Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

How much should I budget for my landscape?

Accepted Answer

A good rule of thumb is to invest 10–25% of your home's value into your landscaping. This range allows for flexibility depending on the size, features, and complexity of your project.

Question 2

When should I plant grass in Utah's climate?

Accepted Answer

Early spring and early fall are ideal times to plant grass, as the temperatures and moisture levels support strong root development. However, with proper watering and care, grass can be planted outside those windows too.

Question 3

What's the difference between landscaping and hardscaping?

Accepted Answer

Landscaping refers to the living elements in your yard—like grass, trees, flowers, and garden beds. Hardscaping focuses on non-living features such as patios, walkways, retaining walls, and fire pits. Together, they create a balanced and functional outdoor space.

Question 4

Is landscaping fabric worth it?

Accepted Answer

Yes! When installed correctly, landscaping fabric is an effective way to suppress weed growth while allowing water and nutrients to reach your soil. It's especially useful in garden beds and under decorative rock.

Question 5

Why do I have dry spots in my yard?

Accepted Answer

Dry patches are usually caused by uneven sprinkler coverage or clogged heads. Other factors could include compacted soil, poor drainage, or sloped terrain. A sprinkler audit can help identify and fix the issue.

Question 6

What is xeriscaping and is it right for my yard?

Accepted Answer

Xeriscaping is a water-efficient landscaping method that uses drought-tolerant plants, efficient irrigation, and minimal lawn space. It's a great option for Utah's dry climate, reducing both water use and maintenance.

Question 7

How long do landscape projects take in American Fork and Utah Valley?

Accepted Answer

The timeline depends on the size and scope of your project. Small upgrades may take just a few days, while larger designs or full yard remodels could take several weeks. We provide a clear timeline during your consultation.

Question 8

Do I need a permit for landscaping projects?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, basic landscaping does not require a permit. However, structural elements like retaining walls, decks, or electrical work (e.g., lighting) may need approval depending on local regulations. We'll guide you through any required permits.

Question 9

Can you help with landscape design, or do I need to hire a designer separately?

Accepted Answer

We've got you covered! Our team offers full-service landscape design and planning. We'll work with you to create a layout that fits your vision, budget, and property—no separate designer needed.

Question 10

What's included in your landscape maintenance after installation?

Accepted Answer

We provide soil preparation, planting, sod, garden design, sprinklers, mulching, and edging. Our priority is expert landscape design and installation over maintenance contracts. However, we offer post-installation care guidance and remain available for ongoing support.

Question 11

Which plants thrive in Utah's dry climate and soil conditions?

Accepted Answer

We recommend drought-tolerant native shrubs, flowering perennials, ornamental grasses, succulents, and evergreens. All plants are selected specifically for Utah's hot summers, cold winters, and unique soil conditions.

Question 12

Do you provide sprinkler winterization services?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We offer complete sprinkler winterization services to protect your irrigation system from Utah's freezing temperatures. We also provide spring startup services to get your system running smoothly each season.

Question 13

What areas does Urban Forest Landscape serve?

Accepted Answer

Urban Forest Landscape is based in Provo and serves Utah County, including Mapleton, Springville, Spanish Fork, Alpine, American Fork, Lehi, Orem, Saratoga Springs, and surrounding cities. We specialize in high-end hardscapes and complete outdoor living builds, with a focus on new-construction 'blank canvas' yards throughout the region.

Question 14

Do you landscape brand-new construction homes with bare dirt yards?

Accepted Answer

Yes — bare new-construction lots are our specialty. Across Provo and Utah County, Urban Forest Landscape takes a blank-canvas yard from raw dirt to finished in one coordinated build: grading, retaining walls, sod, irrigation, planting, and hardscape, so you deal with one crew instead of several contractors.

Question 15

Are paver patios better than concrete for Utah's climate?

Accepted Answer

For Provo and Utah County, paver patios beat poured concrete because pavers are individual units that flex with freeze-thaw movement rather than cracking. Installed over a deeply compacted gravel base, they handle Utah County's heavy clay soils and snowplowing, staying level and attractive for decades with easy spot repairs.

Question 16

Do I need a permit for a retaining wall in Utah County?

Accepted Answer

In most Utah County cities, retaining walls four feet or taller require engineering and a city permit. Urban Forest Landscape handles that for you — from engineering and design to pulling permits — so your Provo-area wall is fully compliant, properly drained, and built to hold grade long-term.

Question 17

What is a 'big ticket' outdoor living project?

Accepted Answer

A big-ticket project is a full outdoor living transformation — paver patios, structural retaining walls, fire pits, seating walls, and outdoor kitchens — built as statement pieces. In Provo and Utah County, these high-end hardscapes deliver some of the strongest returns on investment and become the centerpiece of the yard.

Question 18

When is the best time to start a landscaping project in Utah County?

Accepted Answer

Utah County's building season runs March through August, so booking early is smart — our calendar fills fast in spring. Urban Forest Landscape recommends planning hardscape and new-installation projects in winter or early spring so your Provo-area yard is finished and ready to enjoy by summer.

Question 19

Will heavy clay soil ruin my new patio or hardscape?

Accepted Answer

No — we build for it. Heavy clay is common across Utah County and expands and contracts with moisture. Urban Forest Landscape excavates and replaces it with a substantial compacted gravel base, and uses flexible paver systems that move slightly with the soil, keeping your Provo-area patio level for decades.

Question 20

Why choose Urban Forest Landscape for hardscaping in Provo?

Accepted Answer

Urban Forest Landscape is a Provo-based, licensed, insured, and bonded landscaping company specializing in high-end hardscapes and outdoor living across Utah County. We focus on durable, freeze-thaw-rated builds and full new-construction yards, backing materials and workmanship with a warranty and clear, start-to-finish communication on every project.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I budget for my landscape?

When should I plant grass in Utah's climate?

What’s the difference between landscaping and hardscaping?

Is landscaping fabric worth it?

Why do I have dry spots in my yard?

What is xeriscaping and is it right for my yard?

How long do landscape projects take in American Fork and Utah Valley?

Do I need a permit for landscaping projects?

Can you help with landscape design, or do I need to hire a designer separately?

What’s included in your landscape maintenance after installation?

Which plants thrive in Utah's dry climate and soil conditions?

Do you provide sprinkler winterization services?

What areas does Urban Forest Landscape serve?

Do you landscape brand-new construction homes with bare dirt yards?

Are paver patios better than concrete for Utah's climate?

Do I need a permit for a retaining wall in Utah County?

What is a "big ticket" outdoor living project?

When is the best time to start a landscaping project in Utah County?

Will heavy clay soil ruin my new patio or hardscape?

Why choose Urban Forest Landscape for hardscaping in Provo?

Let’s Bring Your Dream Yard to Life

Expert Landscaping for Utah County’s Finest Neighborhoods

Services

Our Areas

Company

More