When’s the Best Time of Year to Hire a Landscape Designer in Colorado Springs?

If you’ve been dreaming of transforming your yard into a beautiful, functional outdoor space, you might be wondering: When’s the best time of year to hire a landscape designer? Whether you’re planning a full outdoor makeover or adding specific features like a patio, water feature, or custom lighting, the timing of when you start working with a landscape designer can make all the difference in how smoothly your project comes together, especially in Colorado Springs, where the climate, elevation, and seasonal conditions create unique landscaping opportunities and challenges.

The short answer is: you can hire a landscape designer any time of year, but different seasons offer different advantages. The best time to hire a landscape designer depends on your project goals, your schedule, and the seasonal advantages each time of year offers. By understanding what to expect in each season, you can plan your project timeline in a way that best fits your vision, your schedule, and even your budget. Let’s explore what makes each season in Colorado Springs a smart time to connect with a professional landscape designer, and why planning ahead is the key to creating an outdoor space you’ll love.

On average, the design process alone may take a few weeks to a few months, depending on the project’s complexity. Add in construction scheduling and seasonal considerations, and you’ll see why planning ahead is key. By understanding the seasonal advantages, you can position yourself to get the best results without unnecessary delays.

Unlike many parts of the country, Colorado Springs experiences dramatic seasonal shifts. At an elevation of more than 6,000 feet, our city’s climate brings intense sun exposure, dry conditions, unpredictable frosts, and a shorter growing season. These environmental factors mean that landscape design isn’t a one-size-fits-all process—it has to be tailored to our region’s unique rhythm.

For homeowners, this means two things:
 

• Start early. The earlier you plan your project, the better your chances of having your new landscape ready to enjoy when you want it.
• Choose the right season for your goals. From planting to hardscape installation, each season in Colorado Springs offers unique opportunities for moving your landscaping project forward.

Winter may not be the first season that comes to mind when thinking about landscaping, but it’s actually one of the smartest times to hire a designer. While the ground may be frozen and snow may be covering your lawn, designers and architects are busy planning for the upcoming season.

Advantages of hiring in winter:

• More availability and time for creativity: Since winter is the off-season for construction, landscape designers typically have more time to dedicate to your project. With outdoor construction slowed by snow and cold temperatures, designers have more availability to focus on detailed plans, 3D renderings, and plant selection. You’ll also likely have more flexibility in scheduling consultations.
• Get ahead of the spring rush: Spring and summer are the busiest landscaping seasons, and most homeowners start calling landscape designers in the spring. If you wait until then, you may find yourself at the back of a long waiting list. Starting your design in winter ensures you’ll be at the top of the construction schedule once warmer weather returns.
• Time for revisions: Winter gives you and your designer plenty of time to fine-tune your plan, choose materials, and get necessary permits before work begins.
• Local insight matters: A Colorado Springs–based designer understands that winters here often include mild, sunny stretches. That means some site prep and hardscape work can still move forward, even in January or February.

Best for: Major landscape overhauls, custom outdoor living spaces, retaining walls, or projects that require city permits.

If you want your new landscape to be ready for use by late spring or summer, winter is the perfect time to start the design process.

Spring is the season when landscaping activity kicks into high gear. It’s the most popular time of year for homeowners to call a landscape designer. As the ground thaws and days lengthen, both homeowners and landscape crews are eager to bring outdoor projects to life. The weather is warming up, and people naturally start thinking about spending more time outdoors.

Advantages of hiring in spring:

• Fresh inspiration: Seeing trees and flowers come back to life is motivating. It’s a great time to think creatively about your yard’s potential.
• Ideal for irrigation installation: With dry summers ahead, spring is the perfect time to set up or upgrade water-efficient irrigation systems tailored to Colorado’s semi-arid climate.
• Planting season begins: Colorado Springs spring weather allows for planting trees, shrubs, and perennials, and is ideal for softscaping projects—though late frosts mean designers will carefully plan the timing to protect tender plants. Usually, though, landscape designers can create plans and move straight into implementation.
• Quick gratification: If you want your yard ready for summer entertaining, spring is the time to act.

Challenges: Spring is busy. Many designers and contractors are booked solid, so availability can be limited. If you wait until mid-spring to call, you may not see your project finished until late summer or even fall.

