There is nothing more pleasing to the eye than a well-planned yard with a manicured lawn with flower beds that are properly looked after and "matches" with the shrubs and trees around them. Well, this takes time, love and money. If you have the latter two but, no time to dedicate to your yard, Denver landscaping contractors are for you.

Denver landscape contractors will ".supervise the creation of a new landscape, including construction, soil preparation, and planting, usually in accordance with plans drawn up by a garden designer or landscape architect."

Constructing new landscape involves, primarily, creating landscape scenarios where there previously weren't any - "building" an incline to create an artificial water feature such as a waterfall. Ask Denver landscape maintenance companies if they have a landscape architect, on staff, or if you need to provide the design plan and they are only involved in the setting-up and maintenance aspects of landscaping.

Denver landscape contractors will be able to build water features such as ponds, waterfalls, small streams and fountains.

Nobody has "perfect soil" throughout their property. Denver landscape contractors have the ability and knowledge to prepare your soil, if required.

What does soil preparation entail? Soils ".there are three main types - clay, sand and loam. Clays, particularly when they are wet can become quite sticky, and while some are at risk of holding too much water when it is available and are easily compacted. When they dry out they can form a surface crust that is almost impenetrable to water. Sandy soils on the other hand tend to loose or leach water and nutrients very easily. Loamy soil that is crumbly and looks good enough to eat is the best type of soil. It has a good balance of sand, clay and organic matter as well as a combination of small and large particles that enables good root development and the circulation of air, water and nutrients. The magic ingredient in any good soil is organic matter." (www.abc.net.au)

Professional Denver irrigation companies will advise you on the proper irrigation system for the soil in your area, so your yard gets watered efficiently, effectively, and with the right amount. They will also ensure that your sprinkler is winterized properly.

When deciding which plants you want for your new landscaped yard, Denver landscape contractors will recommend what best suits your garden according to your planting zone. They will also recommend plants, flowers and trees according to:

• "Height and Width are figured by the mature size a plant will reach in both upward and outward directions. Not calculating this can cause serious problems in the future.
• Form is the shape of the plant and how it will occupy and accent space. Form and shape are considered as columnar, round, vase, weeping, oval, creeping, etc.
• Texture is the fineness or roughness of plants. It can also be categorized in terms of leaf thickness and shade(light or dark) of plants. As a rule, plants with finer textures should be used in greater numbers than plants with coarse textures.
• Seasonal interest and color are figured by the special features a plant has at different times of the year. Foliage, fruit, flowers, Winter color, changing colors, etc.
• Insect and disease resistance
• Sun or shade
• Moisture tolerance
• Drought resistance
• Soil type" (www. http://www.the-landscape-design-site.com)

Please remember to check the Denver irrigation contractors available in your area. You will need the help of professionals to keep your new beautiful garden nice, green and lush. Proper inspection and operation of your sprinkler system will ensure that your lawn and garden will receive the right amount of water, not too much, not too little.

Commercial landscaping no longer means that it is outdoors. Office and apartment buildings, restaurants, book stores, coffee shops - the list goes on and on, are now being designed containing indoor gardens and resting areas which double as "bringing the green inside" as well as providing clients and employees a special place to dine, rest during breaks and lunchtime.

In a nutshell, the Denver landscape contractors that you are considering must be licensed. Another area which you want them to be competent is in reading plans. If they do not have a landscape architect on staff, then they MUST be able to read design plans. That, in fact, is part of the licensing requirements.

Certification and membership in organizations and trade associations such as the Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado (ALCC), PLANET - the Professional Landscape Network and the American Lawn Care Association (ALCA) will indicate to you that those Denver landscape contractors are legit, and will not "disappear" on you if you need them after the job is completed.