Business Details
24 Years
experience
Custom Landscape Design Services in Denver, CO
Founded in 2002, Black Forest Landscape Design Studio specializes in creating customized outdoor spaces tailored to Colorado's unique climate. Our design-only approach ensures unbiased solutions focused solely on client needs, whether for DIY installations or contractor-led projects. We provide scaled plans, detailed budgets, and plant selection guidance to maximize property value and curb appeal. With expertise in CAD technology and hardscape design, we collaborate with trusted contractors to ensure installations meet our high standards. Our educational background, including teaching roles at Denver Botanic Gardens and Colorado State University, reinforces our commitment to informed, sustainable designs.We prioritize client collaboration, offering step-by-step roadmaps and avoiding common landscaping pitfalls. Serving Metro Denver and surrounding areas, our work balances aesthetic beauty with functional outdoor living spaces. Featured on Houzz, we maintain a reputation for affordability, creativity, and deep horticultural knowledge. Our focus remains on delivering precise, client-centric designs that thrive in Colorado's environment.
Services
Residential Landscape Design
Commercial Landscape Architecture
Landscape Drafting
Site Inventory Services
Installation Oversight
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- Design-Only Focus ensures unbiased, client-first solutions
- Expertise in Colorado climate-specific plant selection
- Detailed project roadmaps with material and labor budgets
- Installation oversight with trusted contractor partnerships
- Educational resources to avoid common landscaping pitfalls
What people say
Masterful combination of plants
Superior plant knowledge
Excellent creative solutions
Affordable pricing
Year-round blooming expertise
Services
Residential Landscape Design
Transform outdoor spaces with custom residential designs that enhance curb appeal and property value. Our plans incorporate climate-appropriate plants, functional layouts, and aesthetic elements tailored to homeowner lifestyles. We provide detailed documentation for DIY implementation or professional contractor bidding.
Commercial Landscape Architecture
Create sustainable commercial outdoor environments meeting municipal codes and business needs. Our designs balance aesthetics with functionality for high-traffic areas, incorporating durable materials and low-maintenance plant selections that withstand Colorado's climate conditions.
Landscape Drafting
Produce precise scaled drawings using advanced CAD technology for accurate implementation. Our drafting services include hardscape elements, planting layouts, and irrigation plans ensuring clear communication between designers and installers for error-free execution.
Site Inventory Services
Conduct detailed property assessments documenting existing conditions for accurate design development. We use digital surveying tools to create base plans capturing topography, utilities, and vegetation, providing essential data for efficient project planning and cost estimation.
Installation Oversight
Ensure proper implementation through contractor collaboration and quality control. Our oversight prevents common installation errors like improper drainage and irrigation placement, verifying designs are executed according to specifications for long-term landscape success.
People
Dan Lee
Licensed Landscape Architect
With 25+ years of Colorado landscape design experience, Dan founded Black Forest in 2002 after graduating from Colorado State University. He specializes in climate-appropriate plant selection and CAD-based design solutions for residential and commercial clients.
Questions
What services do you offer?
We provide residential and commercial landscape design, CAD drafting, site inventory analysis, and installation oversight services tailored to Colorado's climate conditions.
Do you handle installation?
We focus exclusively on design but collaborate with trusted contractors for installation oversight to ensure proper implementation of our plans.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Metro Denver and surrounding communities including Boulder, Colorado Springs, Lakewood, and Arvada.
How do you select plants?
We choose plants specifically adapted to Colorado's climate, focusing on drought tolerance, seasonal interest, and low-maintenance requirements for long-term success.
Can you help with DIY projects?
Yes, we provide detailed plans and guidance specifically designed for DIY implementation, including material lists and step-by-step project roadmaps.
What's your design process?
We begin with a site analysis, then develop customized plans incorporating client preferences, followed by detailed documentation and optional installation support.