Finding reliable small job landscaping near me in Colorado Springs runs $31-52 per hour, with most professionals charging around $41 hourly. This pricing reflects our unique high-altitude growing conditions and shorter growing season that runs roughly April through October.
The price difference between what landscapers earn ($20.72/hour according to Bureau of Labor Statistics) and what you pay exists for good reason. Your rate covers business insurance, commercial-grade equipment, licensing, vehicle costs, and the expertise needed to handle Colorado Springs’ clay soil and extreme weather swings.
Most homeowners here need help with spring cleanup after our unpredictable late snowstorms, summer irrigation management during drought periods, and fall preparation before our early freezes hit.
Understanding Hourly Landscaping Costs in Colorado Springs
The cost of landscaping per hour varies significantly based on the complexity and timing of your project. Basic maintenance like mowing and edging stays on the lower end, while specialized work like xeriscaping or dealing with our notorious caliche clay soil commands premium rates.
Here’s what drives pricing in our market: elevation changes throughout the city create different microclimates, our soil requires amendment in most areas, and the short growing season means landscapers pack their revenue into seven months. Professionals working in areas like Broadmoor or Cheyenne Canyon often charge more due to terrain challenges and upscale property expectations.
| Service Type | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Maintenance | $31 | $38 | $45 |
| Planting/Installation | $40 | $47 | $55 |
| Specialized Work | $45 | $52 | $65 |
TruGreen Pricing vs Local Landscapers
TruGreen pricing in Colorado Springs typically ranges $50-80 per visit for standard lawn care, with annual programs running $400-800 depending on property size. However, TruGreen focuses primarily on chemical lawn treatments and doesn’t handle the diverse landscaping needs most homeowners here require.
Local landscapers often provide better value for Colorado Springs properties because they understand our specific challenges: managing bluegrass during water restrictions, selecting plants that survive temperature swings from 90°F to 20°F in the same week, and working around HOA requirements in neighborhoods like Wolf Ranch or Flying Horse.
The trade-off is scheduling flexibility. TruGreen operates on set schedules, while local professionals might have 2-3 week waits during peak spring and fall seasons. For comprehensive property care beyond basic lawn treatment, local experts typically deliver better results at competitive pricing.
How to Choose the Right Landscaping Professional
Start by verifying Colorado state licensing and insurance coverage - this isn’t optional with our liability climate. Ask specifically about experience with high-altitude gardening and water-wise landscaping, as these skills separate competent professionals from those who’ll cost you money with failed plantings.
Get three detailed estimates for any project over $500. Quality landscapers will visit your property, test soil conditions, and discuss your maintenance commitment level. Be wary of door-knockers or drastically low bids - legitimate professionals stay busy through referrals in our tight-knit community.
Check recent work in similar neighborhoods. Someone successful in Old Colorado City’s historic district might not understand the modern xeriscaping needs in Banning Lewis Ranch. Ask for references from the past year, not just online reviews that can be manipulated.
Emergency vs Scheduled Service Pricing
Emergency landscaping calls - like tree removal after our notorious hailstorms or irrigation breaks during summer heat - cost 25-50% more than scheduled work. Storm damage cleanup typically runs $75-100 per hour with minimum charges of $200-300.
Scheduled maintenance stays within standard rates, but booking during peak times (April-May and September-October) often requires premium pricing or long waits. Smart homeowners book spring cleanup in March and fall services in August to avoid rush pricing.
Winter emergency calls for tree hazards or broken irrigation lines cost the most, often $100+ per hour. Most professionals maintain limited winter availability, focusing on septic service services or indoor projects during our coldest months.
Maintenance to Prevent Future Costs
Regular maintenance saves significant money in Colorado Springs’ harsh climate. Annual sprinkler system winterization ($75-150) prevents thousands in repair costs from freeze damage. Fall cleanup and proper mulching ($200-400 for average properties) protects plants from our sudden temperature drops.
Spring soil amendment runs $300-600 for typical yards but prevents costly plant replacement throughout the growing season. Our alkaline clay soil requires ongoing attention - skipping this step leads to $1,000+ in dead plant replacement costs annually.
