Spring Landscaping in Colorado
Building a Backyard That Looks Great and Saves Water Water-smart landscaping is no longer a niche trend in Colorado Springs — it is the new standard. With ongoing drought awareness, municipal watering restrictions, and rising utility costs, El Paso County homeowners are rethinking how they design and maintain their outdoor spaces. The good news? A low-water landscape can be just as beautiful — and far easier to maintain — as a traditional lawn.
Why Water-Smart Landscaping Matters in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs sits in a semi-arid climate zone. Average annual rainfall is just 16 inches. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90 degrees, and afternoon thunderstorms are unpredictable. Colorado Springs Utilities encourages residents to reduce outdoor water use, which accounts for roughly 50 percent of residential consumption during summer months. Designing a landscape that works with our climate — instead of against it — saves money, reduces maintenance, and supports long-term property value.
Xeriscape Principles for Colorado Homeowners
Xeriscape design is built around seven core principles: planning, soil improvement, efficient irrigation, appropriate plant selection, mulching, turf alternatives, and maintenance. You do not have to eliminate all grass. But replacing high-water turf areas with native plantings, decorative gravel, and drought-tolerant ground covers can dramatically cut your water bill. Popular native and adapted plants for Colorado Springs landscapes include: Blue Avena Grass Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass Autumn Joy Sedum Russian Sage Penstemon Lavender Apache Plume These species thrive in our alkaline soils and handle temperature swings from 95 degrees in July to below zero in January.
Smart Irrigation
Water Less, Water Better Drip irrigation systems deliver water directly to root zones — reducing waste from evaporation and overspray. When paired with smart controllers that adjust schedules based on weather data, homeowners can cut irrigation use by 30 to 50 percent. Spring is the best time to audit your irrigation system. Check for leaks, adjust heads, and reprogram schedules before summer demand peaks.
Spring Cleanup
Repair Winter Damage Before It Spreads Colorado’s freeze-thaw cycles are tough on landscapes. Before planting anything new, address winter damage first: Prune dead or broken branches from trees and shrubs Aerate compacted soil to improve water absorption Remove debris and refresh mulch beds — 2 to 3 inches of wood mulch retains moisture and regulates soil temperature Edge beds and borders for a clean, defined look Evaluate retaining walls, walkways, and drainage for frost heave damage Addressing these issues in April prevents bigger problems — and bigger costs — in July.
Layered Planting for Year-Round Color
One of the biggest misconceptions about water-smart landscaping is that it looks sparse or desert-like. The 2026 trend is dense, multi-layered planting — mixing ornamental grasses, perennials, evergreen shrubs, and seasonal color at different heights. The result is a landscape that looks lush and intentional without relying on heavy watering. Spring bulbs give way to summer perennials, which transition into fall grasses and winter evergreen structure.
Build a Landscape That Works for Colorado At Bigfoot Decks & Landscapes, we design and install complete landscape systems for Colorado Springs homeowners — from hardscape patios and retaining walls to native plantings and irrigation. Whether you are starting from scratch or transforming an existing yard, spring is the perfect time to invest in a landscape that is built for our climate. Contact our team at 719-370-3325 or visit bigfootdecks.com to schedule a consultation.