Landscape Contractor Training

October 24 | 8:15 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

The City of Boulder is hosting a free, full-day training designed to equip landscape contractors with the technical skills, city standards and communication tools needed to deliver climate-resilient wildfire-aware and water-wise landscapes.

Participants will receive hands-on instruction, practical specifications and real-world guidance aligned with City of Boulder standards. Attendees will also be entered into a giveaway for electric landscape equipment — including blowers and chainsaws.

Why Attend?

This training will help you:

• Install and maintain landscapes that meet City of Boulder standards
• Implement wildfire- and climate-resilient best practices
• Strengthen your ability to guide clients on sustainable landscape decisions
• Connect homeowners to available city and regional funding resources
• Be included on a City-recognized contractor list shared with community members and partner programs

The workshop is offered at no cost, and meals will be provided.

Training Overview

This is a single, comprehensive training day featuring classroom instruction and hands-on field experience.

Morning Session: Landscaping in Colorado

Led by subject matter experts, this session covers:

• Native plants and soil health best practices
• Tree care, watering and WUI-safe maintenance
• Turf alternatives and turf transition strategies
• Organic lawn care basics
• Low-water irrigation systems and leak detection
• Weed identification and targeted management

Midday Hands-On Installation

Participants will get real world experience with climate-resilient landscapes at a community site. Activities may include:

• Native plant and tree installation
• Juniper removal and fuel load reduction
• Irrigation assessment and upgrades
• Mulching and ground pruning
• WUI-focused landscape techniques
• Real-world experience with detailed home assessment interpretation

This session reinforces morning instruction through applied, real-world practice.

Afternoon Session: Landscaping in Boulder

Led by City of Boulder staff, this session focuses on:

• Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) landscaping principles
• Fire-adapted communities and home ignition zones
• Design strategies that reduce wildfire risk
• The city’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach
• Pesticide-free landscape management practices
• The DHA home assessment process and available funding
• How to communicate effectively with homeowners about risk, water use and sustainable practices
• Connecting clients with city and regional resources

Who Should Attend?

• Landscape contractors (formal and informal)
• Installation and maintenance crews
• Irrigation professionals
• Tree care professionals
• Spanish- and English-speaking landscape professionals

Multiple workshops will be offered, with sessions in Spanish and English.

What’s Included

• Free 7-hour training
• Breakfast, lunch and snacks
• Q&A
• Entry into giveaway for electric landscape equipment
• Opportunity to be listed as a trained contractor resource for the community

Space is limited. Secure your spot and strengthen your expertise in climate-resilient landscaping.