Specialized Landscape Design

Specialized Landscape Design in Bend, Oregon

Carlsen Landscape Design provides specialized landscape design services built for Central Oregon’s high‑desert conditions. Tanya Carlsen works directly with you to plan outdoor spaces that save water, support wildlife, and reduce fire risk.

Each plan includes durable plants, efficient irrigation, and a layout built to match the conditions in your yard.

Some clients begin with a blank site. Others renovate aging landscapes. Smart design makes long‑term care easier and helps your yard handle Central Oregon’s heat, wind, and winter freezes.

Design That Responds to the Land

When you are looking for a more specific design for your landscape such as native plants, dog-safe plantings, Japanese style, very low water, firewise plan, or a special water feature design, Carlsen Designs can work with you to create a more niche plan to express your style or

adhere to your more unique landscape needs. 

Maybe your HOA makes it challenging to landscape your front yard. Let's work together to come up with a unique design that still meets the guidelines for your community. Or, do you have a dog that will try to eat or trample everything in your yard? (I have even designed a garden that was non-toxic for a duck!) I can work with you to create a pet-safe and pet-friendly landscape.

Are the deer eating everything you plant? The deer in Central Oregon don't have much to eat and will happily try your favorite plants. I can design a planting landscape plan that is reliably deer-resistant so you can enjoy the flowers as well as the deer.


Our Specialized Design Services

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Native Plants

Create an area or whole design using plants native to Central Oregon. Native plants have evolved hundreds of years to be able to adapt to our specific climate and offer a multitude of benefits like supporting local ecosystems especially keystone species, requiring less maintenance and using less water.

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Waterwise or Xeriscape Planting

Choose your design with plants requiring less irrigation to reduce your water usage. Following the seven principles of xeriscape gardening: water conservation, soil improvement, turf usage, use of native plants, mulch, irrigation and maintenance have a landscape that is naturally successful.

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Bird-Friendly Gardens

Bring the birds into your landscape by careful selection of trees, shrubs and perennials as well as providing shelter, water, food and nesting sites.

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Pollinator-Friendly Garden

Encourage pollinating insects, hummingbirds and butterflies into your garden with specific plants they love. By increasing plant diversity you increase the presence of beneficial insects which reduces the need for pest control.

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Firewise Landscaping

Following the Firewise USA guidelines and OSU fire resistant plant selection we can help you design your landscape with fire resistance in mind and help to reduce the risk of ignition. There are multiple aspects to consider and Carlsen Landscape Design can help you decide what is right for you.

Why Homeowners in Bend Work with Carlsen Designs

  • Every drawing starts with your land: We measure and map your actual conditions, then build the design around what works. No reused layouts or prefab templates.

  • CAD precision without pressure: You get clear, scalable plans without immediate construction commitments. This lets you prepare with intention before any build begins.

  • Local plant knowledge is built in: We design with plants that survive—and thrive—in Central Oregon’s climate. Your layout includes choices that work with your water availability and care preferences.

Why Choose Carlsen Landscape Design?

Every plan is designed for Central Oregon’s terrain and climate: Layouts respond to local elevation, temperature swings, and growing conditions. Site-specific solutions reduce water use and support plant longevity.

The process stays focused and personal: Direct communication and streamlined steps guide you from initial walkthrough to final design. Each stage remains clear and client-driven.

Each design supports your goals and pace: Plans reflect how much time you want to spend maintaining your yard. Whether you need habitat space or a drought-tolerant layout, every feature is selected for your conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a firewise landscape?

A firewise landscape uses plant selection and layout to reduce wildfire risk. The approach includes defensible zones, fire-resistant materials, and vegetation spacing near structures.

Do I need to choose the plants in advance?

No. Recommendations are provided based on site conditions, sun exposure, and landscape goals.

How long does the design process take?

Most projects are completed within a few weeks to a few months depending on scope, revisions, and decision-making speed.

Can I install the plans without a contractor?

Yes. Plans include detailed instructions for DIY installation. Contractor referrals are also available if requested.

Is this service available for existing yards?

Yes. Plans can renovate current landscapes or guide new construction projects from the ground up.

Design That Respects the Land and Its Rhythms

Specialized design services help you reduce wildfire risk, save water, and support native wildlife. Each plan reflects the realities of Bend’s climate, soil conditions, and long-term care needs. Homeowners across Central Oregon rely on these solutions to create resilient, low-maintenance outdoor spaces.

Request an initial meeting to begin your specialized landscape design with Carlsen Landscape Design. Tanya Carlsen provides complete plans that include native planting, pollinator support, efficient irrigation, and defensible space layout. Each service is shaped to your site and built for long-term results.