Summer Water Conservation Tips for Colorado Lawns & Gardens

Colorado's summers can be hot, dry, and unpredictable. With over 60 years of experience serving Northern Colorado, our Bath Landscape & Irrigation staff understand these unique challenges because we are your neighbors. Between long stretches of sunshine, high elevations, and limited rainfall, keeping your lawn and garden healthy without overusing water requires expert knowledge and sustainable practices.

At Bath Landscape & Irrigation, we specialize in creating water-wise landscapes that thrive in Colorado's arid climate. Here are our top summer water conservation tips for Colorado landscapes, designed to reduce waste and help your yard flourish in our unique environment.

1. Water Early in the Morning

Watering your lawn and garden early (ideally between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m.) helps minimize water loss due to evaporation. Midday heat and sun can cause up to 30% of your water to evaporate before it ever reaches the roots. Early morning watering gives your plants time to absorb moisture before the heat sets in, making every drop count.

2. Adjust Sprinklers to Avoid Overspray

Take a walk through your yard while the sprinklers are running. If you see water hitting sidewalks, driveways, or patios, it's time for a professional adjustment. Overspray wastes water and increases runoff. Properly calibrated sprinkler heads should target lawns and garden beds only. Consider upgrading to rotary nozzles, which apply water more efficiently than traditional spray heads; our irrigation specialists can help you select the right system for your property.

3. Install a Professional Smart Irrigation System

Smart irrigation controllers automatically adjust watering schedules using weather data and soil moisture levels. These advanced systems prevent overwatering during rainy periods and boost water delivery when conditions are extra dry. Many Colorado water providers offer rebates for installing smart irrigation technology. Our expert irrigation team designs and installs these systems to maximize water efficiency while maintaining optimal plant health.

4. Use Professional-Grade Mulch to Retain Soil Moisture

A thick layer of quality mulch, especially organic options like bark, wood chips, or straw, helps regulate soil temperature and reduce evaporation. Mulch also suppresses weeds that compete with your plants for water. A 2 to 4-inch layer of properly applied mulch can dramatically affect water retention in flower beds, around shrubs, or under trees.

5. Mow High and Leave the Clippings

Keeping your lawn slightly longer in summer (about 3 inches tall) helps shade the soil, reduce evaporation, and encourage deeper root growth. Instead of bagging your clippings, let them decompose right on the lawn. They act as natural mulch, returning moisture and nutrients to the soil.

6. Group Plants with Similar Water Needs

Known as hydro-zoning, this professional landscape design strategy makes irrigation management more efficient. Place drought-tolerant plants like Russian sage, yarrow, or blue grama grass together and keep thirstier varieties in separate areas. Hydro-zoning allows you to tailor watering zones more precisely, avoiding unnecessary overwatering. Our landscape designers excel at creating beautiful, water-efficient plant groupings.

7. Choose Native and Drought-Resistant Plants

Colorado-friendly plants naturally adapt to dry summers and challenging soil conditions. By incorporating native perennials, grasses, and shrubs into your landscape design, you reduce your need for supplemental watering while still enjoying a lush, beautiful yard. Consider serviceberry, blanket flower, penstemon, and switchgrass. Use our plant finder tool to help you select the perfect native plants for your specific site conditions.

8. Repair Leaks and Clogs Promptly

One cracked sprinkler head or a leaking hose can waste hundreds of gallons of water each month. Inspect your system regularly for leaks, broken parts, or uneven spray patterns. Quick repairs save water and prevent damage to your lawn and landscape from over- or underwatering. Bath Landscape & Irrigation provides irrigation maintenance services for commercial properties, and we can recommend trusted professionals for residential system care.

9. Consider Lawn Alternatives in Low-Traffic Areas

Grass requires more water than most ground covers. If you have areas in your yard that aren't used frequently, consider replacing turf with drought-tolerant alternatives like buffalo grass, creeping thyme, or professionally designed gravel gardens. These water-wise swaps can significantly reduce your water use without sacrificing curb appeal.

Plan a Water-Wise Colorado Landscape with Bath Landscape & Irrigation

Bath Landscape & Irrigation has been Northern Colorado's most trusted landscaping service provider for 60 years. We understand the importance of sustainable landscaping in Colorado's challenging climate and specialize in creating beautiful, water-efficient landscapes that thrive in our unique environment.

Whether installing a professional, smart irrigation system, selecting drought-tolerant native plants, or completely redesigning your yard for better water efficiency, our expert team brings decades of experience and award-winning design expertise to every project.

Let's work together to create a landscape you'll love: one that conserves water, reduces utility bills, and thrives throughout Colorado's demanding summer months. Contact Bath Landscape & Irrigation today at (970) 488-1707 or complete our contact form to schedule your consultation and get started on your water-wise outdoor space.