Best for: Plant-focused projects, garden installations, irrigation upgrades, or smaller outdoor enhancements you’d like ready for summer.

For those looking to maximize their outdoor enjoyment during the summer months, spring is a great time to execute a plan that was ideally created in winter.

By summer, Colorado Springs is in full bloom, and construction season is in full swing. Designers and crews are often busiest during this time, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to start your project. For homeowners, this season is often about maintenance and enjoyment, but it’s also a great time for larger construction and hardscape projects.

Advantages of hiring in summer:

• Observation advantage—See your yard in action: Summer gives you the best sense of how your yard functions—where the sun hits hardest, where you need shade, and how your family actually uses outdoor spaces. It’s the best time to walk your property with a designer to see where the sun hits, where shade is lacking, or where water drains poorly. This firsthand perspective helps fine-tune a design.
• Hardscaping opportunities: Many hardscaping projects (like patios, decks, or outdoor kitchens) are ideal for summer construction because the weather is generally stable and crews can work efficiently.
• Plan for fall planting: While summer isn’t the best season for planting (heat stress can challenge new plants), it is excellent for planning features that will be installed in the fall. If you hire a landscape designer in early summer, they can plan a project that includes fall planting—an excellent season for establishing many trees and shrubs in Colorado Springs.

Challenges: Availability may be limited since summer is the peak of both design and construction. You may also experience longer lead times for materials, as suppliers are at their busiest.

Best for: Hardscape-heavy projects like patios, pathways, outdoor kitchens, or stone landscaping.
If you hire a designer in summer, you’ll have the advantage of seeing your current landscape at its fullest, which helps inform your vision for what could be better.

Fall is often overlooked and underrated, but in Colorado Springs, it’s one of the very best times to begin the landscaping design process. As the heat fades and the growing season slows down, many homeowners start to think about what they’d like to change for next year.

Advantages of hiring in fall:

• Ideal planting conditions: In Colorado Springs, fall offers cooler temperatures and more consistent moisture, which is perfect for planting trees and shrubs. With cooler nights and warm days, plants establish strong root systems before winter sets in. Trees, shrubs, and perennials planted in the fall tend to thrive the following spring.
• Evaluate your summer yard: You’ve just spent the summer living in your outdoor spaces, so your likes, dislikes, and wish list are fresh in your mind.
• Prepare for next spring: By starting your design in the fall, you’ll have a complete plan ready to implement as soon as the ground thaws in the spring.
• Reduced demand: Fall is generally less busy than spring, so landscape designers and crews may have more availability.

Challenges: Some construction projects may be delayed until the following spring if the weather turns cold quickly.

Best for: Planting new trees and shrubs, irrigation upgrades, and planning large projects for the following year.

The advantage of fall in Colorado Springs is that it often brings with it beautiful stretches of mild weather, making it easier to complete both planting and hardscape installations before the ground freezes, making it an excellent time for landscaping projects.

While general landscaping advice applies everywhere, Colorado Springs homeowners face unique conditions that make timing even more important:

• Water restrictions: Designing with xeriscaping principles and water-efficient irrigation is crucial.
• High altitude sun: Outdoor living spaces need shade solutions and heat-tolerant plants.
• Soil challenges: Many local soils are clay-heavy or rocky, requiring amendments or raised beds.
• Wildfire risk: Fire-wise landscaping is an essential consideration in many neighborhoods near the foothills.

Hiring a local firm like Fredell Enterprises, with decades of experience in the region, ensures that these factors are accounted for from the very start.

The best time to hire a landscape designer in Colorado Springs is truly whenever you’re ready to start the process. Each season offers distinct advantages. That’s why the best time to hire a landscape designer really depends on your goals:

• For major projects with hardscaping and permitting needs: Winter or fall is best to allow ample planning time, to beat the rush, and to plan for next year.
• For planting-focused projects: Spring and fall are ideal for softscaping because the conditions are best for establishing new plants.
• For quick updates you want ready for summer: Spring is your go-to, but the earlier you start, the better.
• For irrigation setup: In addition to planting, spring is the ideal time for getting your irrigation system set up.
• For construction and observation: Naturally, summer takes the cake here since you’re able to live your outdoor space firsthand.

