Questions & answers
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers about how we work and what we build.
General questions
What areas do you serve?
We’re based in Salem, Oregon and work throughout the greater Salem area and the mid-Willamette Valley, including West Salem, South Salem, Keizer, Turner, and surrounding communities. If you’re not sure whether you’re in our area, just give us a call.
How long has Davidson’s been in business?
Davidson’s Landscape has been serving the Salem area since 1989. Founder Jim Davidson helped bring professional horticultural practices, modern equipment, and full account management to the local landscape trade.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Davidson’s Landscape Service, Inc. is licensed with the Oregon Landscape Contractors Board (LCB #5811, LCP #15823, #15748) and is bonded and insured.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes. Tell us about your project through our contact form or call (503) 585-0299, and we’ll set up a time to visit and provide an estimate.
Do you work on commercial properties as well as homes?
Yes. We design, build, and offer maintenance services for both residential and commercial customers.
What services do you offer?
We’re a Full Phase Landscape Company: Landscape Design and Installation, Paver Patios and Walkways, Retaining Walls and Stonework, Ponds and Water Features, Irrigation Install, Service & Repair, Low-Voltage Outdoor Lighting, and ongoing Landscape Maintenance. See all of our services.
What are your office hours?
Our office is open Monday through Friday, 8am to 4pm. You can send us a message through the website any time.
Landscape Design & Installation
Do you create a design before starting work?
Yes. For most projects we meet with you on site, talk through your goals and budget, and put together a plan so you know exactly what you’re getting before any work begins.
Do you work on new-construction homes?
Yes — new construction and renovations are both a big part of what we do, from bare dirt to a finished yard with lawn, planting beds, hardscape, irrigation, and lighting.
Paver Patios & Walkways
Why choose pavers instead of poured concrete?
Pavers offer far more colors, textures, and patterns, and a well-built paver surface is flexible — individual pieces can be lifted and replaced if needed, instead of patching or replacing a whole slab. Many homeowners also find they simply look richer and more inviting.
Can you add steps, a seat wall, or a fire pit to a patio?
Yes. Steps, seat walls, planters, and fire-pit areas are common additions, and we design them together with the patio so everything matches.
Retaining Walls & Stonework
Why is drainage behind a retaining wall so important?
Water pressure building up behind a wall is one of the main reasons walls lean or fail — especially in Oregon’s wet winters. We build in drainage so water has somewhere to go.
Can a retaining wall also be a planter?
Absolutely. Terraced walls and raised planters are a great way to add color and soften a wall while making a sloped yard more usable.
Ponds & Water Features
What is a pondless waterfall?
A pondless waterfall has the stream and falls of a traditional water feature, but the water collects in a gravel-covered underground reservoir instead of an open pond. It’s safer around small children, takes less space, and generally needs less maintenance.
Can I have fish in my pond?
Yes. Many of the ponds we build are home to koi and goldfish. We’ll size and design the pond — depth, filtration, and plants — with fish in mind.
Are water features a lot of work to maintain?
A properly designed ecosystem pond is surprisingly low-maintenance. Fountains, bubbling rocks, and pondless waterfalls are even easier. We’ll walk you through simple seasonal care when your feature is finished.
Irrigation & Sprinkler Systems
Sprinklers or drip irrigation — which do I need?
Usually both. Sprinklers are best for lawns, while drip irrigation delivers water slowly and directly to the roots of shrubs, perennials, and trees, with far less waste. We design systems that use each where it works best.
Do you repair irrigation systems?
Yes. Our repair technicians troubleshoot and fix leaks, broken heads, valves, wiring, and controllers. We also offer Activation and Winterization Services. Call the office to schedule an appointment.
Outdoor Lighting
Why do you do the consultation in the evening?
Lighting is all about how things look after dark, so we meet in the evening to see your yard in the right conditions and demonstrate fixtures in place before you commit.
Can you fix or update an existing lighting system?
Yes. We provide maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting for landscape lighting, and can expand or update an existing system.
Landscape Maintenance
Do you maintain commercial properties?
Yes. We care for both residential and commercial properties and offer comprehensive account management for ongoing maintenance.
Can you take over maintenance of a landscape you didn’t install?
Yes. We’ll walk the property with you, recommend any clean-up or pruning needed to get it back on track, and set up a regular maintenance plan.
Let’s talk about your yard
Still have a question?
Call or send us a note — a real person who knows landscaping will get back to you.