Arvada, Colorado, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and modern conveniences. Known for its historic Olde Town District, extensive recreational areas, and vibrant community events, Arvada homeowners and businesses always want to maintain landscapes that match the city’s appeal. At A Better Edge, we provide landscape edging services throughout Colorado that help enhance outdoor spaces with style, durability, and function. This guide will walk you through the top edging options, installation practices, and design trends specific to Denver County.
The importance of landscape edging in Arvada
In a city with 90 parks and 125 miles of trails, outdoor living spaces play a crucial role in community life. Whether preserving the beauty of garden beds near The Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities or defining walkways along the Clear Creek Trail, landscape edging is essential to maintaining order and increasing beauty and value.
Landscape edging provides:
- Aesthetic enhancement: Clean lines create a polished look, perfect for properties near historic areas.
- Erosion control: Prevents soil and mulch from washing out after Arvada’s seasonal rains.
- Maintenance reduction: Keeps lawns and flower beds separate, making mowing and trimming easier.
Types of landscape edging for Arvada properties
Choosing the right landscape edging material depends on your property’s style and functionality needs. Here are the most popular options used across Arvada’s neighborhoods.
Metal edging
- Durability: Made from aluminum or Metal, metal edging is built to withstand harsh conditions without rusting.
- Application: Ideal for modern landscapes in areas near Olde Town Arvada, where contemporary aesthetics are favored.
- Benefits: Long-lasting and easy to shape for both straight and curved edges.
| Feature | Aluminum edging | Steel edging |
|---|---|---|
| Rust resistance | High | Moderate |
| Appearance | Sleek, modern | Industrial, bold |
| Ideal use | Patios, walkways | Driveways, commercial spaces |
Concrete curbing
- Customization: It is available in various colors, textures, and shapes, perfect for high-profile areas near The Arvada Center.
- Applications: Frequently used to border driveways and paths with heavy foot or vehicle traffic.
- Benefits: Durable and requires little maintenance, even in areas prone to snow and freeze-thaw cycles.
Natural stone edging
- Organic look: Complements rustic landscapes, blending seamlessly with Arvada’s numerous parks and trails.
- Applications: Popular in garden paths and seating areas within residential yards.
- Benefits: Timeless appeal but may require periodic adjustments due to shifting soil.
Rubber and recycled materials
- Eco-friendly: Rubber edging is an environmentally sustainable option made from recycled tires.
- Applications: Often installed in playgrounds and community areas like Ralston-Central Park to enhance safety.
- Benefits: Flexible and shock-absorbent, making it ideal for curved edges and child-friendly spaces.
Design trends in Arvada landscaping
Arvada’s residents appreciate landscaping styles that reflect both history and modern living. Here are some current trends.
Historic and rustic designs
- Properties near Olde Town Arvada often opt for natural stone or wood edging to complement the area’s historic charm.
- Applications: Walkways lined with stone edges that mimic the aesthetic of historic buildings.
Contemporary minimalism
- In newer neighborhoods near West Woods Golf Club, sleek aluminum edging creates clean, modern borders.
- Applications: Defining patios, fire pits, and linear paths with sharp, minimalist lines.
Blended materials
- Many homeowners combine stone and concrete edging to achieve durability and a visually dynamic landscape.
- This approach works well in recreational areas, where function and aesthetics must meet.
Arvada’s climate considerations for landscape edging
Arvada’s semi-arid climate requires edging solutions that can endure both hot summers and cold winters. Here’s how to choose the best material for year-round performance.
Freeze-thaw cycles
- Cold temperatures cause expansion and contraction, leading to cracks in rigid materials like untreated concrete.
- Solution: Use flexible options like rubber or properly reinforced concrete curbing.
Summer heat and UV exposure
- Prolonged sun exposure can degrade plastic edging, causing fading and brittleness.
- Solution: Install UV-resistant aluminum or concrete, which retains its appearance under intense sun.
Seasonal maintenance needs
- Snow removal near Clear Creek Trail and other public paths can damage edging if not correctly installed.
- Solution: Use steel or concrete edging to withstand impacts from shovels and snowplows.
Popular landscape edging applications in Arvada
Residential applications
- Garden beds: Keep mulch and soil in place while creating a polished border.
- Walkways: Prevent grass overgrowth along paved paths for a neat appearance.
- Tree rings: Protect tree roots from lawn equipment and improve aesthetics.
Commercial and recreational applications
- Office complexes: Enhance entrances and paths with clean, professional edging.
- Public parks: Durable materials like rubber ensure safety and low maintenance in high-traffic areas.
Our landscape edging services in Arvada
At A Better Edge, we offer various landscape edging services tailored to Arvada’s unique environment and design needs.
Service features
- Material selection: We help you choose the proper edging for your property, balancing aesthetics and durability.
- Professional installation: Our expert team handles all aspects of installation, from site preparation to finishing touches.
- Maintenance support: We offer seasonal inspections to keep your landscape in top condition year-round.
Installation process
- Site preparation: We remove grass and debris and level the area for installation.
- Material placement: Edging materials are anchored securely to prevent movement.
- Finishing touches: Soil is backfilled to create a smooth, seamless transition between edges and surrounding surfaces.
