Landscape Services in Broomfield, CO

Broomfield, Colorado, is a thriving community known for its parks, cultural attractions, and outdoor recreation. With 316 miles of trails and 8,469 acres of open space, Broomfield’s landscapes are central to its charm. Major parks like the Broomfield County Commons Park and the Carolyn Holmberg Preserve at Rock Creek Farm attract families, fitness enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike. Residents and businesses in Denver County prioritize outdoor aesthetics, functionality, and sustainable landscaping.

In recent years, Broomfield, CO, has taken significant steps to improve its landscape regulations, focusing on water conservation, sustainability, and modern zoning practices. With over 60% of the city’s water supply dedicated to outdoor use—mainly for high-water-use turfgrass—the city council has introduced new ordinances to promote xeriscaping, efficient irrigation, and drought-tolerant plant materials.

At A Better Edge, we provide landscape edging services that comply with Broomfield’s updated landscape code. Our services help residential and commercial property owners enhance their landscapes while meeting legal requirements. This guide covers the key aspects of Broomfield’s landscape regulations.

Types of landscape edging for Broomfield properties

Selecting the proper landscape edging depends on design preferences, durability requirements, and Broomfield’s seasonal weather conditions.

Metal edging

• Material options: Aluminum and steel are popular for modern and minimalist landscapes.
• Applications: Frequently installed around commercial properties near FlatIron Crossing, where sleek, professional aesthetics are desired.
• Benefits: Extremely durable and rust-resistant, making it ideal for Broomfield’s variable weather.

Feature	Aluminum edging	Steel edging
Rust resistance	High	Moderate
Appearance	Sleek, minimalist	Industrial, bold
Ideal use	Paths, patios, office entrances	Driveways, heavy-traffic areas

Concrete curbing

• Strength and versatility: Concrete edging can be customized in various colors, shapes, and textures, making it suitable for residential driveways and sports fields in Community Park.
• Applications: Commonly used to create durable edges for paths and garden beds that experience heavy foot traffic.
• Benefits: Extremely long-lasting and low-maintenance, even in snow and freeze-thaw conditions.

Natural stone edging

• Organic aesthetic: Natural stone complements the rustic charm of Broomfield Commons Open Space and other scenic areas.
• Applications: Often used for garden paths, tree rings, and seating areas that emphasize natural beauty.
• Benefits: Timeless and visually appealing, though it may require occasional adjustment due to shifting soil.

Rubber and recycled materials

• Eco-friendly: Made from recycled tires, rubber edging is a sustainable choice for environmentally conscious residents.
• Applications: Ideal for child-friendly spaces, such as playgrounds and recreational areas in Broomfield Bay Aquatic Park.
• Benefits: Flexible, shock-absorbent, and safe for both pets and children.

Design trends in Broomfield landscaping

Broomfield’s residents value landscapes that balance modern innovation and natural beauty. These trends reflect the city’s aesthetic preferences and sustainable practices.

Historic and rustic designs

Property near the Broomfield Depot Museum often incorporates natural stone or wood edging to preserve a classic look that aligns with the area’s historical charm.

Common features:

1. Walkways bordered with stone to create rustic paths.
2. Tree rings and garden beds with organic, natural materials.

Contemporary minimalism

In commercial and urban areas like FlatIron Crossing, aluminum edging provides a sleek, structured appearance. This style is popular for modern homes and businesses prioritizing clean, linear designs.

Key characteristics:

• Sharp, geometric edges that frame patios and fire pits.
• Blended materials, such as aluminum and concrete, create visual contrast.

Sustainability and eco-conscious landscaping

With its extensive open spaces and trail systems, Broomfield encourages xeriscaping and the use of native plants to reduce water consumption. Sustainable edging options, like rubber edging, support this eco-friendly approach by minimizing maintenance and waste.

Climate considerations for landscape edging in Broomfield

Broomfield’s climate includes hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. These conditions require durable edging materials to handle temperature fluctuations, UV exposure, and freeze-thaw cycles.

