Landscaping contractors in
Salt Lake City, Utah.
A public directory of licensed landscaping contractors serving greater Salt Lake City. Market data, licensing requirements, and cost benchmarks — updated continuously from public sources.
Common Job Costs
Licensing Requirements
Licensing Requirements
Utah requires landscaping contractors to obtain a contractor's license through DOPL if project value exceeds $3,000. Must pass PSI examination, provide financial statements, and maintain $6,000 surety bond. License renewal required every 2 years with continuing education requirements.
Permit Requirements
Salt Lake City requires permits for major landscape installations including irrigation systems, retaining walls over 4 feet, and significant grading. Tree removal permits required for trees over 30 inches diameter or heritage trees.
Inspection Schedule
Irrigation system inspections required before backfill. Retaining wall inspections at foundation and completion. Final landscape inspection for bond release on new construction projects.
Insurance Minimums
General liability minimum $300,000 per occurrence, $600,000 aggregate. Workers compensation required for employees. Professional liability recommended for design services.
How to Get Licensed
Determine license requirement
Projects over $3,000 require Utah contractor license. Projects under $3,000 may operate without license but cannot advertise as licensed contractor.
Meet experience requirements
Document 4 years combined education and experience in construction trades, or equivalent military experience as verified by DOPL.
Complete application
Submit contractor license application through Utah DOPL online portal with required documentation and fees.
Provide financial documentation
Submit financial statements, credit report, and proof of $6,000 surety bond from approved surety company.
Pass PSI examination
Schedule and pass the PSI contractor examination covering business law, safety, and trade-specific knowledge.
Maintain license
Renew every 2 years with continuing education requirements and updated financial information through DOPL.
About This Market
Salt Lake City's landscaping market runs on water restrictions, elevation challenges, and short growing seasons. With 1368 licensed establishments statewide competing for work, margins are tight. Clay soil conditions, xeriscaping mandates, and frost dates drive project specs. Residential dominates, but commercial snow removal contracts provide winter revenue streams. High-end foothills properties and new construction fuel premium work, while established neighborhoods focus on maintenance and water-wise conversions. Competition is fierce in the valley, less so in outlying counties. You're looking at median wages around $19.80/hour for workers, but established operators clear significantly more on the business side. Get licensed through DOPL if you're hitting projects over $3,000 - no exceptions. Salt Lake City's permit process is straightforward but required for irrigation and major hardscaping. Water restrictions change annually, so stay current with city ordinances. Plan your cash flow around the April-October season. Winter months are for equipment maintenance, snow contracts, and lining up spring work. The Mormon work ethic means customers expect quality and punctuality. Underbid and you'll lose your shirt. Overbid and you'll lose the job to 1,300+ competitors.
- Median hourly wageBureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment Statistics
- Licensed establishments countU.S. Census Bureau County Business Patterns
- Licensing requirementsUtah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL)
- Permit requirementsSalt Lake City Building Services Department
- Insurance minimumsUtah Labor Commission and DOPL contractor licensing requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
What license do I need for landscaping work in Salt Lake City?
Projects over $3,000 require a Utah contractor's license through DOPL. You'll need to pass the PSI exam, provide financial statements, and post a $6,000 surety bond according to Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing requirements.
When is landscaping season in Salt Lake City?
Peak season runs April through October, with highest demand May-September. Late spring frost typically ends by mid-May, and first frost arrives by mid-October, limiting the active growing season.
Do I need permits for irrigation system installation?
Yes, Salt Lake City requires permits for irrigation system installations. Inspections are mandatory before backfill according to city building department requirements. Cross-connection control devices must be installed per city water department specifications.
What's the average cost for landscape installation in Salt Lake City?
Complete landscape design and installation ranges $3,000-$15,000 depending on scope and materials. Basic sod installation runs $1,200-$3,500. Costs reflect local soil conditions, water restrictions, and BLS median wage data of $19.80/hour for landscaping workers.
What insurance do landscaping contractors need in Utah?
Minimum general liability of $300,000 per occurrence, $600,000 aggregate is required. Workers compensation is mandatory for employees per Utah Labor Commission. Many clients and municipalities require higher limits for commercial projects.
Landscaping contractors in Salt Lake City
No contractors listed yet.
Run your landscaping business on The Forge.
Get listed on The Board for free. Manage leads, quotes, jobs, and follow-ups in one place. Built for trades, used by thousands of operators nationwide.