How to Start a Landscaping Business in Oregon (2026)

Last updated: February 25, 2026

Oregon is one of the most heavily regulated states for landscaping contractors – and for good reason. The Oregon Landscape Contractors Board (LCB) requires a state license for most landscape work, including planting, irrigation installation, hardscaping, and more. You also need a $20,000 surety bond, liability insurance, and your individual practitioners must pass LCB exams.

The upside is that Oregon’s climate makes it one of the best states for landscaping businesses. The mild, wet Willamette Valley supports year-round green landscapes, and cities like Portland, Salem, Eugene, and Bend have strong demand for professional landscape services. No sales tax means simplified billing and pricing. This guide covers every license, bond, exam, and cost to legally start a landscaping business in Oregon.

Landscaping Business Requirements in Oregon at a Glance

Requirement	Agency	Cost	Timeline
LLC Formation	Oregon Secretary of State	$100	2-3 business days
Federal EIN	IRS	Free	Immediate (online)
LCB Individual License (LCP)	Landscape Contractors Board	~$1,050-$1,235 total	1-2 weeks + exam scheduling
LCB Business License	Landscape Contractors Board	$660 (application + license)	Up to 10 business days
Surety Bond	Bonding company	$20,000 bond	1-3 days
General Liability Insurance	Private insurer	$500,000 minimum	Same day
Pesticide Applicator License (if applicable)	Oregon Dept of Agriculture	$60 applicator + $170 operator	Exam + 2-4 weeks processing
Workers’ Compensation	SAIF Corporation / private insurer	Varies by payroll	1-3 days

How to Start a Landscaping Business in Oregon (Step by Step)

Step 1: Get Your LCB Individual License (Landscape Construction Professional)

Before your business can be licensed, you need at least one Landscape Construction Professional (LCP) individual license from the Oregon Landscape Contractors Board.

License Phases

LCP licenses are issued by phase, and you can hold one or more phases:

Planting – trees, shrubs, groundcovers, annuals, perennials
Irrigation – sprinkler and drip system installation
Hardscape – patios, retaining walls, walkways, fences
Other phases as applicable to your services

Application and Exam

Item	Cost
LCP Application fee	~$285
Exam fee (paid to PSI)	$595-$665 (depends on license phase)
Initial license fee	$170
Total individual license cost	~$1,050-$1,235

Exam locations: 7 sites across Oregon – Baker City, Bend, Eugene, Independence, Medford, Portland, Wilsonville
Processing time: Approximately 5 business days for application review

Step 2: Get Bond and Insurance

Surety Bond

All LCB-licensed landscaping businesses must carry a $20,000 surety bond (effective January 1, 2026 – flat rate for all licensees). The premium you pay to the bonding company is typically 1-5% of the bond amount ($200-$1,000/year depending on your credit).

General Liability Insurance

You must carry a minimum of $500,000 general liability insurance with the LCB listed as the certificate holder. The LCB must be notified 30 days before any policy cancellation.

Workers’ Compensation

Required if you hire any employees. Purchase from SAIF Corporation or a private insurer. Landscaping work has moderate-to-high workers’ comp rates due to physical labor and equipment use.

Step 3: Apply for LCB Business License

With your individual LCP license, bond, and insurance in hand, apply for your Landscape Contracting Business License:

Item	Cost
Business license application fee	~$285
Business license fee	$375 (effective October 1, 2025)
Total business license cost	~$660

Processing time: Up to 10 business days
Renewal: $375 annually
Required: At least one LCP on staff as a full-time signing supervisor

Step 4: Get Pesticide Applicator License (If Applicable)

If you plan to apply pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers commercially, you need a separate license from the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA):

License	Cost	Details
Applicator License (individual)	$60	Must pass exam (70% to pass)
Operator License (business)	$170	Covers the business entity
Public liability insurance	Varies	Required per ODA rules

Exam topics: Oregon pesticide laws, safety, label comprehension, environmental protection
Exam locations: Salem, Portland, Eugene, and other cities
Trainee option: You can work as a trainee for up to 2 years under the direct supervision of a licensed applicator

Step 5: Form Your Business Entity

Step 6: Register as an Employer and Begin Operations

If hiring employees:

