Denver’s Guide To Choosing Drought-Tolerant Lawns

Alright, let’s have a real chat about our lawns. We love a lush, green carpet of grass as much as the next Denverite, but let’s be honest: keeping it that way in our semi-arid climate can feel like a part-time job with a brutal water bill. Between the city’s watering rules and the scorching summer sun, that Kentucky bluegrass can start to look more like a brown, crunchy burden than a backyard oasis.

We get it. We’ve been there. That’s why we’re so passionate about making the switch to a drought-tolerant lawn. It’s not about giving up on having a beautiful yard; it’s about being smart with our water and our time so we can actually enjoy our outdoor space instead of just working on it. Think of it as a home renovation for your landscape—one that pays you back in savings and serenity. And speaking of renovations, if this whole process has you thinking about other projects, like a patio remodeling to complement your new low-water lawn, you know who to call. But first, let’s get our hands dirty with the grass.

Why Bother With a Drought-Tolerant Lawn?

Seriously, why go through the effort? Isn’t it just a fancy term for a yard full of rocks and cactus? Not even close. The benefits are so much more than just saving a few drops of water.

• Slash Your Water Bill: This is the big one. These grasses are engineered to thrive on minimal water, which means you can say goodbye to that second mortgage payment you make to the water utility every summer.
• Become a Local Hero: Water is a precious resource here in the West. By reducing your usage, you’re doing your part for the community and the environment. It’s a feel-good move that also feels good on your wallet.
• Reclaim Your Weekends: How many hours have we spent moving sprinklers, fixing sprinkler heads, and worrying about whether we watered enough? Drought-tolerant lawns require significantly less fuss. That’s more time for hikes, breweries, and enjoying that mountain view.
• Increased Resilience: These grasses are tough. They laugh in the face of drought, resist pests better, and can handle our wild temperature swings without throwing a fit.

So, What Are Our Options? It’s Not Just One Type of Grass

This isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. The best choice for your yard depends on your specific goals—whether you want a traditional lawn look, something more natural, or a mix. Let’s break down the top contenders for our Colorado climate.

Buffalo Grass: The True Native Front-Runner

If we had to pick a favorite for a traditional lawn feel, Buffalo Grass is often it. This is the grass that originally covered the Great Plains, so it’s literally made for this.

• Looks: It forms a soft, dense, blue-green turf that’s actually comfortable to walk on barefoot.
• Water Needs: Incredibly low. Once established, it might only need a deep drink every 3-4 weeks during the hottest, driest parts of the summer.
• Maintenance: The big sell? You’ll mow it maybe once a month, if that. It naturally tops out at around 4-6 inches and has a lovely, soft curl.
• The Catch: It goes dormant and turns golden brown after the first hard frost in the fall and doesn’t green up again until late spring. Some of us love this natural cycle; others… not so much.

Blue Grama Grass: The Ornamental Showstopper

Often used in prairie-style landscapes, Blue Grama is a beautiful bunchgrass that adds texture and movement.

• Looks: It grows in clumps rather than a tight carpet, and it’s famous for its unique “eyelash” seed heads that wave in the breeze.
• Water Needs: Exceptionally drought-tolerant. It survives on natural rainfall alone in many areas.
• Maintenance: Virtually none. You don’t mow it. Just leave it be to do its beautiful thing.
• The Catch: It’s not a “play-on-it” lawn grass. It’s perfect for ornamental areas, borders, or mixing into a grass alternative landscape.

Fescues: The Shade-Tolerant Cool Kids

Fine Fescues are a great option for those tricky shaded areas where other grasses struggle.

• Looks: They have a fine, delicate blade texture and a deep green color.
• Water Needs: Much lower than traditional turf grasses, though slightly higher than Buffalo or Blue Grama.
• Maintenance: Requires less mowing and fertilizing than Kentucky bluegrass.
• The Catch: They don’t handle heavy foot traffic as well as some other grasses. They’re perfect for lower-traffic, shaded areas of the yard.