Freeze-thaw cycles

• Impact: Water in the soil expands and contracts during freezing, which can crack rigid materials.
• Solution: Use flexible materials like rubber or install reinforced concrete curbing designed to withstand these conditions.

UV exposure and heat

• Impact: Prolonged sun exposure can cause fading and deterioration in plastic or untreated wood edging.
• Solution: Install UV-resistant options such as aluminum, which maintains its appearance over time.

Snow removal and durability

• Impact: Snowplows and ice can damage poorly installed edging, particularly in high-traffic areas like Paul Derda Recreation Center.
• Solution: Opt for steel or concrete edging to handle winter weather demands.

Popular landscape edging applications in Broomfield

Residential uses

1. Garden beds: Edging helps contain mulch and soil, improving visual appeal and reducing maintenance.
2. Driveways: Provides a clean boundary that prevents cracking and enhances curb appeal.
3. Tree rings: Protects tree roots from damage caused by mowers and other landscaping equipment.

Commercial and recreational uses

1. Office complexes: Edging improves entrances and pathways, creating a polished look for businesses near FlatIron Crossing.
2. Public parks: Durable materials like rubber or concrete help define paths and play areas in parks like Broomfield County Commons Park.

Landscape edging installation process

At A Better Edge, we follow a streamlined process to ensure high-quality results for every project.

Installation steps

1. Site preparation: We remove grass and debris, leveling the ground for smooth installation.
2. Material placement: Edging materials are anchored securely to prevent movement or shifting.
3. Finishing touches: We backfill soil around the edges to create a seamless transition with surrounding landscapes.

Maintenance support

We also offer seasonal maintenance services, including inspections and repairs, to maintain your landscape.

Affordable and customizable landscape edging solutions

We provide budget-friendly options without compromising on quality. From recycled rubber to high-end stone, our materials cater to various price points and design goals.

Material	Cost range per linear foot	Maintenance	Applications
Rubber	$2 – $6	Moderate	Playgrounds, eco-conscious designs
Aluminum	$3 – $10	Low	Walkways, patios
Concrete	$4 – $12	Low	Driveways, sports fields

New Water Conservation Initiatives in Broomfield

The City and County of Broomfield recognize that outdoor water use is a significant factor in the region’s sustainability efforts. As a result, city officials have implemented new regulations designed to encourage water-wise landscapes that reduce water consumption, lower utility bills, and support the local ecosystem.

Why water conservation is important

1. High water usage: Most of Broomfield’s water supply is consumed by landscapes with cool-season turfgrass (e.g., Kentucky bluegrass), which requires 24-26 inches of irrigation annually.
2. Sustainability goals: By installing low-water plant alternatives, property owners can reduce water use by up to 50%, helping to protect water resources during droughts and hotter summers.
3. Environmental benefits: Water-wise landscaping supports local wildlife and pollinators while better reflecting Broomfield’s natural environment.

Chad Livingston, owner of A Better Edge, explains:
“Sustainable landscapes not only save water but also enhance the beauty of properties by incorporating native plants and efficient irrigation. Compliance with these regulations helps future-proof Broomfield’s landscapes for a drier climate.”

Xeriscaping principles in Broomfield

Xeriscaping is an approach that reduces water usage through strategic plant selection and efficient design. Contrary to the misconception of “zero-scaping,” xeriscaping involves more than just installing rocks. It emphasizes soil improvement, hydrozoning, and the use of drought-tolerant plants.

Core xeriscaping principles:

1. Develop a landscape plan – Identify planting areas and design zones based on water needs.
2. Select native and drought-tolerant plants – Group plants with similar water requirements together (hydrozoning).
3. Install efficient irrigation – Use EPA WaterSense-certified systems with drip irrigation and smart controllers.
4. Limit turfgrass – Reduce the use of high-water turfgrass in favor of native grasses like blue grama and buffalo grass.

