Professional Landscapes for Colorado's Future

Why ColoradoScaping?

Colorado’s landscapes are beautiful but fragile. With rising water costs, recurring drought, and high rates of plant loss, there’s a pressing need for professionals trained to create water-efficient, sustainable landscapes tailored for Colorado’s unique climate conditions.

Environmental Benefits & Cost Savings

Reduce water usage with efficient irrigation and climate-appropriate plants.
Cut long-term costs by lowering water bills and minimizing plant replacement.
Promote stewardship by helping homeowners, HOAs, and communities care for Colorado’s natural resources responsibly.
Create lasting beauty with native and drought-tolerant plants that thrive in our state’s climate.

THE Colorado Landscaping Credential that Matters Most

35 Hours of Training: 20 hours online + 15 hours hands-on.
Hands-On Proficiency: Real Colorado-specific skills, not just theory.
Native & Drought-Tolerant Plants: Beauty + water savings.
Advanced Credential: Sets professionals apart in the industry.

How It Works

ColoradoScaping is a comprehensive 35-hour training program open to landscape professionals with 1-2 years of experience, as well as anyone in or adjacent to the landscape industry, including municipalities and water providers. Both the 20 hours of self-paced online learning and the 15 hours of hands-on, in-person training are required to earn certification. Anyone can take the online course to gain knowledge. ALCC membership is required for the in-person portion. Initially offered in English, a Spanish version is planned for 2027.

Online Learning

20 hours of self-paced, on-demand modules with text, videos, and knowledge checks, accessible via CSU’s online learning platform.

Hands-On Training

15 hours of in-person training with skill demonstrations, participant practice, and evaluations (requires ALCC membership).

Why Get Certified?

The ColoradoScaping Certification is an advanced credential, poised to be the Colorado landscaping credential that matters most. Getting certified will elevate your status and role in the community.

Stand Out in Colorado

Inclusive training for landscape professionals with 1-2 years of experience.
Flexible 20-hour online and 15-hour hands-on learning.
Elevate your professional status with a recognized credential.
Strengthen your role in Colorado’s landscaping community.

Who Benefits?

Landscape Companies

Train and promote employees with advanced skills. Stand out in bids and reduce costly rework.

Water Providers & Municipalities

Achieve water conservation goals and recognize certified contractors who deliver results.

HOAs

Require certified professionals to lower water bills and ensure sustainable landscapes.

Homeowners

Save money, enjoy thriving landscapes, and be good stewards of Colorado’s resources.

ColoradoScaping vs. SLM Colorado

ColoradoScaping

Advanced, in-depth certification for professionals with 1-2 years’ experience, focusing on design, planting, irrigation, and hands-on skills tailored for Colorado’s climate.

SLM Colorado

Essential entry-level training for beginners with little to no experience, focused on maintenance best practices and crew skills.

Together, these programs create a pathway for professional growth and ensure Colorado’s landscapes succeed at every level; consider both for a ‘Sustainability Expert’ title.

Join the Movement

ColoradoScaping Certification launches in early 2026. Be among the first to elevate your skills, reduce water use, and build landscapes that thrive in Colorado.

Landscape Companies:

Elevate your crews.

Utilities & Municipalities:

Promote water-smart landscapes.

HOAs:

Require certified professionals.

Homeowners:

Hire certified pros for sustainable landscapes.

Get Started

Program Curriculum

Explore the comprehensive 35-hour ColoradoScaping Certification, blending 20 hours of online learning with 15 hours of hands-on training, designed for sustainable landscaping.

Course 1: AGLL 2221 - Colorado Landscape Planning and Design

Module 1: Botany for Landscape Professionals

Use correct plant terminology for effective communication.
Identify characteristics for a functional, beautiful plant palette.
Lessons: Recognizing Plants, Plant Structures, Plant Growth

Module 2: Plant Palette

Evaluate plants to meet landscape goals.
Understand characteristics for functional design.
Lessons: Perennials, Shrubs, Trees

Module 3: Native Plants for Colorado Landscapes

Select native plants for Colorado conditions.
Install/maintain using water-wise practices.
Lessons: Intro to Native Plants, Selection, Installation

Module 4: Landscape Design for Contractors

Understand design principles for sustainable landscapes.
Bridge gaps between design, installation, maintenance.
Lessons: Design Principles, Collaboration Strategies

Module 5: Ignition Resistant Landscapes

Create landscapes to minimize wildfire risks.
Understand Home Ignition Zones (HIZ).
Lessons: Fire Resistance, Plant Selection

Course 2: AGLL 2212 - Colorado Landscape Installation

Module 1: Reading the Landscape Plan

Interpret landscape plan symbols and layout.
Make informed field adjustments.

Module 2: Planting Site Considerations

Conduct site evaluations for planting success.
Apply sustainability principles.

Module 3: Soils Considerations

Manage soil types and compaction.
Select appropriate amendments and fertilizers.
Lessons: Soils Intro, Amendments, Compaction

Module 4: Planting Success

Master planting techniques for trees, perennials, annuals.
Ensure proper transplanting methods.

Module 5: Evaluating Plant Health

Select healthy plant material from nurseries.

Course 3: AGLL 2213 - Colorado Landscape Irrigation

Module 1: Irrigation Planning and Design

Plan and design efficient irrigation systems.

Module 2: Irrigation Installation

Install irrigation systems for sustainability.

Module 3: Retrofit Considerations

Address retrofit needs for existing systems.

Module 4: Maintenance

Maintain irrigation for long-term efficiency.

Course 4: AGLL 2214 - Colorado Landscape Maintenance

Module 1: Framework - Critical Thinking/Problem Solving

Connect design to efficient maintenance practices.
Adapt to site realities with practical solutions.
Lessons: Design Connection, Site Evaluation, Adaptive Management

Module 2: Integrated Pest Management

Apply IPM principles for plant health.
Diagnose and manage plant problems sustainably.
Lessons: IPM Fundamentals, Plant Health Care, Diagnostics

Module 3: Maintenance BMPs

Master best practices for weeds, mowing, pruning.
Optimize fertilization and aeration.

Module 4: Tools - Right Tool for Right Job

Learn proper tool selection and maintenance.

Contact Us

For more information, reach out to us at [email protected] or sign up for updates.

ColoradoScaping - ALCC - CSU

ColoradoScaping – Because Colorado’s Landscapes Deserve the Best

A collaboration between ALCC and Colorado State University Extension