Preparing for a Denver landscaping project of any size, whether it is residential, or commercial, can be scary when taking into consideration all of the areas you need to cover.

The first thing you must make sure is that the contractor has a state license authorizing him or her to work in your state. This license will also tell you that such contractor is legitimate and, not a "fly-by-night".

The next thing you should look out for are references, to include searching in the local Better Business Bureau. If you have decided to draw your own plans, ensuring that what you have in mind is do-able. Finding the right company to work with you versus "against" you, which is what so often happens when hiring a contractor or any type, is one of the trickiest parts of the process.

Another important aspect of finding good Denver landscaping contractors is to make sure that the Denver landscaping companies possess two qualities which are of utmost importance: horticultural and design experience. These two factors cover the aesthetic portion of your project.

Last, but certainly not least, is pricing. You want a Denver landscape contractor that will make holes in your yard and not your bank account.

Basically, what you are looking for in your Denver landscape designer is someone that is legitimate, in case anything goes wrong you have legal recourse; competent with good references and financially reasonable. Here's how to achieve that.

Legitimacy is of the utmost importance - there are no two ways around this one. Once you've decided that you are ready for a yard make-over your next step is to seek someone that will make your dream come true. If you already have a design plan which either has been done by a landscape architect or, yourself, you need to make sure that whomever you contract will be able to read the plans.

References are of utmost importance. When it comes to experience the best type of advertising is "by word of mouth". If have a friend, neighbor or have a colleague at work whose yard you admire, feel free to ask them who they contracted for the job. When, in your neighborhood, the same names keep popping up as good Denver landscape contractors, you have found the people you want for your landscape project. Don't hesitate to contact them and ask them to come out and provide you with an estimate.

Other places to check references are with the local trade association. The Denver Landscape Contractors Association will be able to provide you with information such as whether the company you have chosen is registered with the state and is a legitimate business, number of years of operation and number of employees. From this basic information you will be able to discern whether to continue considering this contractor or to move on to the next one on your list.

From a legal angle, your local Better Business Bureau will be able to tell you if your Denver landscape contractor has any complaints filed against them and, for what reason(s). They will also be able to tell you whether the issue was resolved in a satisfactory manner or, not.

Though Denver landscape contractors do not require a license in the State of Colorado, their duties with regard to Denver landscaping are pretty well defined. The landscape contractor that you hire should be able to perform the following chores:

• Interpret landscape design specifications
• Decide what materials are required and purchase them
• Prepare the area that is to be landscaped

Experience only comes with Time. Normally, you will find that the newer contractors are cheaper than the more experienced and reputable Denver landscape contractors. If your plans include special water projects such as ponds, waterfalls or fountains your contractor must be have experience in these areas. The same applies for lighting design. When installing lighting as part of your landscape project the object is not to simply have your yard illuminated - the purpose is to highlight certain areas which you wish to call attention to, whether it is the foliage, a pond or a waterfall.

Horticultural and design perspective involves picking of the correct plants according to your local weather, the coloring of the foliage and the placement of such and, are three other important aspects that Denver landscape designers must be experienced in. You certainly don't want to have plants that will die on you quickly, flowers belonging to another geographical region and trees and shrubs that are planted in the wrong places.

Earlier in this article it was mentioned that normally younger Denver landscape contractor may offer you cheaper pricing versus the more established companies. It is a possibility that one reason for the lower price is that the company is rather young and in need to establish a clientele. One way of finding out is through the BBB. Remember the old adagio, "nothing good is free" and, keep in mind that sometimes it is better to spend a little more in the beginning, in order to avoid spending more in the end.

(Video courtesy of Browne & Associates.)