Affordable landscape edging options
We understand that landscaping projects require careful budgeting. Our services cater to a variety of price points without sacrificing quality.
| Material | Cost range per linear foot | Maintenance | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rubber | $2 – $6 | Moderate | Playgrounds, gardens |
| Aluminum | $3 – $10 | Low | Walkways, patios |
| Concrete | $4 – $12 | Low | Driveways, sidewalks |
Community impact of landscape edging
Landscape edging contributes to Arvada’s vibrant community life by enhancing outdoor spaces for public events like the Arvada Harvest Festival and the Second Saturdays Concert Series. By investing in professional edging, you can:
- Improve curb appeal for homeowners and businesses alike.
- Reduce maintenance in public parks and trails.
- Create safer, more enjoyable spaces for families and visitors.
Testimonial from Chad Livingston
“Our work in Arvada reflects the city’s unique blend of history and progress. Whether designing for Olde Town charm or modern developments, we’re committed to carefully enhancing each property’s landscape.”
Key responsibilities of landscapers:
- Material purchasing: Landscapers must pay sales or use tax on all materials they purchase for installations.
- Permits and inspections: Construction-related landscaping, such as installing retaining walls or decks, may require licenses under Arvada’s tax code, chapter 98.
Sales and use tax requirements
Materials used in landscape edging installation
When landscapers purchase tangible materials like pavers, sod, plants, or rubber edging, they are responsible for paying sales tax at the time of purchase. If the supplier does not charge sales tax, the landscaper must pay use tax based on the value of the materials.
| Scenario | Tax Obligation |
|---|---|
| Materials bought for installation | Sales or use tax due on material cost |
| Materials resold without installation | Sales tax collected at the point of retail sale |
Non-taxable services
Certain services provided by landscapers are not subject to sales tax. These include:
- Lawn care: Mowing, aerating, dethatching, and fertilizing
- Tree services: Stump grinding, tree trimming, and spraying
- Snow removal: Shoveling, plowing, and applying de-icing materials
Retail sales obligations
Landscapers who sell materials directly to customers without installation are considered retailers. They must collect sales tax on non-exempt items at the point of sale. For example, a landscaper with a storefront that sells mulch, yard art, and plants must collect sales tax on those sales.
Building permits and construction contracts
Construction-related landscaping projects
Some landscaping projects, particularly those that involve improving real property, may be classified as construction contracts. These projects often require building permits and inspections to ensure safety and compliance with Arvada’s zoning laws.
Examples of projects requiring permits:
- Building retaining walls to prevent erosion
- Installing decks or elevated garden features
Permit application process for construction landscaping.
When undertaking large-scale projects involving construction improvements, landscapers may need a permit.
Permit application steps:
- Submit project plans detailing the materials and design.
- Pay the required fees, which vary based on project size and scope.
- Schedule an inspection to ensure the project meets building and safety standards.
Maintenance services and legal exemptions
Routine maintenance exemptions
Landscaping services related to routine property maintenance are not taxable in Arvada. These services include:
- Mowing and trimming lawns
- Pruning and trimming trees
- Applying fertilizers
This exemption helps property owners maintain their landscapes without incurring additional tax burdens. However, landscapers remain responsible for paying sales tax on any materials they use for these services.
Construction vs. non-construction services
The distinction between construction and non-construction services is crucial. For example, installing landscape edging around a driveway may not require a permit if it does not involve structural changes. However, building a retaining wall to support a slope typically requires a permit and tax reporting.
Compliance tips for property owners and landscapers
How property owners can ensure compliance:
- Ask for documentation – Ensure your landscaper provides necessary permits and tax receipts.
- Review project scope – Confirm whether your project is classified as routine landscaping or a construction improvement.
How landscapers can stay compliant:
- Pay sales tax at the point of purchase. Avoid penalties by paying sales or using tax on materials upfront.
- File permits when needed – Always verify local zoning and construction requirements for large projects.
| Compliance Task | Best Practice |
|---|---|
| Paying sales tax | Pay at purchase or report use tax |
| Applying for permits | Submit detailed plans to the city |
| Non-taxable services | Separate these on invoices |
Violations and penalties
Failure to comply with Arvada’s landscaping regulations can result in fines and project delays. Common violations include:
- Failing to secure permits for construction projects
- Not paying sales or use tax on materials
- Improper disposal of landscaping waste
Penalties may include fines up to $1,000 per infraction and the requirement to halt or redo non-compliant work.
Benefits of following Arvada’s landscaping laws
Adhering to local regulations not only helps landscapers avoid penalties but also provides key benefits:
- Customer trust: Clients are more likely to hire professionals who demonstrate compliance with city laws.
- Smoother project execution: Permits and inspections reduce the risk of legal disputes or project delays.
- Enhanced property value: Properly completed landscaping projects increase the long-term value of homes and businesses in Arvada.
Contact us today
Ready to transform your outdoor space? Contact A Better Edge for expert landscape edging services in Arvada. We’ll help you design and install the perfect solution to enhance your property’s beauty, functionality, and durability.
More info can be found on Arvada’s Landscaping, lawn & tree services page.
