If you’ve tried to grow a lawn in Eagle County, you know how hard it is to keep your greenery flourishing through our unique and sometimes difficult landscape.

The popular lawn plant used widely across the United States, Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), is not well suited for our region. It is a non-native species with high water demands and minimal habitat for wildlife, using up to 20 gallons of water per square foot over a 20-week irrigation period. Residents of the Rocky Mountain regions are realizing that by replacing their turf with drought-tolerant plants, they can still have beautiful yards but conserve water and money at the same time. They also have more time to enjoy their summers instead of mowing the lawn!

Because Colorado has a dry climate, conserving water is of utmost importance, especially in an era of a changing climate. According to Colorado Climate Action, Colorado has undergone four severe droughts across the state in recent years: 2002, 2012, 2018, and 2020. To combat this, drought-tolerant plants offer numerous advantages for those looking to improve their water conservation and lawn quality.

These plants require much less water as opposed to more traditional lawn plants, helping to conserve the precious and limited water of this region. Moreover, once established, drought-tolerant plants need less maintenance, including the use of mowing, pesticides, and fertilization. Through these plants’ inherent resilient properties, your lawn will stay lush even through periods of dry and unpredictable conditions.

With the local climate in mind, it is important to choose drought-tolerant, native plants for your lawn. Beyond Lawn, a grant-funded pilot project aimed at helping Eagle County residents save water at home through education and finances, recommends planting species such as western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii) and buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides), which are native grass species that are resilient against temperature changes and dry conditions. Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) is another ideal species that can flourish in poor soil conditions while providing beauty and it smells good.

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For a floral accent, the Penstemon species (Penstemon spp.) can withstand drought conditions and will attract pollinators. Much like these plants, there are dozens of other species that are beneficial for lawns in the Rocky Mountain regions.

While picking the right plants is crucial, an effective irrigation system is equally important to conserve water and keep your plants healthy. To reduce the amount of runoff or evaporation, the use of irrigation systems that deposit water straight to the roots like drip irrigation or soaker hoses are great options, according to Colorado State University. Given the complexity of these systems, it’s best to get landscape and irrigation evaluation before transforming your lawn.

While planting a drought-tolerant lawn has its advantages, a lack of experience, high upfront costs, and time can all stand as barriers against residents making landscape improvements. Resources like Beyond Lawn can help bridge this gap by providing incentives and guides for plant selection and irrigation use. Furthermore, residents of Eagle County may be eligible for irrigation and turf rebates through the Eagle County Conservation District.

With the right plant selection and irrigation system, you can create long-lasting, resilient, and aesthetic lawns that survive and thrive despite the challenges of our mountainous region. By making informed decisions on lawn care this spring, you can support water conservation efforts, soil health, and pollinator success with minimal effort and maintenance.

Abby Donato is a Naturalist at Walking Mountains. Her passion for environmental stewardship and natural resource management fuels her work and personal endeavors.