Native Landscape Conversions

Broomfield is committed to maintaining a robust water conservation program in an effort to conserve existing water resources and maximize the city's future water supply.  As part of this commitment, Broomfield incentivizes its water customers to convert water-intensive turf with a living, waterwise (or native) landscape. You can find more information about Broomfield's incentive programs at Broomfield.org/savewater.

The Denver metro area is known for its semi-arid, high desert climate with an average of 14.3 inches of precipitation per year. Broomfield is no exception to the rule; between 2017 and 2022, Broomfield received an average of only 11.4 inches of rainfall from April to October!

Cool-season turfgrass varieties such as Kentucky bluegrass are expensive to maintain and keep green in Colorado. They require more fertilizer and roughly 50-80 percent more water than native plant and grass varieties.  Runoff from overuse or improperly applied fertilizer can jeopardize the health of downstream ecosystems and drinking water sources.

Gallons Per Year HistogramInches Per Year Histogram

When you convert a portion of your lawn to a waterwise landscape, you are making an investment in your home and the Broomfield community at large.  Benefits of turf conversion do more than just save money and water, it can provide valuable habitat for birds and pollinators, reduce heat-island effect, reduce time spent on maintenance, and increase curb appeal.

Want to learn more about how to transform your thirsty turf grass into an attractive waterwise landscape? 

Browse the links below for resources, tools, and design ideas!


    1.  Learn how the Seven Principles of Xeriscaping can help guide you on preparing your landscape for a turf conversion.
    2. Colorado State University Extension Lawn Conversion Resources: science-based resources to undertake a lawn replacement project.
    3. City and County of Broomfield Plant List: description of waterwise plant species based on size, water use, and sun tolerances.
    4. Sample Landscape Templates
      •  Plant Select: offers free landscape and garden design templates ideal for Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and similar semi-arid states in the high plains and intermountain west.
      • Colorado State University Extension Landscape Design: offers free designs with "Plant Talk" resources.
      • City of Fort Collins- Designs with Water in Mind: Discover Xeriscape document includes multiple examples of landscape design themes.
      • Denver Water: Free landscape plans for various types of yards and conditions, including narrow strip xeriscape plans, slope xeriscape plans, budget xeriscape plans, low-maintenance xeriscape plans, and more. 
      • City of Aspen: WELS (Water Efficient Landscaping Standards) example plans.
      • Colorado Springs Utilities: Water-wise Neighborhood webpage with five “do-it-yourself” designs, including budget-friendly, contemporary, deer resistant/fire wise, low maintenance, and prairie. 
      • Wild Ones: Denver/Front Range residential native landscape designs.
      • Sterling Ranch: Example landscape plans and water use calculations provided to residents.
      • Aurora Water: Landscape Design Program offers nine free professional water-wise landscape designs.
      • Town of Castle Rock: ColoradoScape Guidelines includes landscape plan examples.
    5. Broomfield Recycling Center - 2990 W. 124th Avenue Broomfield CO, 80020.  Broomfield residents can get free mulch (wood chips). Available year-round for pick-up at the Broomfield Recycling Center.
    6. A1 Organics - 9109 Monaco St, Henderson, CO 80640
      • Accept drop-offs of landscaping debris including branches and limbs, sod and soils (call ahead to confirm), leaves and brush, lawn grass. A1 Organics also sells compost, topsoil and organic mulch.

Not looking to Do it Yourself?

Check out the links below with local landscape and irrigation professionals that can assist with your landscaping needs.  Broomfield residents can receive discounts on lawn removal services and/or professionally designed Garden In a Box kits through Resource Central.

  1. Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado
  2. Find a Pro: WaterSense Certified Professionals Database
  3. Resource Central

I've Installed my New Landscape - Now What?

Waterwise plants will require watering in their first year to allow for proper establishment of the root system. During the first year, monitor soil moisture and general plant health. One way to monitor soil moisture is to stick your finger into the soil directly underneath the plant to check the moisture level. If the soil feels dry a few inches down, you should water the plant thoroughly. Otherwise, wait to water until the soil is drier (although not completely devoid of moisture).   You should not water your new plants more than a half hour 3x a week for the first 1-2 months. Make sure to water in the evenings or early in the morning to decrease evaporation. In the second year, once plant roots are more established, revert to a much lower watering schedule (approximately every 5-8 days, depending on plant health and temperatures).

Check out the Denver Botanic Gardens Fact Sheet for best practices on irrigation when establishing your new landscape, and Resource Central's guide to maintaining your new landscape.

Turf Conversions within a Homeowner's Association

Did you know that when it comes to turfgrass conversions, Senate Bill SB 23-178 (signed May 17, 2023) requires HOAs within Colorado to permit the installation of at least three garden designs that are preapproved by the association for installation in front yards within the common interest community?

If your community or HOA board is interested in learning more about the Large Property Turf Replacement Rebate Program, irrigation/landscaping best practices, or any of Broomfield's water conservation programs please contact Broomfield's Water Resources Division at waterresources@broomfield.org. Broomfield staff is also willing to schedule a virtual or in-person Q&A session and/or seminar to help further educate your residents and/or board members about any of these topics.

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Contact Us

Email conservation@broomfield.org for more information about native landscape conversions.