The key takeaway is this: the earlier you start the design process, the better your results will be. It’s important to recognize that landscape design takes time—so starting earlier than you think will pay off in the long run. Many Colorado Springs homeowners underestimate how long it takes to go from design to finished project, so contacting a landscape designer well before you want to enjoy your new landscape is the smartest move.

With over 40 years of experience in transforming outdoor spaces, Fredell Enterprises is a trusted name in Colorado Springs that has been helping homeowners create landscapes that balance beauty, functionality, and resilience. From designing water-efficient gardens to building outdoor living spaces that embrace the mountain views, our team knows how to make the most of every season. As a full-service landscape design and construction company, Fredell specializes in both the creative vision of landscape architecture and the hands-on expertise of construction and installation.

Whether you’re envisioning a stunning xeriscaped yard, a custom outdoor kitchen, or a new patio with lighting, our team can guide you from start to finish. From planting plans and irrigation systems to retaining walls and stone landscaping, we bring together every element needed to create a cohesive, functional, and beautiful outdoor space.

If you’re ready to transform your yard, don’t wait for the “perfect” season to begin—because with the right designer, every season can be the perfect time. Don’t wait until the busy season leaves you at the back of the line. Contact Fredell Enterprises today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward the landscape of your dreams.

Fredell Enterprises is here to help Colorado Springs homeowners design landscapes that are as functional as they are beautiful. Start today, and enjoy your outdoor space tomorrow.

What Is the Difference Between Hardscaping and Softscaping?

If you’ve ever started planning a new yard or outdoor project, you’ve probably heard both of these terms: landscaper and landscape designer. At first, they might sound interchangeable; after all, both work with outdoor spaces, and both roles are essential in creating beautiful and functional outdoor spaces. But while their roles can overlap, they focus on different parts of the landscaping process and bring unique skills to the table.

Understanding the difference can save you time, money, and headaches when you’re planning your outdoor transformation, help you choose the right professional for your project, and ensure that your vision becomes a reality. In this guide, we’ll break down what each role involves, where they overlap, and when to hire one over the other.

The simplest way to think about the difference is this:

• Landscape Designers focus on planning your outdoor space — they create the vision, the drawings, and the detailed layout of plants, pathways, patios, and other features.
• Landscapers focus on installing and maintaining that vision — they handle the actual construction, planting, and upkeep.

Of course, the real world isn’t always so black and white. Some landscape designers get their hands dirty on the job site, and many landscapers offer design services. But in general, one specializes in creating the plan and the other in bringing it to life.

Think of a landscape designer as the architect of your outdoor space. They don’t just pick plants and place pavers; they think through the entire layout and how each element works together. A landscape designer is primarily responsible for the creative and planning phase of a project. They envision the big picture — how different elements will come together aesthetically and functionally — before any construction or planting begins. Their work may include:

A landscape designer starts by listening to your goals. Do you want a low-maintenance yard? A pollinator garden? A backyard oasis for entertaining? They consider how you’ll use the space, your personal style, and your budget.

They may also evaluate:

• Your property’s sunlight and shade patterns
• Existing plants and structures
• Drainage and soil conditions
• Views you want to highlight or hide

• Planting plans that show where each plant species will go
• Hardscape layouts for patios, retaining walls, walkways, or water features
• Elevation drawings for sloped yards or multi-level spaces
• Color renderings so you can visualize the finished project

Landscape designers know how plants will grow and change over time. They consider:

• Bloom times for seasonal color
• Plant spacing to avoid overcrowding
• Which species thrive in your climate and soil
• How to combine textures, heights, and colors for balance

They’re also familiar with materials like stone, pavers, wood, and metal to ensure your hardscapes look great and last long.

You may also hear the term landscape architect, which refers to a licensed professional with formal education in landscape architecture. Landscape architects can handle more complex projects, such as large public spaces or designs requiring structural considerations like grading and drainage engineering.

While landscape architects operate at a more technical and often larger scale, a landscape designer can be the perfect fit for most residential and small commercial projects, offering creativity and functionality without the same level of regulatory oversight required for architectural work.

