---
title: "Shovel and Thumb LLC — Landscape Contractors | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-contractors/shovel-and-thumb-llc-pfvwus-pf~940383963
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~940383963.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Shovel and Thumb LLC"
category: ["Landscape Contractors"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/afe38dc4030ba08f_4258-w400-h400-b1-p10--.jpg
address: "Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver, Washington 98664, United States"
latitude: 45.6231
longitude: -122.5767
phone: "(360) 989-4355"
website: http://www.shovelandthumb.com
rating: 4.8
review_count: 22
best_of_houzz_awards: 5
followers: 42
last_updated: 2026-09-02
---

# Shovel and Thumb LLC

Original Houzz profile: [Shovel and Thumb LLC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-contractors/shovel-and-thumb-llc-pfvwus-pf~940383963)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Landscape Contractors
- **Location:** Vancouver, WA
- **Serves:** Vancouver, Orchards, Camas, Hazel Dell, Five Corners, Salmon Creek, Minnehaha, Felida, Mount Vista, Walnut Grove, Mill Plain, Lake Shore, Hockinson, Brush Prairie, Meadow Glade, Fern Prairie, Fairview, Gresham, Lents, Maywood Park, Portland, Raleigh Hills, Troutdale, West Haven-Sylvan, West Slope, Wood Village
- **Houzz rating:** 4.8 out of 5 (22 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2015–2025), for Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Recommended on Houzz
- 25 Ideabook Saves

We strive to create and install efficient and customized outdoor living areas while providing outstanding customer service to our valued clients.

### Services Provided

- Landscape Construction
- Hardscaping
- Landscape Maintenance
- Garden Design
- Patio Construction
- Pergola Construction
- Paver Installation
- Retaining Wall Construction
- Custom Fire Pits
- Outdoor Kitchen Construction
- Custom Water Features
- Outdoor Lighting Installation
- Masonry
- Outdoor Fireplace Construction
- Drought Tolerant Landscaping
- Landscape Lighting Installation
- Fence Installation
- Artificial Grass Installation
- Planting
- Sod Installation
- Irrigation System Installation
- Demolition
- Drip Irrigation Installation
- Land Leveling & Grading
- Sprinkler System Installation
- Lawn Care
- Gate Installation
- Mulching
- Site Preparation
- Excavating
- Irrigation Repair
- Lawn Mowing
- Land Clearing
- Hedge Trimming
- Lawn Aeration
- Brush Clearing
- Brick Repair
- Lawn Treatment & Fertilization
- Lawn Seeding
- Stump Removal
- Fence Repair
- Dry Wells
- Rototilling
- Stump Grinding
- Gate Repair
- Chain Link Fence Installation

### Areas Served

- Vancouver
- Orchards
- Camas
- Hazel Dell
- Five Corners
- Salmon Creek
- Minnehaha
- Felida
- Mount Vista
- Walnut Grove
- Mill Plain
- Lake Shore
- Hockinson
- Brush Prairie
- Meadow Glade
- Fern Prairie
- Fairview
- Gresham
- Lents
- Maywood Park
- Portland
- Raleigh Hills
- Troutdale
- West Haven-Sylvan
- West Slope
- Wood Village

### Typical Job Cost

$1,000 - 65,000

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Shovel and Thumb LLC |
| Address | Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver, Washington 98664, United States |
| Phone | (360) 989-4355 |
| Website | http://www.shovelandthumb.com |
| License Number | WA\# SHOVETL852BL; OR LCB\# 9252 |
| Followers on Houzz | 42 |

**Social profiles:**
- Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/shovelandthumbLLC
- LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/company/shovel-&-thumb-llc

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Shovel and Thumb LLC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-contractors/shovel-and-thumb-llc-pfvwus-pf~940383963)
- **Website:** http://www.shovelandthumb.com
- **Phone:** (360) 989-4355

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- Oregon State Landscape Construction Professional \#15183Certified Irrigaiton Contractor (Irrigation Association)ICPI Certified (Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute)SRW (Segmental Retaining Wall)Oregon Landscape Contractors Board \#9252

- **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2015–2025), for Service.

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 4.8 out of 5 — 22 reviews**

*Aspect averages:*
- Work Quality: 50.0
- Communication: 50.0
- Value: 50.0

### Reviews

**★★★★★ — Jason K, June 2024**

> First time customer with Shovel and Thumb. The whole experience from booking to service to invoicing was top notch and completely professional. We had a number of different issues with our irrigation system and our technician Dion P. was right on time, had great, no-pressure, super clear and common sense recommendations, explained clearly exactly what was needed, what was included, how long it was going to take. He was thorough after the fixes were done and showed us the improvements clear. Our yard is looking so much greener, and no longer soggy as Dian got the system working well. I would highly recommend Shovel & Thumb and great job to Dion P!  Best in class service and value. Thank you!

