Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Boulder, CO

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

While many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance skills, more specialized knowledge is needed for landscaping. Full-scale landscaping requires intense labor and heavy equipment. More complex elements, such as irrigation systems or fire pits, need construction and machinery experience as well.

Small landscaping projects, such as removing overgrown plants or adding flower beds, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have basic lawn expertise or are planning a complete yard overhaul, we recommend hiring a professional.

Professional landscape designers and architects have the skills to elevate your outdoor space and the expertise to develop a long-term maintenance plan. Your local professional can help you choose the most cost-effective upgrades, and one who offers lawn care services can improve your yard health. Hiring a professional also prevents you from making expensive mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Boulder Landscaping Company

Look for a landscaper that offers the services you need within your budget. Also ensure that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

Have an idea of what services you need before selecting a company. Some companies offer lawn care services focused on yard health and maintenance. These services might include pruning, fertilizing, controlling weeds, mulching, and mowing. Many also offer pest control and tree removal services.

Plan to hire a full-service landscaping company for full-yard revamps or to install elements such as retaining walls, fire pits, or sprinkler or irrigation systems. These providers specialize in outdoor upgrades and designs, including adding hardscapes, gardening, and landscaping rock projects. Some offer lawn maintenance services in addition to design and architectural services.

Licensing and Experience

Most landscaping contractors are trained and certified in areas like outdoor design, lawn maintenance, and horticulture. Your provider should hold the appropriate licensure from the Boulder city government. It might also employ the following certified professionals:

• Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
• Licensed arborists
• Licensed horticulture specialists
• Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects

It may also hold certifications from professional organizations, such as the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. While not mandatory, these certifications show a contractor's commitment to their profession. Request a certificate of insurance or a company's insurance numbers before beginning a project. All landscapers should be insured and bonded. Contractors typically have liability insurance for protection against bodily injury or property damage.

Reputation and Reviews

Look for companies with excellent reputations and positive customer experiences. Check third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Look for both negative and positive reviews for each company to gauge how it treats its customers. Stay away from companies with mostly negative reviews and frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance contractors are happy to share completed projects with potential customers. Ask the company for its portfolio of landscaping designs and projects. They might also have before and after pictures to show off their quality work. Ask about completed landscape designs similar to your project to get an idea of how it will look.

Sustainability Practices

Ask your landscaper about their sustainability practices, including water conservation, waste management, and eco-friendly material options. Your provider should be able to explain its own sustainability practices and provide recommendations for sustainable maintenance, like how to reduce cost, water consumption, and waste. When planting vegetation, your landscaper should use plants native to your area, such as Colorado blue columbine, heartleaf arnica, and scarlet gilia. Any work they complete shouldn't affect your existing vegetation.

Cost

Request multiple quotes from different to compare pricing and services. Most providers offer free consultations during which they'll review your outdoor space, provide recommendations, and discuss project ideas. Your detailed quote should outline project costs such as labor and materials. You can use this quote to compare your options and sometimes negotiate a better price.

Landscaping Costs in Boulder

Landscaping in Boulder generally costs between $27 and $40 per hour. These prices depend on things such as project type and size. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will be more expensive than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Depending on the size of your yard, your provider may charge by the acre. Larger or more complex projects require more labor, increasing the project total. Pricing will also vary depending on your selected materials. The table below breaks down the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$13,383 - $17,844
Landscaping Design	$2,019 - $2,692
Landscaping LandGrading	$420 - $2,518
Landscaping Mulch	$25 - $126
Planting FlowerBeds	$84 - $1,678
Planting Trees	$220 - $367
Sodding	$42 - $50
Swimming Pool	$31,891 - $83,925