Why green landscapes matter more than ever in a low-snowpack year
Apr 02, 2026 10:19AM ● By Bryan Reed
The mountain snowpack is well below average, and the past few months have brought unusually warm temperatures. Water scarcity has always been an issue for us in Colorado, but in a dry year like this one, conserving water becomes even more critical.
One of the best places to store water is the soil. Acting like a reservoir, it holds moisture where plants need it instead of letting it run off. That is why improving soil quality should be a top priority. The goal is not only to help water soak in, but to keep it there as long as possible and use it wisely.
According to USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, a 1% increase in organic matter can help soil hold roughly 20,000 more gallons of water per acre. That’s important when living in a dry climate. It can help plants make it from one irrigation cycle to the next without going into drought stress, and over time it may reduce how often we need to irrigate.
I’m not a fan of xeriscapes (often mistakenly referred to as zeroscapes) made up entirely of rock, gravel and yard art. Trees, shrubs and other plants improve air quality, reduce stormwater runoff and help offset the heat-island effect by diffusing solar radiation instead of absorbing and releasing heat the way asphalt and concrete do. Greenery and flowers also add beauty to our neighborhoods and can bring a sense of calm and well-being. There are plenty of good reasons to keep plants in our landscapes. The challenge is choosing the right ones for our arid climate so we support the local ecosystem instead of straining it.
One of the best places to store water is the soil. Acting like a reservoir, it holds moisture where plants need it instead of letting it run off. That is why improving soil quality should be a top priority. The goal is not only to help water soak in, but to keep it there as long as possible and use it wisely.
According to USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, a 1% increase in organic matter can help soil hold roughly 20,000 more gallons of water per acre. That’s important when living in a dry climate. It can help plants make it from one irrigation cycle to the next without going into drought stress, and over time it may reduce how often we need to irrigate.
I’m not a fan of xeriscapes (often mistakenly referred to as zeroscapes) made up entirely of rock, gravel and yard art. Trees, shrubs and other plants improve air quality, reduce stormwater runoff and help offset the heat-island effect by diffusing solar radiation instead of absorbing and releasing heat the way asphalt and concrete do. Greenery and flowers also add beauty to our neighborhoods and can bring a sense of calm and well-being. There are plenty of good reasons to keep plants in our landscapes. The challenge is choosing the right ones for our arid climate so we support the local ecosystem instead of straining it.
Much of the state has an arid to semi-arid climate with limited precipitation. Most of our water supply comes from surface water, including snowmelt stored in reservoirs and carried through rivers and streams, while a smaller share comes from groundwater. That makes every drop of precipitation more important.
HOW TO PLAN YOUR LANDSCAPE
As you plan your garden and landscape improvements, think carefully about water efficiency. Most of us know lettuce and spinach struggle in summer heat, so we adapt by planting them in shade or partial sun so they don’t scorch. The same principle applies to landscaping. Streets and sidewalks absorb and radiate heat, so it makes sense to place heat-tolerant plants near curbs and move more delicate plants closer to the house, fence lines or other sheltered spots.
Native plants are one of the smartest choices for our region because they are adapted to local conditions and don’t rely on constant irrigation. Colorado lawmakers have also made it easier for homeowners to use xeriscaping and native plants. House Bill 19-1050, passed in 2019, promoted water-efficient landscaping in HOA-governed communities, and House Bill 22-1151 created a turf replacement program to support water-wise conversions.
If you want to landscape with native and low-water-use plants, local garden centers increasingly carry Colorado-adapted plants, and Denver Water offers a range of residential xeriscape plans for different site conditions. Colorado State University Extension also publishes a free WaterWise Landscape Design guide with practical design ideas and installation steps.
Native plants are one of the smartest choices for our region because they are adapted to local conditions and don’t rely on constant irrigation. Colorado lawmakers have also made it easier for homeowners to use xeriscaping and native plants. House Bill 19-1050, passed in 2019, promoted water-efficient landscaping in HOA-governed communities, and House Bill 22-1151 created a turf replacement program to support water-wise conversions.
If you want to landscape with native and low-water-use plants, local garden centers increasingly carry Colorado-adapted plants, and Denver Water offers a range of residential xeriscape plans for different site conditions. Colorado State University Extension also publishes a free WaterWise Landscape Design guide with practical design ideas and installation steps.
FINE-TUNE YOUR IRRIGATION
Once irrigation season begins, it’s worth making sure your system is running efficiently and adjust it for seasonal changes and plant growth.
In spring and fall, landscapes usually need less water than they do in midsummer. Shadier areas, especially those with northern exposure, may need only about half as much water as sunny spots. As trees mature and their canopies expand, irrigation zones may need to be adjusted.
Soil type matters, too. Heavy clay soils absorb water more slowly than sandy soils. Water each area only until you see pooling, which tells you the soil has reached its infiltration limit. Running the system longer than that can lead to wasteful runoff. For deeper-rooted trees and shrubs, two shorter watering cycles in one day may be more effective than one long cycle.
If your sprinkler heads are adjustable, set them to minimize misting, which evaporates quickly. Rotor heads also apply water more slowly than spray heads. Just be sure all heads in a zone are the same type.
In agriculture, moisture probes are commonly used to measure how much water is in the soil so irrigation can be timed more precisely. Home gardeners can use the same approach. Even a basic soil moisture meter can help you decide when to water and when to wait.
And don’t forget mulch. Straw, leaves and cardboard eventually break down and add organic matter to the soil. Landscape fabric topped with 2 to 3 inches of wood chips or decorative gravel can also help protect the soil from direct sun and reduce evaporation.
In spring and fall, landscapes usually need less water than they do in midsummer. Shadier areas, especially those with northern exposure, may need only about half as much water as sunny spots. As trees mature and their canopies expand, irrigation zones may need to be adjusted.
If your sprinkler heads are adjustable, set them to minimize misting, which evaporates quickly. Rotor heads also apply water more slowly than spray heads. Just be sure all heads in a zone are the same type.
In agriculture, moisture probes are commonly used to measure how much water is in the soil so irrigation can be timed more precisely. Home gardeners can use the same approach. Even a basic soil moisture meter can help you decide when to water and when to wait.
And don’t forget mulch. Straw, leaves and cardboard eventually break down and add organic matter to the soil. Landscape fabric topped with 2 to 3 inches of wood chips or decorative gravel can also help protect the soil from direct sun and reduce evaporation.