**★ — D Mak, April 2020**

> I have Cohan Fish out last week to get an estimate on redoing the lawn and building a patio with a fire pit. He told me he would get the lawn estimate within a day and then do a drawing and estimate for the patio as it would take more time, After a week and no word, I called him today and he said "I can just shot you a number". I told him that I needed an actual estimate like we had discussed and (I am quoting him exactly here) he said " Nah I will pass". Totally unprofessional especially since he knew I was trying to coordinate the lawn and patio work with my fence replacement later this summer. Do Not Use Them! Unprofessional and Unreliable!!

**Comment from Shovel and Thumb LLC:**

> Dale,
>
>  I apologize about the miscommunication, and not being able to get a proposal and design sent off in less than a week during our peak season.  Hopefully you were able to find someone else to do the work

**★★★★★ — Bella Terra LLC Hydro-seed, Aug. 2018**

> This is the first project I hydroseeded after Shovel & Thumb installed the rock walls, sprinklers, curved sidewalks and river rock.  This company get right down to those minut details that other companies miss.  Shovel & Thumb did not subcontract this job to me.  The homeowner hired me after Shovel & Thumbs job was completed.  True craftmanship!

**★★★★★ — Aaron Rodenhurst, April 2018**

> Shovel and Thumb provided excellent service and results with our landscaping project.  I worked with them over a year process from design to finish on an extensive backyard project which involved over 80 feet of retaining walls, new fencing, and sculpting a new fire pit area where there was just a hill of dirt previously for four long years.  Cohan, Brian, and their crew are a family business based locally in the area.  They listen to you and provide professional feedback with a personable touch to make your dreams a reality.  After exhaustive research, I found that no other competing company could match the level of detail that Shovel and Thumb provides.  They finished all work ahead of schedule and exceeded every expectation we had.

**★★★★★ — Kristie Armstrong-Clemmer, May 2017**

> My apologies for taking so long to review this wonderful company. This is no reflection on them whatsoever, but rather my own subsequent health issues.
> Shovel and Thumb provided a multitude of projects for me: sprinkler system, paver patio, landscaping and vinyl fencing to name a few.
> They offered options, full disclosure on prices and quality of products and stuck tight to their bids for services.
> Cohan and company truly exhibit all that the consumer can possibly desire in regards to excellence in customer service, professionalism, timely communication, consistency in quality of work, regular updates regarding project flow, consistent start times and hours worked, knowledge base, excellence in quality of service, kindness, follow through. The list could truly go on and on. I have yet to be more impressed with a service I have hired as I have been by them. They are truly the cream of the crop. Many people say "you get what you pay for"! Unfortunately this is not always true. Often times in life we pay much more than what we get. In this case, I will always believe I got more than what I paid for. Keep on keeping on Cohan and team. You all rock and are forever appreciated.
> Kristie Clemmer
> Vancouver Washington

**★★★★★ — Wheel & Barrow Landscape Design & Maintenance, March 2017**

> I am a landscape designer and I have worked with Cohan Fish and Shovel and Thumb on multiple projects to install my designs. Their quality of work, proffessionalism and positive demeanor are just some of the attributes that make them a joy to work with. I have been really impressed with their craftsmanship and attention to detail. The feedback I have received from my clients after Shovel & Thumb have installed my designs has been nothing but positive. It is very comforting to know that I can refer them to my design clients and they will execute the design as intended and treat me clients with class and respect. I have no hesitations and I am happy to recommend them. They do 5 star work!

**★★★★★ — Caren Weber, Dec. 2016**

> We cannot say enough great things about this family team! Kind, punctual, honest, smart, thoughtful, and get it done right beautifully! We began by contacting them with a vague, foggy idea of some changes to be made to our backyard. The artistic ideas for a stone wall and walkways with down lighting and up lighting and solutions to drainage issues in our yard were amazing! The work was completed beautifully, and everything was cleaned up at the end of each day.
>
> As my husband said, "sometimes you just get it right"!! Boy, did we get it right with Shovel and Thumb! We actually are hiring them to completely redo our front yard next!

**★★★★★ — Jake Jacobs, Aug. 2016**

> Earlier this spring we hired Cohan and his team to install a landscape design for our front yard.  While coordinating the project, Cohan responded promptly to voice messages and emails.  He kept us informed as to the likely start and completion dates.  When his team arrived on site, they were focused on the task but also took time to discuss the project and our goals.  During those discussions, we decided to make several modest changes to the design; Cohan was very open to discussing and executing the changes.  The project has been completed for several months and the quality of their workmanship is evident.  The plants are thriving and we regularly receive compliments from folks as they walk by our yard.
>
> We had a very positive experience with Shovel and Thumb and recommend them highly.  We are considering a similar project for our back yard and when we decide to move forward, we will definitely contact Cohan!