Register for unemployment insurance through the Oregon Employment Department
Register for Paid Leave Oregon (1.0% of wages)
Set up income tax withholding with the Oregon Department of Revenue
Withhold the Statewide Transit Tax (0.1%)
Obtain workers’ compensation insurance before your first employee starts
Report new hires within 20 days

Continuing Education Requirements

Oregon requires ongoing continuing education for LCP license holders:

LCP held 6+ years: 8 hours every 2 years
LCP held less than 6 years: 16 hours every 2 years
Reporting: Based on license number (even numbers report in even years, odd in odd years)
Credit for teaching: 1 hour per 50-minute lecture (5+ years experience required)
Credit for volunteer work: 3 hours of volunteer = 1 CE hour (max 4 hours per period)

Cost to Start a Landscaping Business in Oregon

Item	Cost	Notes
LLC Formation	$100	Oregon Secretary of State
EIN	Free	IRS online application
LCP Individual License	$1,050-$1,235	Application + exam + license fee
LCB Business License	$660	Application + license fee (annual renewal $375)
Surety Bond ($20,000)	$200-$1,000/year	Premium is 1-5% of bond amount
General Liability Insurance ($500K min)	$1,000-$3,000/year	LCB listed as certificate holder
Pesticide Applicator License	$230	$60 applicator + $170 operator (if applicable)
Workers’ Comp (if hiring)	Varies	SAIF Corporation or private insurer
Equipment (mower, trimmer, blower, etc.)	$3,000-$15,000	Basic startup equipment package
Truck/Trailer	$10,000-$30,000	Used truck + enclosed or open trailer
Local Business License	$50-$200	Varies by city
Annual Report	$100/year	Required to keep LLC active

Estimated total startup cost: $16,000-$52,000 (including vehicle/trailer; $6,000-$22,000 if you already have a truck)

Related Oregon Business Guides

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to do landscaping in Oregon?

Yes. Oregon requires a Landscape Contractors Board (LCB) license for most landscape work, including planting, irrigation installation, and hardscaping. You need both an individual LCP license (with exam) and a business license. Operating without an LCB license is illegal and can result in fines up to $5,000 per violation.

What work requires an LCB license in Oregon?

Most landscape construction and installation work requires a license: planting trees and shrubs, installing irrigation systems, building retaining walls and patios, grading and drainage work, and landscape lighting. Routine maintenance like mowing, pruning, and leaf removal does not require an LCB license – but the moment you install plants or build structures, you need one.

How much is the LCB bond in Oregon?

Effective January 1, 2026, all LCB licensees must carry a $20,000 surety bond (flat rate for all licensees). The premium you pay to the bonding company is typically 1-5% of the bond amount, or $200-$1,000 per year depending on your credit and business history.

Do I need a pesticide license for landscaping in Oregon?

Only if you apply pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers commercially. The Oregon Department of Agriculture requires an applicator license ($60) for the individual and an operator license ($170) for the business. You must pass an exam covering Oregon pesticide laws and safety. You can work as a trainee for up to 2 years under a licensed applicator while preparing for the exam.

How much does it cost to start a landscaping business in Oregon?

Total startup costs typically range from $16,000-$52,000 including a truck and trailer. Without a vehicle, expect $6,000-$22,000 for licensing ($1,700-$1,900), bonding ($200-$1,000/year), insurance ($1,000-$3,000/year), and basic equipment ($3,000-$15,000). LCB licensing is the most significant upfront cost.

What continuing education does Oregon require for landscapers?

LCP license holders must complete continuing education every 2 years: 16 hours if you have held your license less than 6 years, or 8 hours if 6+ years. You can earn credit through approved courses, teaching (1 hour per 50-minute lecture), or volunteer work (3 hours = 1 CE hour, max 4 per period).

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About the Author

Robert Smith has run a licensed private investigation firm for 8 years from the Florida-Georgia state line - where he learned firsthand how wildly business licensing rules differ between states just miles apart. He personally researched requirements across all 50 states and D.C., reviewing hundreds of government sources over hundreds of hours to build guides he wished existed when he started. Not a lawyer or accountant - just a business owner who has done the research so you don't have to.

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