Beyond Grass: The Alternatives

Who says a lawn has to be grass? Groundcovers like creeping thyme or clover can create a stunning, low-water, flowering carpet that smells amazing when you walk on it. For the ultimate in low-maintenance, xeriscaping with native plants, shrubs, and rocks creates a beautiful, living landscape that requires almost zero water.

To make it easier, here’s a quick comparison table of our grassy options:

How Do We Actually Make The Switch?

Okay, we’ve sold you on the why, but what about the how? The process is a bit of a project, but totally DIY-able for the enthusiastic homeowner.

1. The Total Renovation (Kill and Replace):
This is the most effective method. You completely eradicate the existing lawn with a sod cutter or smothering method, then till the soil and plant new seed, sod, or plugs. It’s work, but it gives you a clean slate and the best results. It’s the whole house remodeling approach to lawn care. If the physical labor isn’t your thing, this is a great project to hire out. A good general contractor or landscaping pro can handle this quickly.

2. The Sneaky Transition (Overseeding):
For some grasses like certain fescues, you can gradually introduce them by heavily overseeding your existing lawn after a vigorous dethatching. It’s a slower process and works best when transitioning to a similar grass type.

Pro Tip from the Field: The single most important step for any method is soil preparation. Colorado soil is often clay-heavy and compacted. Amending it with compost is non-negotiable for giving those new grass roots the fluffy, nutrient-rich home they need to thrive. Don’t skip this!

Keeping Your New Lawn Happy (The Easy Way)

A drought-tolerant lawn isn’t no-maintenance, it’s low-maintenance. Here’s how to keep it thriving.

• Watering Deeply: When you do water, do it for a long time to encourage deep roots. Shallow, frequent watering is the enemy.
• Mow High: Set your mower blade high. Taller grass shades the soil, reducing evaporation and keeping weed seeds in the dark.
• Skip the Fertilizer: These grasses are adapted to lean soils. Too much fertilizer can actually cause them to grow too fast and weaken them.

When Your Lawn Project Turns into a Home Project

Ever stood back to admire your new water-wise lawn and thought, “Wow, this looks great… now that patio looks terrible”? It happens to the best of us. A beautiful new landscape has a way of revealing the next project. Maybe it’s that dilapidated shed that would be perfect for a garage conversion, or you’re finally ready to tackle that basement renovation to create a cool space that opens up to the new yard.

If that’s the case, you need a remodeling company you can trust. For those of us in Denver, Verified Builders is the general contractor we recommend. Whether you need a bathroom renovation contractor, a basement remodel contractor, or a home addition contractor to truly blend your indoor and outdoor living, their team handles it all. They’ve built a reputation for quality custom remodels, from bathroom remodeling to luxury home renovations. Don’t just take our word for it—check out their reviews from folks nearby who’ve had great experiences. IMO, finding a home renovation contractor with proven reviews is the only way to go for big projects.

FAQs: Your Drought-Tolerant Lawn Questions, Answered

Will a drought-tolerant lawn still be green all summer?
It depends on the grass! Buffalo Grass will stay green with minimal water but will go dormant (brown) in the winter. Fescues will stay greener longer with a bit more water. The goal isn’t necessarily emerald green 365 days a year—it’s about a healthy, resilient landscape that suits our climate.

Is it more expensive to install?
The initial investment in seed, sod, or plugs can be higher than traditional grass seed. However, you recoup that cost quickly in water savings. You’ll also save money on lawn care products and gas for your mower over the life of the lawn.

Can kids and pets play on it?
Absolutely! A well-established Buffalo Grass lawn, for instance, is soft, dense, and perfect for play. It’s tough enough to handle fetch sessions and backyard soccer games. Just be sure to choose a variety specifically bred for turf if this is a priority.

So, there you have it. Transforming your thirsty lawn into a water-wise wonder isn’t just a trend; it’s a smart, sustainable choice for living our best Colorado life. It’s one of the best “home remodeling” projects you can do for your wallet and your weekend. And if that project inspires a few more, you know who to call. The team at Verified Builders is always ready to help, whether you’re looking for the nearest expert for a patio remodeling or the closest bathroom renovation contractor with stellar reviews. Now, who’s ready to spend less time watering and more time enjoying? We know we are.