Landscape Design & Installation in Colorado Springs, CO

Quick answer

Landscape design and installation in Colorado Springs means planning around high elevation, strong sun, about 16 inches of yearly precipitation and three-day watering limits. A good plan groups plants by water need, limits irrigated turf to the areas you use, and keeps the area next to the house lean, both for expansive soils and wildfire safety.

Last updated October 22, 2026

A landscape plan that works in Colorado Springs starts with the realities of the site: about 6,000 feet of elevation (and much more as you head toward the mountains), intense sun, drying wind, roughly 16 inches of precipitation in a typical year, and watering limits set by your water provider. Before plants go in the ground, a designer or installer should look at sun and wind exposure, slope, soil type, where snowmelt and storm runoff go, and how you actually use the yard.

What a design and installation project usually includes

Site visit and conversation. Your goals, budget, how much maintenance you want, and problem areas such as bare slopes, dead lawn or a spot where water sheets off the driveway.
Plan or sketch. Anything from a marked-up photo to a scaled drawing with a plant list and irrigation zones. Ask what is included before you agree.
Soil preparation. Removing turf or weeds and amending planting areas based on a soil test. Many native and xeric plants prefer lean soil, so more compost is not always better.
Hardscape, grading and irrigation first. Walls, paths, drainage and sprinkler or drip lines go in before plants so they aren't trampled.
Planting and mulching. Plants set at the right depth, with rock or wood mulch chosen for the site.
Establishment watering. Even drought-tolerant plants need regular water through their first season.

Xeriscape is the local default, not a fad

Water-wise landscaping is common across the Pikes Peak region because outdoor water is limited and expensive to deliver. A good xeriscape is not a yard of gravel. It groups plants by water need, keeps irrigated turf to the areas you actually use, and relies on regionally adapted perennials, shrubs and ornamental grasses. Colorado State University Extension and the Colorado Master Gardener program publish plant lists for Front Range conditions, and they are a good non-commercial check on any proposed plant list. Colorado Springs Utilities also posts water-wise plant and landscape resources for its customers.

Plan for the local climate

Hardiness: Most of Colorado Springs falls around USDA zones 5b to 6a, and higher communities such as Woodland Park are colder. Look up your ZIP code on the USDA map and choose plants rated for it.
Late and early freezes: Many local gardeners hold tender annuals until mid-May, and early fall cold snaps are common. Hardy perennials and shrubs handle this far better.
Hail and wind: Large-leaved plants shred in hailstorms, and wind dries out exposed beds quickly. Windbreaks, mulch and tough foliage help.
Expansive soil: CSU Extension advises keeping plants with regular water needs about five feet from the foundation, and trees at least 15 feet away, on expansive soils.

Wildfire and HOA considerations

Much of the west side of Colorado Springs and the foothill communities lie in the wildland-urban interface. In those areas, the plan should keep the first five feet around the house lean and noncombustible, following Colorado State Forest Service defensible-space guidance. Many neighborhoods also have HOA or metro district covenants that require design approval for front-yard changes, so check before you buy plants.

Questions to ask a landscape company

Is design included, or is it a separate fee?
Which plants on the list are rated for my elevation and zone?
How will beds be irrigated, and will you use drip?
Do you guarantee plants, and what voids the guarantee?
Can you provide a certificate of insurance and photos of similar local projects?

When you're ready, request a landscaping company and describe the area you want to change. If water is the main concern, see our guide to watering rules and xeriscape.

Frequently asked questions

Does xeriscape mean a yard full of rock?

No. A good xeriscape uses regionally adapted perennials, shrubs and grasses grouped by water need, with mulch, efficient irrigation and a right-sized lawn. Rock alone can make a yard hotter and less inviting.

What plants do well in Colorado Springs?

Many regionally adapted and native plants, such as penstemons, blanketflower, rabbitbrush and ornamental grasses, handle sun, wind and dry soil once established. CSU Extension and the Colorado Master Gardener program publish Front Range plant lists, and Colorado Springs Utilities lists water-wise plants.

Do I need HOA approval for landscaping changes?

Many Colorado Springs area neighborhoods have HOA or metro district covenants that require design review, especially for front yards and turf changes. Check your covenants before work starts.

Sources and further reading

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