Top Landscape Design in Lakewood, Colorado Ranked

Transforming your Lakewood property with thoughtful landscape design is about more than just aesthetics; it's about creating a functional, sustainable, and beautiful outdoor space suited to Southern California's unique climate. A well-planned garden or yard can enhance your home's curb appeal, provide a private oasis for relaxation, and increase your property's value. Whether you're looking to refresh a tired front yard or completely reimagine your backyard for entertaining, understanding local conditions and design principles is key to a successful project. This guide will help you navigate the process of finding skilled local professionals who can bring your vision to life, from initial concept to final installation.

The Fisherman LLC

2688 W Iliff Ave, Denver, CO 80219

The Fisherman LLC is a landscaping company based in Denver, CO, offering residential and commercial services. With over 20 years of experience, they provide comprehensive landscaping solutions including lawn care, tree and shrub services, sprinkler installation, and hardscaping features like retaining walls and patios. Their team is licensed and insured, focusing on durable craftsmanship and customized outdoor designs that enhance both beauty and functionality. Serving Denver and surrounding areas within 100 miles, The Fisherman LLC combines quality materials and professional equipment to deliver lasting results.

4.9

209 Reviews

Modern Concepts Landscape

2650 W Warren Ave, Denver, CO 80219

Modern Concepts Landscape is a landscaping company based in Denver, CO, offering a wide range of services including landscape design, tree removal, stump grinding, yard drainage, grading, sprinkler installation and repair, lawn care, and hardscaping such as pavers and retaining walls. With over 20 years of experience, they provide expertise in irrigation systems and xeriscape designs to support low-water landscaping options. Their services aim to enhance and maintain outdoor spaces while addressing practical concerns like tree health and yard drainage.

5.0

78 Reviews

Birdies Landscape & Lighting

denver

Birdies Landscape & Lighting is a landscaping and outdoor lighting company serving Denver, CO. They provide a wide range of services including landscape design and installation, sod installation, fence installation, hardscaping with paver patios and retaining walls, stump grinding, and professional Christmas light installation. Their hardscaping work is noted for using a thicker, more compacted base to ensure long-term stability. The company has multiple years of experience maintaining and enhancing outdoor spaces for both homes and businesses in the area.

5.0

75 Reviews

My Son’s Landscape Group

679 S Reed Ct, Lakewood, CO 80226

My Son's Landscape Group is a landscaping and fencing company based in Denver, CO. They specialize in landscape design, installation, and maintenance, as well as fence installation, sprinkler system services, artificial turf installation, and hardscaping including pavers and retaining walls. The company focuses on sustainable landscaping practices tailored to Denver's unique flora and offers ongoing landscape maintenance to keep outdoor spaces well-maintained over time.

4.9

144 Reviews

Act Right Irrigation and Landscaping LLC

608 Garrison St # R, Lakewood, CO 80215

Act Right Irrigation and Landscaping LLC is a landscape design and irrigation company based in Denver, CO. They provide services including efficient irrigation system installation and repair, smart controller maintenance, landscape design, yard drainage, grading, and hardscaping such as retaining walls and pavers. With over ten years of irrigation expertise and a horticulturist on staff, they focus on water conservation and creating functional, beautiful outdoor spaces. The company serves Lakewood and the surrounding area and emphasizes sustainable practices and client partnerships in their work.

5.0

55 Reviews

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Understanding Lakewood's Landscape Environment

Successful garden design in Lakewood begins with a deep understanding of the local environment. The city enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wetter winters ¹. This climate is ideal for a wide range of plants, but it also presents specific challenges that must be addressed in any landscape plan.

The most significant factor is the soil. Much of Lakewood sits on marine terrace clay, which is often heavily compacted ². This type of soil has poor natural drainage and can create shallow root zones, especially under mature trees. It also becomes hard as rock when dry and sticky when wet. For plants to thrive, this soil must be properly amended and aerated. A common recommendation is to incorporate generous amounts of compost-at least four cubic yards per 1,000 square feet-to improve texture, drainage, and nutrient content ¹.

Furthermore, the City of Lakewood has specific requirements aimed at promoting water conservation. Any significant landscape project must comply with regulations that mandate the use of mulch, soil amendments, and a focus on low-water-use plants ¹. This makes sustainable, drought-tolerant design not just a smart choice, but often a necessary one.

