Caring for your new landscape
Moving into a home and learning how to care for a water-wise landscape can be intimidating, especially if you’ve never had a yard or you’re new to Colorado. Our weather conditions and landscaping techniques can vary greatly from different parts of the country. For new landscaping, consider water-wise materials. We have classes and info to show you how.
New grass installed?
If you’ve moved into a home where grass has recently been installed, be sure to adjust your irrigation clock when you move in and at the beginning of each month. New sod or seed requires more water in the first 20 to 30 days than your lawn will need for the rest of the year. If you don’t adjust your sprinkler system, you’ll be overwatering your grass, which could kill your lawn. Your water bill will also be much higher than necessary. If you’re installing seed, sod or an automatic sprinkler system, a permit application is required for back, front and side yards, no matter what time of year.
Permanent conservation measures are in effect year round
During a typical year, you can water the three days a week that work best for you. However, during the current stage I drought, watering is permitted two days a week on scheduled watering days. Watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. is prohibited from May 1 to Sept. 30. Even when you can water three days a week, your lawn often needs much less water. To ensure a deeper root system, which will protect your lawn from drought, just a couple of days a week is all your turf needs in cooler months such as May and September.
Cycle-and-soak technique
If you have an automatic sprinkler system, it’s best to use the cycle-and-soak technique. For example, if you have pop-up sprinkler heads, rather than watering all at once, divide your total time into three separate water times. Give the water at least an hour to soak in between cycles.
Report water wasting
If you see water issues or water wasting, download the Access Aurora app on your mobile device, use the form at AuroraGov.org/ContactUs or call us at 303.739.7195.