Colorado homeowners are breaking up with grass
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
A desert garden in Boulder. Photo: Cyrus McCrimmon/The Denver Post via Getty Images
The traditional green lawn is losing ground across the Front Range as homeowners trade thirsty turf for water-wise plants — and cities are paying them to do it.
Why it matters: It's expensive to keep a manicured lawn alive, and Colorado's tightening water supplies are making it harder to justify.
Driving the news: Interest in lawn replacement programs is growing across the Front Range.
- More than 700 Denver Water customers have picked up free native grass seed this year, nearly double last year's 385, the utility tells Axios. About 200 more are waitlisted for lawn removal.
- Colorado Springs Utilities says 100-plus residents converted landscapes through its native grass program this year — a record.
- And Aurora says it's also seeing an increase this year, with more than 100 grass-replacement projects for residents in the works.
What they're saying: "Absolutely there's an uptick" in demand this summer for sustainable yard redesigns, says Tim Woodring, founder of Denver-based Xeris Landscaping. He estimates customers can cut summertime water bills 50%–75%.
- He says drought, municipal incentives, and growing enthusiasm for native plants and pollinator gardens are making traditional Kentucky bluegrass lawns less appealing.
Zoom in: Jenny Carman is making the switch at her Aurora rental property, where she's struggled to maintain a sprawling lawn.
- Aurora Water designed her new landscape for free, tailoring it to the property and her preferences. She's now pursuing a city rebate to help pay for installation.
- Her verdict: "They have underpromised and overdelivered."
How it works: Front Range utilities are sweetening the deal with rebates, free plants and even professional landscape designs.
- Denver Water offers residential customers discounts of up to $750 for replacing thirsty turf. Due to popularity, customers have already filled all of its 2026 project slots.
- Aurora offers $3 per square foot for replacing traditional turf with water-wise landscaping, plus free custom landscape designs.
- Colorado Springs provides qualifying residents with free native grass seed and high-efficiency sprinkler nozzles after they complete a three-hour course.
What we're watching: Whether this summer's drought accelerates a lasting shift in what Front Range yards look like.
- Carman says she's already noticing water-wise yards "everywhere."