Weekly growing season maintenance averages $80-120 per visit but catches problems early. Homeowners who skip regular care often face major renovation costs of $2,000-5,000 every few years when landscapes fail completely.
| Maintenance Item | Cost | Prevents |
|---|---|---|
| Sprinkler Winterization | $75-150 | $800-3000 repairs |
| Spring Soil Amendment | $300-600 | $1000+ plant replacement |
| Weekly Summer Care | $80-120 | $2000-5000 renovation |
Local Permits and Regulations
Colorado Springs requires permits for retaining walls over 4 feet, major grading projects, and some irrigation installations. Permit costs range $50-200, but violations can result in $500+ fines and forced removal of completed work.
HOA regulations vary dramatically across the city. Neighborhoods like Briargate have strict landscaping guidelines, while areas in Manitou Springs offer more creative freedom. Always verify HOA approval before starting projects - violation fines typically run $100-500 monthly until compliance.
Water restriction compliance is mandatory year-round, with fines starting at $100 for first violations. Professional landscapers should understand current watering schedules and design systems accordingly. Some areas require drought-resistant plantings by covenant.
Common Colorado Springs Landscaping Problems
Our clay soil creates drainage nightmares costing $1,500-3,000 to properly address. Many properties need french drains or soil replacement for successful landscaping. Cheap solutions fail within 2-3 years, requiring complete rework at double the original cost.
Hail damage happens regularly, with major storms every 2-3 years causing $500-2,000 in landscape damage per property. Insurance coverage varies widely - understand your policy before investing heavily in delicate plantings or structures.
Wind damage from our chinook winds and downslope events kills improperly staked trees and damages structures. Professional staking and wind-resistant plant selection prevent ongoing replacement costs that average $200-500 annually for unprepared properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire a landscaper in Colorado Springs?
Professional landscapers charge $31-52 per hour, with project minimums typically starting at $150-200. Small jobs like seasonal cleanup run $200-500, while complete landscape installation ranges $3,000-15,000 depending on property size and complexity. Most homeowners spend $1,200-2,400 annually on professional maintenance, which includes spring cleanup, summer care, and fall preparation. The investment pays off in our challenging climate where DIY attempts often result in costly plant failures and irrigation problems.
How much does a professional landscaper cost for ongoing maintenance?
Monthly maintenance during growing season (April-October) averages $200-400 for typical Colorado Springs properties. This covers mowing, trimming, weeding, and basic system checks. Bi-weekly service reduces costs to $300-600 monthly but may not keep pace with our rapid spring growth. Annual contracts often provide 10-15% discounts and priority scheduling during peak seasons. Winter months typically require minimal service, mainly sprinkler winterization and occasional snow damage cleanup, reducing off-season costs significantly.
How much is landscaping installation for a new property?
Complete landscaping installation ranges $8,000-25,000 for average Colorado Springs homes, with luxury properties reaching $50,000+. Basic packages include soil amendment, sod or seed, basic plantings, and simple irrigation systems. Mid-range projects add hardscaping elements, mature trees, and sophisticated irrigation zones. High-end installations feature extensive stonework, water features, and premium plant materials. Expect 20-30% higher costs than national averages due to our soil conditions, elevation challenges, and shorter installation window. Like personal trainer services, quality installation requires ongoing investment for best results.
What’s the difference between TruGreen and local landscaper costs?
TruGreen focuses solely on chemical lawn treatments, charging $50-80 per visit with annual programs running $400-800. Local landscapers provide comprehensive services at $31-52 hourly, often delivering better overall value for complete property care. TruGreen offers consistency and convenience but can’t handle hardscaping, planting, or our area’s specialized xeriscaping needs. Local professionals understand Colorado Springs’ unique challenges like soil amendments, water restrictions, and plant selection for high-altitude conditions. For basic lawn care only, TruGreen might cost less, but comprehensive landscape maintenance typically favors local expertise. Similar to choosing massage therapist services, local knowledge often provides superior results.
Pricing data sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. Consumer prices calculated using industry-standard multipliers. See our methodology for details.