Does your property have steep slopes? Steep slopes are difficult to mow and prone to water runoff.

Does your property have any drainage channels, detention ponds, or other low-lying areas? Chronically wet soils can lack oxygen, making it difficult to sustain traditional landscaping.

Does your lawn dry out too fast, or hold water too long? Do you have trouble maintaining grass near the street? These problems may be caused by challenging soils, such as sand and clay, and salt spray from snow melt products.

Is your lawn shaded and sparse? Traditional lawns prefer full sun – when shaded, some turf grasses tend to be thin, patchy, and difficult to maintain.

Do you have large areas of rock or gravel? These areas offer no wildlife value, contribute to urban heating, and if lined with plastic, contribute to increased stormwater runoff and flooding.

Are you maintaining turf grass where no one is walking, playing or otherwise using? These areas are great candidates for a low-water use landscape.

1. Good landscape design saves water while also beautifying your property

A water wise landscape does not need to be a lifeless sea of rock. If designed right, native and climate-adapted plants require little to no watering, once established, while saving water, improving the health of the plants, and lowering maintenance costs. When designed appropriately lawns located in areas of active use can be part of a water wise landscape.

2. Modern technology saves water and money

In the past 20 years, irrigation technology has improved significantly, delivering water more efficiently, and with less evaporation. A new system, properly designed by a professional, can reduce your outdoor water consumption by 20 to 50 percent (learn more on the EPA’s website [PDF]). Even minor tweaks to optimize your existing system can save money! To learn about free irrigation inspections, check out Resource Central's website or call 303-999-3824.

3. Healthy soils are water wise

Loamy soils (not-too-clayey, not-too sandy) provide better water infiltration for plants. Clayey and sandy soils can be improved by mixing in compost. Have your soil tested for texture, fertility, and salinity before beginning any landscape conversion – it can help you identify and solve problems, even before they start. Soil testing is offered as part of an irrigation inspection or you can contact Colorado State University.

4. Mulch protects your soil and plants

Organic material (made from living things like trees) keeps the soil and plant roots cool, prevents soil crusting, and improves water infiltration. Rock mulches also protect the soil, but they heat the soil and should be used sparingly. All mulches reduce evaporation and weed growth. Be sure to install and maintain mulch – usually three or four inches will do the job.

5. Maintenance matters

Improving soil health, installing mulch, and using the right plants in the right locations will save water, but there are additional ways to save water that don’t require major conversions or expense, such as regular aeration of lawns, adapting watering schedules, changing mowing practices, adjusting spray heads, and replacing mismatched nozzles. Learn more about irrigation best management practices by visiting the Irrigation Association’s website.

6. Hire wisely

If you are interested in a water wise landscape conversion, consider seeking the expertise of a licensed landscape architect. When interviewing contractors, ask for water saving data and case studies from their work on projects similar to yours. Look for contractors with experience in maintaining native and sustainable landscapes, and those with Landscape Industry Certified Technician (LICT) certifications. Find an irrigation professional at EPA’s WaterSense website.

Do you have detention ponds or drainage channels? Contact Environmental Services or visit the Permanent Stormwater Controls webpage to make sure proposed designs are meeting the approved Permanent Stormwater Control Permit requirements and creating a healthy watershed.

Do you have a City approved landscape plan? Property owners, including HOAs, are required to maintain landscaping consistent with City approved landscape plans – like those included in Site Plans or Planned Unit Developments (PUD). To significantly modify an existing landscape plan, such as converting large turfgrass areas to a water wise landscape, an amendment to the approved plans may be required.

1. Determine if your property is a good candidate for a water wise landscape conversion (see checklist). Have a soil test and irrigation inspection done before proceeding with design.
2. Draft conceptual design changes.
3. Contact the City to determine if a plan amendment is needed. Significant modifications will usually require a plan amendment. If an amendment is required, the following information will typically be required on the plans:
   
   • Include all information required for the applicable development application – check the Land Development Code and Design Standards & Construction Specifications for current requirements.
   • Identify existing and proposed irrigation sources – tap location, size, water pressure, and flow rate.
   • Include irrigation plans with planting information (matching the landscape plan). The irrigation plan must include tap sizing calculations (see Section 603.03 of the Design Standards & Construction Specifications). Deviations from City standards may require modifications or variances.
   • Include a maintenance obligation statement.
4. Work with licensed professional to prepare the plans. The landscape plan must be prepared by a licensed landscape architect, unless the property is exempt from this state requirement (such as a single-family residence).
5. Submit the plan to the City for approval.
6. Install water wise landscaping consistent with the approved plans.

Case Studies

• Xeriscape Comes to Reynolds Farm HOA
• Hover Woods HOA Master Plan Phase 1
• Pollinator Garden in Shadow Grass HOA
• City of Longmont Turf to Water-Wise Turf Transition

Funding Opportunities

• City of Longmont's Sustainable Neighborhoods Solutions
• City of Longmont's Neighborhood Improvement Program
• Northern Water Conservancy District Grant Program

Landscape Resources

• Resource Central Garden in a Box
• Colorado Water Wise Landscape Resources
• Northern Water Garden Conservation
• Colorado State University Extension
• Denver Water's WaterWise Landscape Handbook [PDF]
• Colorado Springs Utilities Water-Wise Landscape Resources
• Plant Select
• Find a Landscape Professional:
  • Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado
  • EPA WaterSense Professional
  • Irrigation Association

Learn more about water conservation opportunities at bit.ly/water-matters