landscaping design ideas

Top Outdoor Projects to Boost Curb Appeal This Season

First impressions matter, especially when it comes to your home’s exterior. Whether you’re preparing to sell, welcoming guests, or simply taking pride in your property, curb appeal plays a major role in how your home is perceived. At White Oak Landscapes, we help homeowners throughout Oregon City and nearby areas transform tired or underutilized outdoor…

mulch install in Portland

Using Mulch to Save Water and Improve Soil Health

In Portland and throughout the Pacific Northwest, homeowners are increasingly looking for sustainable landscaping practices that conserve water, improve soil, and reduce maintenance. One of the simplest and most effective tools to achieve all three is mulch. Whether you’re refreshing garden beds, installing a new landscape, or transitioning to a drought-tolerant yard, mulch can make…

Xeriscaping
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What Is Xeriscaping? A Water-Saving Guide for Portland

In Portland and surrounding areas, many homeowners are looking for ways to reduce water use without sacrificing curb appeal. That’s where xeriscaping comes in. Originally popularized in arid regions, xeriscaping is gaining traction in the Pacific Northwest as a smart, sustainable approach to landscaping that’s beautiful, functional, and environmentally friendly. If you’re looking to lower…

Outdoor fire pits in Portland
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Outdoor Fire Pits: What to Know Before You Build

Adding an outdoor fire pit to your backyard can completely transform your landscape. It provides a warm, inviting space that allows you to: Entertain friends and family in a cozy, social setting Unwind and relax outdoors, even on cool evenings Extend your outdoor season into fall, early spring, and even winter Increase your property’s value…

Organic lawn fertilizing in Portland
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How to Get a Lush, Green Lawn Without Synthetic Fertilizers

For homeowners in Portland and surrounding areas, achieving a lush, green lawn without relying on synthetic fertilizers is possible—and increasingly preferred. Whether you’re concerned about the environment, the health of your family and pets, or simply want to take a more sustainable approach to lawn care, organic lawn practices offer a viable, effective alternative. Why…

Sustainable Landscaping

Sustainable Landscape Design: Creating Beautiful and Eco-Conscious Outdoor Spaces in Oregon

What Is Sustainable Landscaping? Sustainable landscaping focuses on creating outdoor spaces that are environmentally responsible, resource-efficient, and naturally beautiful. In Oregon’s unique climate, this approach is not only smart—it’s essential. At White Oak Landscapes, we help homeowners in Oregon City and surrounding areas design landscapes that reflect their values: preserving the local ecosystem, conserving water,…

Pollinator Gardens

From Blossoms to Butterflies: The Benefits of Planting a Pollinator Garden in Your Oregon Backyard

Why Pollinator Gardens Matter in Oregon Pollinators like bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and moths are essential to our ecosystem. They help fertilize plants by transferring pollen, which allows fruits, vegetables, and flowers to grow. But due to habitat loss, changes in land use, and unsustainable landscaping practices, these vital creatures are in decline. A pollinator garden…

Incorporating A Dry Creek Bed Into Your Oregon Landscape

Incorporating a Dry Creek Bed into Your Oregon Landscape

A dry creek bed, also known as an arroyo or dry stream, is a landscaping feature that simulates a natural watercourse but it only fills with water during periods of heavy rain. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, it serves practical purposes such as managing stormwater runoff, preventing erosion, and guiding rainwater away from structures. For Oregon…

Perennial Meadows For Oregon Backyards

Creating A Perennial Meadow In Your Oregon Backyard

Creating a perennial meadow in your Oregon backyard is a wonderful way to enhance natural beauty, support local wildlife, and enjoy a low-maintenance landscape. This guide will walk you through understanding perennial meadows, selecting suitable plants, attracting wildlife, and the steps involved in planning, preparing, and maintaining your meadow. What Is a Perennial Meadow? A…

Boulder Retaining Walls Versus Block Retaining Walls

Boulder Retaining Walls Versus Block Retaining Walls

When it comes to managing slopes and enhancing sloped landscapes, retaining walls are invaluable. For Oregon homeowners, the decision often narrows down to two popular options: boulder retaining walls and segmental block retaining walls. Each has its unique characteristics, benefits, and considerations. This article goes into these aspects to assist you in making an informed…