weather, product availability, site access etc. We'll let you know how long we expect the project to take with the approved scope of work. Once completed we'll do a walk through of the project with you and teach you how to operate any systems we've installed and answer any questions you have. At that point we accept the final payment for the project.

How much will it cost to landscape my property?

It's difficult to give an exact answer to this before meeting with you and seeing your property. Prices vary based on property size, location, access, features desired, complexity of design, materials... every project is unique unto itself and there aren't really, any 'set prices.' On average our clients spend somewhere between $3,500 and $20,000. The best way to find out is to Schedule a Free Consultation with us!

Do you offer any financing options?

We do not offer financing at this time, but we will work with clients on basic terms depending on the type and size of the project. We also offer Phases or staged projects, so you can do one portion of a project right away and then do the rest at a later time.

Do you offer a guarantee or warranty on plants or landscaping?

Yes! Our plants are under warranty for one year after installation. Hardscaping and other features are under warranty for two years after completion. If issues arise let us know right away and we'll fix it or replace it free of charge. We encourage you to have an irrigation system installed when plant materials or sod or new lawns are placed to help ensure they become established and thrive.

How do I choose a Landscape Design/Build Company?

Well, it's a personal decision but there are a few key areas that you should focus in on.

Are they licensed with the LCB (Landscape Contractors Board) in Oregon?

All landscaping companies in Oregon are required to be licensed. You can ask or you can look them up on the LCB's website. Exstream Landscaping's Oregon License: LCB#7094

What are their reviews like online?

Established companies should have a long review history available online via Google or other review sites.

What is their portfolio like?

Do they have examples of work similar to what I'm looking for? Explore the companies' online portfolio.

What is their process like?

Ask them what their process is, what scheduling is like with them, how soon they can start your project, how long they anticipate it taking. They should be asking you a lot of questions and taking the time to understand the unique needs of your property and your desires. You should also, be able to revise the initial plan and clearly understand your budget throughout the entire process.

How you feel about them?

It's important that you feel comfortable with your contractor. You feel they're professional but also conversational, supportive and like someone you want to work with.

Glossary of Landscaping Terms

• Artificial Turf - Artificial turf is synthetic fibers woven together to make a natural grass looking surface. It's increased in popularity in the last few years and is offered in a variety of types, colors, sizes, and textures. It's a great alternative to natural turf as it's more durable and easily maintained. No irrigation, fertilizing, aerating, thatching, mowing, or edging is required!
• Awnings- an awning is a patio covering that is attached to a houses' current roofline. Sometimes using the current gutter system for rainwater drainage and sometimes getting its own gutter system. They can be covered in a range of different materials.
  
• Creative Plantings- Taking into consideration a client's color preferences and mixing textures, as well as evergreens and deciduous plant materials with perennials to create a one-of-a-kind look that is tailored to each client is one of our specialties.
  
• Composite decking- A composite deck is made of boards that are made up of wood and plastic particles. The wood is generally sawdust, wood chips and wood fiber pieces. Plastic components are often recycled material but can also be made of virgin plastics. We recommend composite in the Pacific NW because it's longer lasting in our rainy climate with almost no maintenance required. It comes in a vast array of colors, textures, and sizes to compliment any color scheme or style for a truly custom look.
  
• Decks- We offer traditional decks made with cedar as well as composite decking and PVC decking. Railings can be traditional wood or metal or cable railing, the only limit is your imagination.
  
• Driveways- Paver Driveways have really grown in popularity due to their customizable nature and the ability to shed water more efficiently, making them environmentally friendly, as well as the ability to repair them when compared to poured concrete.
  
• Fences- We create fences to fit our clients' needs and style. From solid fence styles for privacy to chain link fencing to keep in pets. We use traditional Cedar fencing material as well as more exotic hardwoods like IPE, Camaru & Batu. Different patterns and lattices can create an even more custom look.
  
• Fire Features- A fire feature can be anything from a simple fire pit made of indigenous stone to an elaborate gas Fireplace complete with mantel, lighting, and side storage. With Fire pit kits in almost every conceivable color, texture, size, and style we can match any style and taste! Fire features can be wood burning, natural gas, or propane, depending on what's available in the area and what a client wants.
  
