How Much Does Landscaping Cost in Denver, CO?

Updated March 2026 · Denver metro area · Based on BLS wage data and local market costs

Denver Average Cost (per project)

Low

$1,050

Average

$5,250

High

$15,750

BudgetMid-RangePremium

Itemized Cost Breakdown

Estimated for Landscape project: 1 project · Mid-Range tier · Local cost index: 1.05x

Line Item	Low	Mid	High
Plants & trees Shrubs, perennials, ornamental trees, ground cover	$315	$2,783	$5,250
Mulch & soil Mulch, topsoil, compost, and amendments	$105	$473	$840
Sod or seed New lawn installation (sod or seed)	$210	$1,155	$2,100
Hardscaping Pavers, edging, retaining walls, stone features	$0	$2,625	$5,250
Irrigation Sprinkler system or drip irrigation install	$0	$1,575	$3,150
Grading & drainage Soil grading and drainage improvements	$210	$893	$1,575
Labor Landscape crew and design fees	$525	$2,363	$4,200
Total Estimated Cost	$1,365	$11,865	$22,365

Costs adjusted for local market conditions. Actual prices vary based on project specifics, contractor, and material choices.

Cost Calculator

Adjust project size and material tier to estimate your cost.

Landscape project

Material Tier

Your Estimated Cost

Low

$1,365

Average

$11,865

High

$22,365

View itemized breakdown

Item	Low	High
Plants & trees	$315	$5,250
Mulch & soil	$105	$840
Sod or seed	$210	$2,100
Hardscaping	$0	$5,250
Irrigation	$0	$3,150
Grading & drainage	$210	$1,575
Labor	$525	$4,200
Total	$1,365	$22,365

Estimates based on local cost data. Get quotes from licensed contractors for accurate pricing.

What Drives Landscaping Cost in Denver?

The average cost of landscaping in Denver, CO is $5,250 per project. Most homeowners pay between $1,050 and $15,750, depending on the scope of work, materials selected, and contractor experience.

Professional landscape design and installation including plants, hardscaping, grading, and irrigation.

Local Labor Costs

Construction workers in Denver earn an average of $25.3/hr — 11% above the national average. Labor typically accounts for 40-60% of total project cost.

Materials in CO are subject to 8.77% sales tax, which adds to the overall project cost. For a $5,250 project, expect roughly $184 in tax on materials alone.

Denver issued approximately 17,600 residential building permits in 2023, putting it in the upper range of US construction markets. High permit activity can mean busier contractors and longer wait times for scheduling.

Factors That Affect Cost

Yard size
Design complexity
Plant selection
Hardscaping elements
Irrigation needs
Drainage requirements
Soil conditions
Contractor experience — Established contractors with strong reviews may charge 10-20% more
Local cost of living — Denver's cost index is 1.05x the national baseline

Best Time for Landscaping in Denver

Denver has cold winters with snow and dry, sunny summers. The building season is May through October. Spring snowstorms can delay early-season projects. High altitude affects concrete curing.

Best Months

May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Lower demand often means better pricing and faster scheduling.

Peak Season (Higher Prices)

Dec, Jan, Feb

High demand can add 10-20% to project costs.

Monthly Weather in Denver

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg High	45°	48°	56°	62°	72°	83°	90°	87°	79°	66°	52°	44°
Avg Low	16°	19°	27°	34°	43°	52°	58°	57°	47°	35°	24°	16°
Rain (in)	0.5	0.5	1.3	1.7	2.3	1.8	2.2	1.8	1.3	1	0.8	0.5

Source: Open-Meteo historical data (2024)

Licensing & Permits in CO

Colorado does not require a state-level general contractor license. Denver and most jurisdictions require local contractor licensing. Plumbing, electrical, and mechanical trades require state licenses.

Verify a contractor's license at Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies.