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Landscaping Contractors in Denver, Colorado

Avg. Hourly Wage

$21.87/hr

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Avg. Annual Wage

$45,490/yr

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Licensed Establishments

2,464

U.S. Census Bureau

Peak Season

April through October, with highest demand May-September due to short growing season and harsh winters

Estimate

Avg. Response Time

2-5 business days for quotes during peak season, 1-3 days off-season

Estimate

Common Job Costs

ServiceCost Range
Basic lawn installation (sod)$1,800 – $4,500
Sprinkler system installation$3,200 – $8,500
Hardscape patio/walkway$4,500 – $12,000
Tree removal (medium size)$800 – $2,200
Full yard landscape design/install$8,500 – $25,000
Retaining wall installation$2,800 – $8,200

Licensing Requirements

Licensing Requirements

Colorado requires contractor registration for projects over $500. Need state contractor license through Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). Must pass business law exam, provide financial statements, maintain surety bond. Pesticide applicator license required for chemical applications through Colorado Department of Agriculture. Renewal every 3 years with continuing education requirements.

Permit Requirements

Denver requires permits for irrigation systems, retaining walls over 4 feet, tree removal in right-of-way, and major grading projects. Electrical permits needed for landscape lighting. Water tap permits required for new irrigation connections.

Inspection Schedule

Irrigation system inspections before backfill and final inspection after completion. Electrical work inspected before burial. Retaining wall inspections at foundation and completion stages.

Insurance Minimums

General liability minimum $500,000 per occurrence, $1,000,000 aggregate. Workers compensation required for employees. Commercial auto coverage for business vehicles. Many clients require $1,000,000+ coverage.

How to Get Licensed

  1. 1

    Register with Colorado DORA

    Complete contractor registration application with Department of Regulatory Agencies. Submit financial statements, business formation documents, and application fee.

  2. 2

    Pass business law examination

    Schedule and pass required business law exam covering Colorado construction regulations, lien laws, and business practices.

  3. 3

    Obtain surety bond

    Secure required surety bond amount based on license classification. Bond protects consumers from contractor defaults.

  4. 4

    Get pesticide applicator license (if applicable)

    Apply through Colorado Department of Agriculture for pesticide applicator license if offering chemical lawn treatments or pest control services.

  5. 5

    Register with local jurisdictions

    Register business with Denver if working in city limits. Obtain business license and sales tax license as required.

  6. 6

    Secure required insurance

    Obtain minimum general liability, workers compensation, and commercial auto insurance before beginning operations.

About This Market

Denver's landscaping market runs hot and cold with the seasons. You've got roughly 2464 licensed outfits statewide competing for work, with most revenue compressed into a 6-month window. High altitude, clay soil, and water restrictions drive up material costs and limit plant choices. Median wage sits at $21.87/hour, but skilled crews command premium rates during peak season. Hardscape work dominates the high-end market due to harsh winters that kill poorly planned plantings.

To work Denver, get your state contractor registration first — it's mandatory for jobs over $500. Factor in permit delays for irrigation and electrical work, especially in established neighborhoods with utility conflicts. Stock up on cold-hardy plants and understand xeriscaping — water-wise landscaping isn't optional here, it's code in many areas. Build relationships with nurseries early because quality plant material moves fast in spring. Off-season work means snow removal contracts or indoor planning, because you're not planting anything December through March.

Data Sources:

Median hourly wage ($21.87): Bureau of Labor StatisticsLicensed establishments (2464): U.S. Census BureauLicensing requirements: Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA)Permit requirements: Denver Building DepartmentInsurance requirements: Colorado Division of Insurance

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need to start a landscaping business in Denver?▾
Colorado requires contractor registration through DORA for projects over $500. You'll need to pass a business law exam, provide financial statements, and maintain a surety bond. Pesticide work requires additional licensing through Colorado Department of Agriculture.
How much do landscaping contractors make in Denver?▾
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, median hourly wage is $21.87 ($45,490 annually). Experienced contractors and specialized services command higher rates, especially during peak season from April-October.
What permits are required for landscaping work in Denver?▾
Denver Building Department requires permits for irrigation systems, retaining walls over 4 feet, major grading, and tree removal in public right-of-way. Electrical permits needed for landscape lighting installations.
When is landscaping season in Denver?▾
Peak season runs April through October due to harsh winters and short growing season. Highest demand occurs May-September. Most contractors pivot to snow removal or indoor planning work during winter months.
What insurance do landscaping contractors need in Colorado?▾
Minimum general liability coverage of $500,000 per occurrence, $1,000,000 aggregate. Workers compensation required for employees. Commercial auto insurance mandatory for business vehicles. Many clients require higher coverage limits.

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