Colorado is experiencing one of its driest years in recent history. Snowpack in both the Colorado River Basin and South Platte Basin peaked early and at historically low levels. Denver Water reported the Colorado River Basin snowpack peaked at only 58% of normal, while the South Platte Basin peaked at just 42% of normal.
Statewide drought conditions intensified throughout the spring due to below-average snowfall, warmer temperatures, and rapid snowmelt. Many river basins are expected to see significantly reduced runoff, with some forecasts projecting less than 30% of average seasonal flows.
For Front Range communities such as Westminster, Broomfield, Superior, and Louisville, this means:
- Increased irrigation restrictions may occur.
- Higher water costs are possible.
- Turfgrass stress will appear earlier in summer.
- Trees and shrubs may show drought symptoms if not watered deeply.
- Native and drought-tolerant landscapes will significantly outperform traditional lawns.
10 Tips to Keep Your Lawn from Dying This Summer
1. Water Deeply, Not Daily
Apply 1–1.5 inches of water per week, split into 2–3 watering cycles. Deep watering encourages deeper roots.
2. Water Before Sunrise
The ideal watering window is 4:00–8:00 a.m. Less water is lost to evaporation.
3. Raise Your Mower Height
Keep Kentucky Bluegrass at 3–4 inches. Taller grass shades soil and reduces moisture loss.
4. Sharpen Mower Blades
Dull blades tear grass and increase drought stress.
5. Leave Grass Clippings
Grasscycling returns nutrients and helps retain moisture.
6. Reduce Foot Traffic
Dormant or drought-stressed turf is more susceptible to damage.
7. Watch for Dry Spots
Check sprinkler coverage monthly. Many “dead” areas are actually irrigation issues.
8. Fertilize Carefully
Avoid heavy nitrogen applications during extreme heat. Excess growth increases water demand.
9. Improve Soil Health
Core aeration and compost applications improve water infiltration and root growth.
10. Consider Native Turf Alternatives
Buffalograss and Blue Grama can use 50–75% less water than traditional Kentucky Bluegrass while remaining attractive in Colorado landscapes.
Need Help Protecting Your Lawn This Summer?
Colorado’s dry conditions can quickly take a toll on even well-established landscapes. Vargas Property Services provides professional lawn maintenance services designed to help commercial properties, HOAs, municipalities, and community spaces remain healthy, attractive, and resilient throughout the growing season. Contact our team today to learn how proactive lawn maintenance can help protect your landscape investment during periods of drought and extreme heat.