**Comment from Shovel and Thumb LLC:**

> Thanks Jake, I am glad the yard is thriving!  Enjoy the rest of your summer!

**★★★★★ — Cathie Noonan, March 2016**

> Our yard project including installation of pavers around three sides of our home, purchasing and installation of plants according to landscape designer's plan, installation of new sod lawn, reinstallation of arbor, application of compost, and compact gravel pathway on one side of the home.  We felt fortunate to have the expertise of Cohan and his father Brian in their family-run business.  The team's spirit of cooperativeness, dependability, ethics, and attention to detail were appreciated by my husband and me.  I cannot recomend them enough.

**★★★★★ — jkwarram, Dec. 2015**

> Shovel and Thumb are an amazing team of professional landscapers! We were recommended this company by a landscape designer who said if you want the job done right this is the company.
>
> After moving into our new house we were faced with a mud pit for a backyard and neighbors with a window overlooking our backyard patio. We needed landscaping with a privacy solution and Shovel and Thumb took our design (provided by Gregg and Ellis Designs) and elevated it beyond our dreams!

**★★★★★ — Bryan Pirrello, Nov. 2015**

> Recently I searched Houzz for a landscape contractor to install a previously created design for my back yard in inner NE Portland.  Of three contractors, Shovel and Thumb was the only contractor who was successful with submitting their quote before the mutually agreed deadline.
>
> Cohan was my Shovel and Thumb point of contact throughout the project and explained that their company preferred to do most installations internally without hiring crews allowing them to keep a close eye on quality.  I appreciated this approach as well as their ability to deliver the initial quote on time, so we quickly finalized the contract and timeline for my project without any hassle.
>
> Throughout the installation, Cohan kept in touch to advise me on updates or concerns.  Cohan always had a great attitude and responded quickly to all my questions.  He was very patient with changes that were made during installation even rebuilding one component of the design after it has already been installed for an additional and fair fee.
>
> While Shovel and Thumb initially stood out to me by taking my project deadlines seriously, I can report that they also were good at maintaining open lines of communication and prioritizing my satisfaction throughout the installation.   Workmanship was always top quality and the project was completed on time and under budget without surprise costs or fees.  I would recommend Shovel and Thumb to any of my friends or family knowing that a high quality product would be delivered on schedule and that they would also appreciate the fantastic attitude and work quality of Shovel and Thumb!

**★★★★★ — beth\_dupont, Oct. 2015**

> I give my highest recommendation to Cohan Fish and hovel & Thumb, LLC to the outstanding work they did on my yard.  They first came in to redo my front yard, which is on a hill, and had really suffered this summer with the heat.  They did my wonderful work.  My yard service who comes in on a weekly basis was so impressed with the front, that they thought they would do me a favor by "patching and reseeding", my back yard. I came home from work to find my back yard covered entirely with top soil and seeded--and I have dogs!   I knew I could not wait for 3 weeks for the seed to sprout.  I immediately called Cohan, and he was able to "fit me" in his schedule that same week.  Shovel and Thumb rototilled that backyard, which it desperately needed and then laid the sod down. Beautiful work, I'm thrilled and my dogs love it! - B in Tigard, OR

## Selected projects

- [Lincoln St. Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lincoln-st-residence-pj-vj~2205397)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 8
- [Portland Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/portland-residence-pj-vj~2205374)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 9
- [Livingston Mtn. Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/livingston-mtn-project-pj-vj~2205343)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 10
- [Camas Residence Paver Patio](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/camas-residence-paver-patio-pj-vj~1082620)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 10
- [Felida Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/felida-residence-pj-vj~875220)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 20
- [Beaverton Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/beaverton-residence-pj-vj~875242)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 17
- [Sherwood Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sherwood-residence-pj-vj~875206)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 21
- [Vancouver Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/vancouver-residence-pj-vj~503187)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 7
- [Patio/Pavers](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/patio-pavers-pj-vj~503775)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 4
- [Fences](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fences-pj-vj~503766)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 3
- [Landscape](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/landscape-pj-vj~503768)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 2

[See all 11 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-contractors/shovel-and-thumb-llc-pfvwus-pf~940383963)

## Ideabooks

- [cohan\_fish's ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/24100392/list/cohan-fish-s-ideas) — 22 ideas

[See all 1 ideabook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/cohan-fish)

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-02.*