If the landscape designer is the architect, the landscaper is the builder. Landscapers bring the vision to life, working with soil, plants, stone, and machinery to install and maintain your yard. A landscaper is generally focused on the hands-on work of building, planting, and maintaining outdoor spaces. They are the boots-on-the-ground professionals who transform a design concept into a living, thriving landscape. Landscapers can specialize in several areas, including:

Before anything can be installed, the landscaper preps the area:

• Removing old plants, sod, or debris
• Grading and leveling the land
• Installing drainage systems
• Bringing in fresh soil or mulch

Landscapers are skilled in the hands-on work of:

• Planting trees, shrubs, flowers, and grass
• Installing irrigation systems
• Building patios, walkways, and retaining walls
• Setting up outdoor lighting
• Adding decorative features like fountains or fire pits

Many landscaping companies also offer maintenance services such as:

• Mowing and edging lawns
• Pruning shrubs and trees
• Mulching and weeding garden beds
• Seasonal plantings
• Fertilizing and pest control

While maintenance isn’t part of the design process, it’s essential for keeping the yard looking as good as the day it was installed.

Choosing between a landscaper and a landscape designer depends on the scope and complexity of your project:

• If you already have a clear plan and simply need the work done — such as installing plants, building a path, or putting in sod — a landscaper can get the job done.
• If you need guidance on how to transform your outdoor space — from selecting the right plants to arranging features in a cohesive way — a landscape designer can develop the plan that a landscaper will later execute.

In many cases, you might need both to achieve your desired results.

You’ll benefit from a landscape designer if:

• You’re starting from scratch with a new property
• You want a full outdoor makeover with cohesive style
• You have complex site conditions, like slopes or drainage issues
• You’re investing in high-end hardscapes or specialized plantings
• You want detailed, professional drawings to guide the installation

A designer’s plans can help you avoid costly mistakes, like planting species that won’t survive in your yard or placing patios in spots that get too much wind.

A landscaper is the right choice if:

• You already have a design or clear vision for your yard
• You need installation of plants, sod, irrigation, or hardscapes
• You want seasonal maintenance or upgrades
• You’re replacing or refreshing existing features without major layout changes

If you’re on a smaller budget, some landscapers can help sketch simple layouts or make plant recommendations without a full design package.

In many projects, a landscape designer and a landscaper work hand-in-hand. The designer develops the vision, ensuring the design complements the home’s architecture, the terrain, and the homeowner’s lifestyle. The landscaper then brings that vision to life through skilled construction, planting, and installation work.

For example:

• Step 1: The landscape designer creates a plan for a new backyard patio with surrounding flower beds, a water feature, and an irrigation system.
• Step 2: The landscaper follows those plans to build the patio, install the water feature, plant the flowers, and set up the irrigation system.

This teamwork ensures both beauty and functionality, resulting in a finished space that is both aesthetically pleasing and sustainable.

Some companies offer design-build services, meaning they have both designers and installation crews under one roof. This can make the process more seamless, since the same team handles both the planning and the construction.

Benefits of design-build:

• Smoother communication between design and installation
• Faster project timelines
• One point of contact from start to finish

If you’re looking for a team that can handle both the creative vision and the skilled execution, Fredell Enterprises in Colorado Springs offers the best of both worlds. With over 40 years of experience, Fredell provides full-service landscape architecture, design, and construction. From the initial consultation and design phase to the final installation of plants, patios, or outdoor living spaces, our team ensures every project blends beauty, functionality, and long-term durability.

You can learn more about Fredell’s landscape design services here: Colorado Springs Landscape Design or explore our company background here: About Fredell Enterprises.

While landscape designers and landscapers may sound similar and both work toward creating beautiful outdoor spaces, their roles are distinct but complementary: one creates the plan, and the other makes it real. A designer lays the creative groundwork, and a landscaper brings it to life.

If you want a cohesive, long-term vision for your yard, start with a designer. If you’re ready to install or refresh your outdoor space, a landscaper is your go-to. And if you want the best of both worlds, look for a design-build company that can guide you from the first sketch to the last planted flower.

For Colorado Springs homeowners who want a seamless experience from concept to completion, working with a company like Fredell Enterprises, which offers both, ensures your outdoor space is as stunning as it is functional.