Are you dreaming of transforming your outdoor space into a personal oasis? Before you break ground on that new patio or irrigation system, there's something every Oregon homeowner needs to know: working with a licensed landscaper isn't just a good idea — it's the law.

The Legal Requirement

In Oregon, anyone performing paid landscaping work must be licensed through the Oregon Landscape Contractors Board (LCB). This isn't just bureaucratic red tape — it's essential protection for you as a homeowner.

Licensed landscapers must legally perform:

  • Irrigation installations
  • Lawn installations
  • Landscape design
  • Hardscaping (pavers, retaining walls)
  • Decks and fences
  • Driveways and edging
  • Water features
  • Nursery stock installation

What Makes a Landscaper "Licensed"?

Becoming a licensed landscape contractor in Oregon isn't simple. Professionals must:

  • Pass written exams covering business law, contract law, plant identification, and trade-specific knowledge
  • Carry liability insurance
  • Carry a bond
  • Provide workers' compensation coverage for their employees
  • Maintain ongoing continuing education

"It's required by law, and for good reason."
— Kim Gladwill-Rowley, LCB Rules Coordinator

Financial Protection for Homeowners

When you hire a licensed landscaper, you're not just paying for expertise — you're investing in peace of mind. Here's how being licensed protects you:

Bonds and insurance that protect you if:

  • The work isn't completed according to contract
  • Property damage occurs during the project
  • Materials or subcontractors aren't paid

Workers' compensation coverage. If a worker is injured on your property and isn't covered by workers' compensation insurance, you as the homeowner could be liable for potentially devastating medical costs and lost wages.

The High Cost of Cutting Corners

Hiring an unlicensed landscaper might seem like a money-saving move, but it can become extremely costly. If the LCB discovers unlicensed work in progress, they can:

  • Issue stop-work orders
  • Levy fines against both contractor and homeowner
  • Refer cases for criminal prosecution
  • Void warranty protections

Red Flags — How to Spot Unlicensed Operators

Be wary of landscapers who:

  • Offer unusually low estimates (legit operators carry insurance and bond costs in their pricing)
  • Can't provide a license number when asked
  • Ask for large upfront payments before any work begins
  • Avoid putting agreements in writing
  • Won't show proof of insurance
  • Hesitate to commit to a start or completion timeline

How to Verify

Verifying a landscaper is licensed is straightforward. Visit the Oregon Landscape Contractors Board website and search by name or license number. The board can also be reached by phone.

Wet-N-Wild Sprinklers, Inc. · Serving Klamath Falls for over 29 years
2880 Maywood Drive, Klamath Falls, OR 97601 · Licensed Oregon Landscape Contractor