Design Styles for Lakewood Homes

Lakewood is renowned for its charming neighborhoods of 1950s ranch-style homes, typically situated on modest lots. This architectural style and lot size greatly influence effective landscape architecture.

Front Yard Design: For these uniform homes, front yard landscaping often focuses on clean, minimalist curb appeal. The goal is to create an inviting entrance that complements the home's horizontal lines. Popular approaches include structured planting beds with drought-tolerant shrubs and groundcovers, decorative mulch or gravel, and a simple, well-defined pathway. The emphasis is on low-maintenance beauty that makes a strong first impression ³.

Backyard Design: Lakewood backyards range from small to medium-sized, making efficient use of space crucial. Effective designs often involve defining distinct functional zones within the yard. Common zones include a patio or deck for dining and entertaining, a small area for a low-water lawn or turf alternative, a dedicated space for a vegetable garden or raised beds, and an open area for play or pets. Thoughtful planning ensures each area flows seamlessly into the next, creating a cohesive and useful outdoor living area ³.

Key Elements of a Lakewood Landscape

Incorporating specific features can elevate your outdoor space from simple to spectacular. Here are some popular elements to consider in your landscape planning:

• Hardscaping: Materials like pavers, flagstone, and concrete are used to create patios, walkways, and retaining walls. A well-built patio serves as the foundation for outdoor living, providing a stable area for furniture and gatherings ³.
• Water-Smart Features: While traditional lawns are water-intensive, you can incorporate water in artistic ways. Small recirculating fountains or bubbling rocks add a soothing auditory and visual element without significant water loss ³.
• Outdoor Living Amenities: To extend your home's livable space, consider an outdoor kitchen with a built-in BBQ, a fire pit for cool evenings (using fire-safe materials), or a comfortable seating area. These features encourage spending more time outdoors ³.
• Shade Solutions: Creating shade is essential for comfort. Options include pergolas, shade sails, or strategically planting mature, drought-tolerant trees like California Sycamore or Palo Verde ³.
• Edible Gardens: Even in small yards, raised beds are an excellent way to grow herbs, vegetables, and fruits. They improve soil control, reduce bending, and can be integrated beautifully into the overall design ³.

Project Scope and Investment

The cost of landscape design and installation in Lakewood varies widely based on the project's complexity, materials, and size. Understanding typical investment ranges can help you plan your budget effectively.

• Basic Refresh ($1,000 - $5,000): This tier covers cosmetic updates that make a significant visual impact. It may include applying new mulch or decorative rock, planting a selection of drought-tolerant plants and shrubs, making minor adjustments to existing irrigation, and potentially installing a small, simple patio area ³.
• Mid-Range Transformation ($5,000 - $20,000): For a more comprehensive update, this budget allows for defining new spaces. It can include installing a new low-water lawn (like hybrid Bermuda) or synthetic turf, adding a substantial patio, creating new planting beds with drip irrigation, and incorporating small features like a basic water element or a set of raised garden beds ³.
• High-End Custom Design ($20,000+): This is for a complete property overhaul. It involves a full custom design, extensive hardscaping with high-end materials, complex features like an outdoor kitchen or fireplace, sophisticated low-voltage lighting systems, planting large specimen trees, and installing a smart irrigation controller for maximum efficiency ³.

Principles for Sustainable Success

Beyond aesthetics, a few core principles are vital for a long-lasting and responsible landscape in Lakewood.

1. Water Conservation is Paramount: Given local regulations and environmental responsibility, designing for low water use is essential. This means selecting California-friendly and native plants, grouping plants with similar water needs (hydrozoning), and installing efficient drip irrigation or micro-spray systems ^{1 3}.
2. Soil Preparation is Non-Negotiable: Skipping proper soil prep is the most common cause of plant failure. Breaking up compacted clay and amending it with compost is a critical first step that ensures water can penetrate and roots can establish deeply ^{1 3}.
3. Right Plant, Right Place: Choose plants that are naturally adapted to Lakewood's climate. Native plants like California Lilac (Ceanothus), Bush Sunflower (Encelia californica), and Mediterranean herbs like lavender and rosemary will thrive with minimal supplemental water once established, reducing long-term maintenance ³.

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