How Much Does Landscaping Cost? (2026 Guide)
Landscaping costs range from $300 for basic cleanup and maintenance to $50,000 or more for a full xeriscape or hardscape transformation. A moderate project such as new sod, planting beds and a sprinkler system lands in the $1,500 to $8,000 range for most Denver yards.
Denver Water restrictions and Colorado's drought-prone climate push many homeowners toward native plants and xeriscape designs that use less water. A skilled landscaping contractor who knows the details of the Front Range climate will give you confidence that the plants and construction choices will survive Colorado's intense sun, clay soil and early frost cycles. Cost figures based on Zonda's 2026 Cost vs. Value Report and HomeAdvisor 2025 data.
Landscaping cost by scope.
Based on Zonda's 2026 Cost vs. Value Report and HomeAdvisor 2025 data.
* National average estimates. Denver-area jobs vary based on yard size, slope and plant selection. Prices confirmed before any work begins.
What drives landscaping cost.
Yard size and slope
Labor is typically priced by the square foot for installation work and by the hour for cleanup and maintenance. A flat 2,000-square-foot yard takes less time and fewer materials than a sloped yard of the same size. Slopes often require retaining wall construction to hold soil and create usable planting terraces, which adds significant cost.
Plant material choices
Native plants like blue grama grass, rabbitbrush and penstemons cost $8 to $25 per plant at Colorado nurseries and require no supplemental irrigation once established. Non-native ornamentals and turf grass cost more to install and significantly more to maintain over time under Denver Water restrictions. A contractor familiar with Front Range conditions will walk through your options and the details of long-term costs.
Irrigation system type
A drip irrigation system for planting beds costs $500 to $2,000 installed. A full in-ground sprinkler system for a standard yard runs $2,500 to $6,000 including the controller and backflow preventer required by Denver Water. Smart controllers that adjust to weather data add $150 to $400 and are now required for new construction installations in many Denver Water service areas.
Soil preparation and grading
Front Range soil is heavy clay that drains poorly and needs amendment before most planting projects. A contractor will typically add compost and soil conditioner at $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot before laying sod or installing plants. Grading a sloped yard to improve drainage adds $500 to $3,000 depending on the amount of material that needs to move.
Denver landscaping costs.
Denver landscaping costs run close to the national average for labor, but plant material costs vary significantly from other regions. Colorado's climate limits which plants survive, which concentrates demand on a smaller selection of proven species and drives up their price at local nurseries during spring and fall planting seasons.
Denver Water's tiered pricing and seasonal watering restrictions are a real factor in design choices. Xeriscape projects that replace lawn with native groundcover or rock mulch qualify for rebates of $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot under Denver Water's current program. A contractor who knows these details can help you design a yard that earns the rebate.
Boulder and the mountain communities west of Denver pay 20 to 35 percent more for landscaping due to limited contractor availability and stricter water authority rules. Colorado Springs typically runs 10 to 15 percent below Denver for standard landscaping work.
How to get the best price.
Choose native plants. Native Colorado plants like blue grama grass, rabbitbrush and penstemons establish quickly and survive without extra watering after the first season. Choosing natives over non-native ornamentals cuts your long-term water bill and reduces the risk of plant loss during summer heat events.
Apply for the Denver Water xeriscape rebate. Replacing lawn with xeriscape qualifies for a rebate of $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot from Denver Water. On a 1,500-square-foot lawn, that is $750 to $2,250 back. Your contractor should know the program details and can often include the application paperwork as part of the project.
Phase large projects across seasons. A full yard transformation does not have to happen at once. Install hardscape and irrigation in summer, then plant in fall when Colorado nurseries discount their inventory by 20 to 40 percent to clear stock before winter. Phasing also lets you spread the cost over 12 to 18 months without sacrificing quality.
Buy plants in fall. Colorado nurseries mark down trees, shrubs and perennials by 20 to 40 percent in September and October. Fall is also one of the best planting windows in Colorado because cooler temperatures and fall rain let roots establish before winter dormancy. A contractor who plants in fall typically passes some of those savings along in the material cost.
Landscaping cost FAQ.
When is the best time to landscape in Colorado?
Early spring (late April through May) and early fall (September through October) are the two best windows for planting in Colorado. Both seasons offer cooler temperatures and more reliable rain, which reduces transplant stress and establishment watering. Summer planting is possible but requires more irrigation and carries more risk of loss for newly planted trees and shrubs.
Do I need a permit for landscaping in Denver?
Most standard landscaping work does not require a permit in Denver. Retaining walls over 4 feet tall, irrigation systems that tie into the main water supply and any grading that alters drainage do require permits. Structural hardscape features like large patios and walls are treated as construction and require a building permit. Your contractor should identify permit requirements during the initial site visit.
How does Denver Water's xeriscape rebate work?
Denver Water pays $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot for lawn removed and replaced with approved xeriscape materials including native plants, wood mulch and permeable hardscape. You apply after the work is complete with photos and a contractor invoice. Rebate amounts depend on which materials you use and the current program budget. The program has been continuous since 2015 and has processed over 8 million square feet of conversions. Check the Denver Water website for the current rebate rate before starting your project.
How do I deal with clay soil in my Denver yard?
Clay soil drains slowly and compacts under foot traffic, which stresses plant roots. The standard fix is to till in 3 to 4 inches of compost at $0.50 to $1.00 per square foot and add a soil conditioner like expanded shale that improves long-term drainage. Raised planting beds are another option for vegetable gardens and ornamental borders. A good contractor will test the soil drainage during the site visit and include amendment details in the written quote.
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