About Us
Earth Art Landscape Excavation was founded in 1999 in Durango, Colorado with a clear mission: to blend intelligent excavation practices with landscape artistry so clients receive outdoor spaces that perform structurally and delight aesthetically. For over two decades we’ve delivered landscape services, excavation, hardscape construction, retaining walls, pond installations, and material hauling for homeowners and light commercial clients. Our team balances technical excavation expertise with thoughtful landscape design to ensure every project stands up to Durango’s climate and seasonal demands.
Our Story and Values
The company began when our founder saw a gap in the local market—contractors who could both properly prepare a site and thoughtfully design and install a landscape that respects local ecology. From the beginning, Earth Art committed to:
Craftsmanship: We take pride in careful site work, precise grading, and durable installations.
Stewardship: We design landscapes that conserve water, protect soils, and minimize erosion.
Integrity: Transparent pricing, realistic timelines, and open communication form the backbone of our client relationships.
Safety: Our crews follow safety protocols and maintain a clean, organized job site.
Local knowledge: We use decades of local experience to advise on plant selection, frost-depth considerations, and stormwater handling.
Our Team and Expertise
Our staff includes experienced equipment operators, landscape installers, and design-minded project managers. Many of our crew members have worked in Colorado landscapes for years and bring hands-on experience with:
Excavation Equipment: compact excavators, skid steers, tracked loaders, and rollers for compaction.
Grading and drainage systems: creating safe slopes, swales, and subdrain systems to protect properties.
Hardscape installation: proper base preparation for pavers, concrete prep, and edge restraint systems.
Retaining wall construction: designing and building walls with structural integrity and aesthetic finish.
Pond installation: careful excavation, liner selection, and integrating plumbing and filtration.
Why Our Process Works
We integrate design thinking early, so excavation anticipates plant needs, irrigation, and long-term access. Too often, landscape projects are approached in silos—design without attention to the subgrade, or excavation without a plan for finishes. Our integrated process reduces rework and hidden costs:
1.
Discovery
Understand client priorities, usage, and budget.
2.
Assessment
Site conditions, soil testing insights, and drainage mapping.
3.
Planning
Matching design elements with geotechnical realities and material choices.
4.
Execution
Well-coordinated equipment, materials, and skilled installation.
5.
Follow-up
Post-installation checks, maintenance guidance, and warranty support.
Commitment to Durango’s Environment
Durango’s landscapes are unique—high desert grasses, riparian corridors, and mountainous terrain require tailored approaches. We emphasize:
Native and drought-tolerant plantings where appropriate to reduce water use and maintenance.
Erosion control techniques on slopes and disturbed soils to protect local waterways.
Seasonal timing to respect plant establishment windows and avoid snowmelt complications.
Services
Earth Art provides a full range of services to handle landscapes from concept to completion:
Landscape Design & Installation
Planting plans, irrigation coordination, and sustainable landscapes.
Excavation & Site Prep
Foundation digging, grading, and subgrade compaction.
Hardscapes
Patios, walkways, driveway prep, and stonework.
Retaining Walls
Gravity and engineered walls to stabilize slopes and create usable spaces.
Pond & Pond Liner Installation
Holistic pond systems for aesthetics and habitat.
Gravel Driveways & Material Hauling
Sand, gravel, stone, and soil deliveries to ensure right materials at the right time.
Projects and Portfolio Highlights
Over the years we’ve completed projects that range from small backyard renovations to large site prep for light commercial builds. Examples include:
Restorative landscape on a hillside property with terraced retaining walls, native revegetation, and an integrated irrigation plan.
Full backyard transformation including excavation for a formal pond, stone terraces, and perennial plantings suited for solar exposure.
Gravel driveway reconstruction with engineered base, geotextile, and proper crown for drainage to prevent washboard and rutting.
Concrete slab prep and foundation dig for a residential garage and small commercial outbuilding.
Client Testimonials and Long-Term Relationships
Many clients return to Earth Art for maintenance updates, expansions, and new projects. Our relationships are built on communication, clear expectations, and the reliability that comes from years in the field. While we respect client privacy, we are happy to provide references and show examples of completed projects.
Safety, Insurance, and Professionalism
We carry appropriate insurance to protect our clients and teams. Safety briefings are standard at the start of every project, and our crews adhere to OSHA and local safety guidelines. Equipment is regularly serviced, and operators are trained for safe operation in residential neighborhoods and more confined urban sites.
Frequently Asked Question
What makes Earth Art different from other landscape or excavation contractors?
Our integrated approach — combining design awareness with technical excavation competency — means fewer surprises and a finished product that performs well from day one.
How do you price projects?
We provide clear estimates based on scope: site assessment, volume of excavation, materials, labor, and equipment hours. We detail allowances for materials and outline what’s included to reduce unexpected costs.
Do you offer seasonal maintenance?
While our core focus is design, excavation, and installation, we do offer guidance and can recommend maintenance contractors or coordinate seasonal touch-ups as needed.
What areas do you serve?
Based in Durango, Colorado we serve residential and light commercial clients in Durango and surrounding communities. Contact us to confirm service availability for your property.
Are you insured and licensed?
We maintain appropriate insurance and follow local licensing requirements. We’ll provide documentation on request.
Contact and Next Steps
If you’re ready to discuss your landscape or excavation project, call (970) 946-2236 to schedule a site consultation. We’ll meet at your property, review goals, identify constraints, and provide a clear, written estimate. Earth Art Landscape Excavation — practical craftsmanship that honors the land.