Landscaping Cost Drivers in Bend, OR

Map property and work limits, grades, structures, utilities, easements, meter boxes, existing plants, irrigation, hardscape and drainage. Record sun, wind, shade and areas of compaction or runoff. A dimensioned plan lets every bidder calculate the same quantities and protects utility access that should remain clear.

List turf, roots, shrubs, trees, edging, concrete, gravel, irrigation and structures to remove or retain. Define stump and root treatment, haul routes and disposal. Protect retained trees and surfaces. A proposal that removes visible growth but leaves incompatible irrigation or buried material is not the same completed scope.

Record existing slope, drainage paths, compaction and soil observations. Specify excavation, imported material, amendments, finished grades and acceptance. Do not direct runoff toward buildings, neighboring property or inaccessible low points. Unknown subsurface conditions need a bounded investigation and written approval process.

Group plants by exposure, mature size and compatible water needs. The City of Bend provides water-wise landscape resources and a demonstration garden with plants suited to the High Desert climate. Use botanical names, size at installation, spacing and substitution rules so proposals contain the same living material.

Map zones, valves, pipe, heads or drip, pressure needs, controller, sensors and backflow responsibility. Match precipitation to soil and plant needs and prevent overspray and runoff. The City publishes outdoor watering rules, so the design and owner handoff should support compliant schedules and seasonal adjustment.

For paths, patios, walls and edging, document excavation, base, drainage, reinforcement or restraint, surface material, joints and transitions. Show how hardscape meets doors, paving, planting and irrigation. Structural walls, electrical work or right-of-way impacts may require permits or licensed trades beyond ordinary planting.

Measure gates, slopes, overhead clearance, parking, staging and haul distance. State equipment limits, neighbor and pavement protection, work hours, dust control and daily cleanup. A backyard reached through a narrow side yard is a different production plan from an open site even when material quantities match.

Specify container or caliper size, quality, quantity, acceptable substitutions, delivery inspection and replacement of rejected plants. Larger material changes handling, soil volume, staking and establishment needs. Do not let a plant allowance conceal different sizes or substitute species with different mature form and water demand.

Confirm grading, retaining, structures, electrical, backflow, tree or right-of-way questions with the responsible authority. Locate utilities before excavation and keep meter and easement access clear. Identify which licensed business performs regulated work and who obtains inspections before burial or concealment.

Define initial watering, controller programming, mulch, staking, plant checks, seasonal adjustments and correction of settlement or erosion. State owner and contractor responsibilities and the evidence required for replacement under warranty. Installation is not complete if the owner lacks a working schedule and plant-identification record.

Compare survey, removal, soil, grading, drainage, plants, irrigation, hardscape, regulated work, permits, access, protection, disposal, establishment and closeout line by line. Align quantities and allowances. Avoid unsourced local price ranges because design and site conditions change the installed system more than lot size alone.

Walk grades, drainage, irrigation coverage, hardscape transitions, plant locations, cleanup and restored surfaces. Test zones and controls and resolve a punch list. Keep the plan, plant list, irrigation map, controller settings, backflow and permit records, warranties and establishment instructions.