• Fire pits- Generally any vessel, in which a contained outdoor fire is made is the traditional definition for fire pits. We've done just a ring of indigenous rock for a rustic looking fire pit area, as well as circular block kits made of different blocks. Even an ultra-modern smooth sided rectangle filled with glass beads and plumbed with natural gas!
  
• Hardscaping- Hardscaping refers to any of the non-living elements in your landscape. Most typically it refers to features made of stone, block, bricks, concrete or pavers, such as retaining walls and patios.
  
• Patios a designated, paved area directly outside of a house, typically outside of a back door. Adapted especially for dining, outdoor living and recreating.
  
• Native Species Plantings - Plantings that are native to an area, meaning, they occur naturally in a particular area, ecosystem or habitat. Are preferrable in that will grow and thrive better than plant materials that are native to other places. They will use less resources and be easier to maintain. For example, A native Dogwood tree is easier to grow and maintain in the Pacific NW than a Joshua tree that is Native to the desserts of California.
  
• Raised Garden Beds- Unlike a traditional garden raised Beds are great because they can be made out of different materials like, wood, composite, rock, metal or block to match any style or goals. They can be custom-made to different sizes to take advantage of tight space or very little space and can be filled with whatever amendments a client requests which can easily be changed out whenever you like!
  
• Pergolas - Typically a frame-work created with wood or metal consisting of an open air ceiling and sides often covered with trailing plant material or sometimes fabric or curtains.
  
• Pavilions - A sperate, free standing, open sided, building, typically used in the landscape as cover over a patio to keep out rain, snow or harsh sun creating a usable space year round.
  
• Outdoor Rooms - Outdoor rooms is a relatively new concept that divides your outdoor living space into specific areas in relation to what's being done in them. For instance, a covered area could include a kitchen or barbeque area in addition to a dining area. Another area may used as a lounging area with outdoor couches and chairs or entertainment.
  
• Fireplaces-An outdoor fireplace is just like what it sounds like! A place for building fires outside of the home. Similar in construction to an indoor fireplace, an outdoor fireplace is usually added to a stone, brick or concrete patio. It consists of a firebox and a chimney and can be made with Paver, Block, Stone, Tile, or veneers of all different materials. Fireplaces can be customized to match any style!
  
• Fixed Structures -Any of the built structures in the landscape that is permanent or fixed in nature, unable to be moved about the property. Examples would be Pergolas, pavilions, covered patios, Built in Fire places or affixed Fire Pits.
  
• Irrigation System- The application of water to the landscape (plantings, Beds, garden areas, lawn areas etc.) through an artificially created system which includes various types of Sprinklers as well as low water usage drip systems.
  
• Seating walls A short wall at just the right height with a seat or ledge built on top to be perfect for sitting! Can be made of stone, Block, wood or composite. Can typically be found around a fire pit, or the edge of a patio to accommodate additional seating for more friends and family!
  
• Low-Volume Drip Irrigation--These systems are designed to apply small amounts of water at a slow rate directly to the root zone of the plant. They're more cost effective and water efficient. They're typically used for bushes, trees, perennials and in vegetable and flower gardens.
  
• Walkways &Paths - Walkways & Paths are defined areas that lead from one feature in the landscape to another. These can be made from Compressed gravel to pavers to Natural stone or even decking!
  
• Pavers- This is a term that refers to manmade bricks, tiles or 'stones' that are made of concrete and come in all sizes shapes, colors and textures. Making it possible to create different patterns and match different styles.
  
• Sustainable landscaping -is a modern type of landscaping that takes the environment into account.By using multiple methods to create an environmentally friendly and climate appropriate landscape,less resources are used to maintain the landscape.
• Phases or Staged Projects At Exstream landscaping we specialize in doing projects in phases or stages to accommodate a client's budget, time frame and desires. Prioritizing the most import projects first and spacing out other projects as time and budget allows. everything on our estimates is a separate line item than can be ordered in any way a client sees fit, eliminated or added to!
• Night Lighting is some of the best value for your dollar in your landscaping budget. Landscape lighting provides safety for your walkways, patios and porches by lighting up otherwise dark areas. A house that's better lit is safer from both slips and falls as well as possible burglaries.