For many of us, the idea of a “nice” yard comes with a familiar image: a wide stretch of green grass, neatly trimmed and irrigated all summer long. It’s what many of us grew up with and what we’ve seen in neighborhoods across the country. But here’s a reality that we’re all facing as we see continued growth and climate variability. That landscaping style was never designed for Colorado.
As conversations about water use continue to grow, so does the focus on rethinking how our outdoor spaces look and function. This shift isn’t about taking something away. It’s about reconnecting with what actually fits the place we live and understanding that water-wise landscapes aren’t new or radical. In fact, Colorado has been here before.
TL;DR Summary
- Colorado has always had a semi-arid climate, and before urban and suburban growth, the Front Range was largely covered with native grasses, wildflowers and shrubs.
- Aesthetic preferences and practices from wetter states became the norm in Colorado, even though these landscapes don’t reflect the reality of our state’s natural climate.
- Xeriscaping, not “zeroscaping,” was coined in the early 1980s by Denver Water to address growing concerns about population booms and water supply, and its principles remain excellent to follow today.
- Reimagining your landscape to fit where we live doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It can be done in realistic chunks, and there are plenty of resources to help.
Before Suburbs, Before Sprinklers
Long before neighborhoods, sidewalks and irrigation systems, the Front Range was shaped by a dry climate, strong sun and persistent wind. Much of the area consisted of open prairie with native grasses, wildflowers and shrubs adapted to survive on limited rainfall. Trees were naturally concentrated along rivers and creeks, where water was more consistently available.
This landscape was resilient by design. It evolved to thrive with roughly 14 to 15 inches of precipitation a year, far less than many parts of the country. The climate Colorado experiences today isn’t new. What is new is how we’ve come to expect our yards to look.
How the Green Lawn Took Over
As communities along the Front Range grew, particularly during the suburban housing boom of the mid-20th century, landscaping trends followed people moving here from other parts of the country, where lush lawns made sense. Those aesthetics came west with new development and, over time, became the default expectation. This wasn’t a mistake made out of neglect or bad intentions. It was simply a cultural habit and status symbol that took hold before long-term sustainability was part of the conversation.
Kentucky bluegrass lawns became common, even though they require significantly more water than native or climate-adapted plants. Kentucky bluegrass is not native to Colorado, or even to the United States. European settlers brought it to the U.S. in the 1600s, and it grew in popularity because of its resiliency, beauty and feel. If you want to dive deeper into the history of lawns in the United States, this Colorado Newsline article lays out a fascinating timeline.
Colorado Has Faced This Before
Northern Colorado isn’t the first place to grapple with the relationship between growth, water supply and landscaping. In the late 1970s, Denver experienced rapid population growth amid a drought. Water leaders recognized that continuing to landscape as if the region had abundant rainfall wasn’t realistic. In response, a group led by Denver Water employees began developing a new approach to gardening that prioritized conservation and thoughtful design.
That effort led to the creation of the term xeriscaping in the early 1980s. Derived from the Greek word xeros, meaning “dry,” xeriscaping was never meant to imply lifeless or barren yards. Instead, xeriscaping was designed as a teaching tool. It emphasized planning landscapes that work with local conditions, use water efficiently and still support vibrant plant life. Over time, the concept helped shift water use in Denver even as the city’s population grew significantly.
Xeriscaping Does Not Mean “Zeroscaping”
One of the biggest misconceptions about water-wise landscaping is that it means removing all plants and covering yards in rock. That approach, often called “zeroscaping,” can actually create new problems. All-rock landscapes tend to absorb and radiate heat, making outdoor spaces hotter. They provide little habitat for pollinators and can increase runoff rather than help water soak into the soil.
True xeriscaping is about balance. It often includes a mix of native and adapted plants, healthy soil and efficient irrigation. Some homeowners choose to keep small areas of lawn, while others replace turf with grasses and plants that require far less water. The goal isn’t to eliminate greenery. It’s to choose plants that make sense for Colorado’s climate.
What Water-Wise Landscaping Really Looks Like (And Can Look Like for You!)
At its core, water-wise landscaping starts with thoughtful design. It considers how plants will be grouped, how water will flow through the yard and how irrigation can be used efficiently. Many people are surprised to learn that xeriscaping doesn’t mean giving up flowers, shade or color.
In fact, well-designed landscapes can be lush, layered and visually interesting while using significantly less water. Native plants support pollinators and wildlife. Mulch helps retain moisture. Healthy soil improves water absorption. Small design choices, repeated across many households, can have a meaningful impact.
Why This Matters Now
Outdoor watering makes up nearly 50% of residential water use during the summer months. While individual yards may seem small in the big picture, the cumulative effect across the region is significant. Water-wise landscaping helps align water demand with water supply. It reduces strain on the system, supports long-term reliability and allows communities to grow more thoughtfully. Just as importantly, it reconnects our outdoor spaces to the place we live rather than the places we may have lived before.
Getting Inspired Without Feeling Overwhelmed
Reimagining landscapes doesn’t mean changing everything overnight. It starts with learning, observing and experimenting. Demonstration gardens, such as those at Northern Water, show what water-wise design looks like in practice. Free online seminars from organizations like Resource Central offer guidance for homeowners at every stage, whether you’re making small adjustments or planning a larger change. Whether you’ve lived in northern Colorado your whole life or are new to the area, adopting landscaping practices that reflect our climate is one way to care for both your home and the region.
A Landscape That Fits Where We Live
Colorado has always been dry. That reality hasn’t changed. What can change is how we design the spaces around our homes. By reimagining what a “typical” suburban landscape looks like, we’re not giving something up. We’re returning to designs that fit the place we chose to live, supporting beauty, resilience and sustainability for years to come.