Plant Type	Annual Irrigation Needs	Example
Cool-season turfgrass	24-26 inches	Kentucky bluegrass
Warm-season/native grass	8-10 inches	Blue grama, buffalo grass
Xeric plants	Minimal to no irrigation	Russian sage, yucca, desert willow

Development threshold requirements

Broomfield’s revised landscape code applies to new construction and redevelopment projects meeting specific size and scope thresholds.

Applicability of the landscape code:

1. New construction: All residential and non-residential projects.
2. Redevelopment: Any project that increases the gross floor area by 65% or more or involves complete demolition and reconstruction.
3. Parking lots: New parking lots with 10 or more spaces or expansions exceeding 10 spaces or 50% of the existing lot area.

Exemptions from the new code:

• Landscaping approved before January 1, 2024, is exempt from the updated requirements.
• Homeowners making minor modifications to existing landscaping do not need to comply with the new regulations.
• Public land dedications may be exempt based on specific open space characteristics approved by city staff.

General landscaping standards

The updated regulations require all properties to incorporate water-wise plant materials and follow specific guidelines for plant selection, irrigation, and soil amendments.

Key standards for compliance:

1. Plant diversity: A minimum of 75% of annuals and trees and 100% of shrubs and perennials must be from an approved plant list.
2. Turfgrass limits: Cool-season turfgrass can cover no more than 30% of the total landscaped area in front yards for residential properties and is prohibited in parking lots.
3. Irrigation systems: Must be EPA WaterSense-certified, ensuring efficient watering practices.
4. Soil amendments: To promote better water retention, the soil must be amended according to its composition (e.g., clay, loam, sand).

Requirement	Description
Turfgrass coverage limit	30% of the visible landscaped area
Irrigation system	EPA WaterSense-certified systems only
Soil amendments	Based on local soil type (e.g., clay, loam)

Parking lot landscaping requirements

Broomfield’s code introduces stricter standards for parking lot landscapes, including material placement, plant selection, and turf restrictions.

Parking lot landscape guidelines:

1. Turfgrass prohibition: Neither cool-season turfgrass nor artificial turf is allowed within parking lot interiors.
2. Minimum planting requirements: Trees and shrubs must meet size and quantity standards to provide shade and visual interest.
3. Solar canopy allowance: Solar panels may replace traditional landscape islands if installed as canopies over parking stalls.

Changes in zoning and design guidelines

The Future Broomfield project aims to modernize zoning regulations and landscape design guidelines to better reflect environmental sustainability priorities. The City council directed staff to revise the landscape strip requirements and expand turfgrass limitations for residential and non-residential properties.

Compliance tips for property owners and landscapers

To ensure your landscape meets Broomfield’s updated regulations, follow these best practices:

For property owners

1. Develop a landscape plan that incorporates xeric principles and complies with turfgrass limitations.
2. Use native or drought-tolerant plants to reduce long-term water and maintenance needs.
3. Install efficient irrigation systems with automatic controllers and rain sensors.

For landscapers

1. Submit detailed landscape plans for approval during the development review process.
2. Incorporate soil amendments and hydrozoning to optimize plant health and water efficiency.
3. Avoid installing prohibited materials, such as high-water-use turfgrass, in parking lots or sizeable cool-season turf areas.

Violations and penalties

Non-compliance with Broomfield’s landscape regulations can result in fines and mandatory corrections. Common violations include:

• Exceeding the 30% turfgrass limit in residential developments.
• Failing to install EPA-certified irrigation systems.
• Using unapproved plant materials.

Working with a knowledgeable provider like A Better Edge ensures your landscape complies with all regulations while maximizing beauty and functionality.

Why choose A Better Edge in Broomfield?

Chad Livingston, owner of A Better Edge, shares:

“Our work in Broomfield reflects the community’s recreation, culture, and sustainability balance. Whether creating clean lines for a modern office or blending edging with natural trails, we tailor every project to fit the landscape.”

Contact us today

Enhance your outdoor space with landscape edging services from A Better Edge. We proudly serve the entire Broomfield area, including Paul Derda Recreation Center, Broomfield Commons, and beyond. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can bring your landscaping vision to life.

More info can be found on Broomfield, CO’s website.