Colorado Xeriscaping Guide
Published: June 6, 2026 · Updated:
Drought-tolerant landscaping plans for 16 Colorado cities across USDA zones 6a, 6b. Find native plants, water-saving strategies, and xeriscape designs for your specific location.
Water Restriction Level: high
Colorado cities restrict lawn watering during drought. Denver Water and Aurora Water offer significant xeriscaping rebate programs.
Verified turf removal rebates in 4 Colorado cities, listed below.
What drives landscape water use in Colorado
High plains and mountain semi-arid climate where altitude, intense sun and low humidity drive evaporation as much as low rainfall does.
Mean annual precipitation across Colorado spans about 7 to 25 inches, and the state covers USDA hardiness zones 6a, 6b. That spread matters more than any single statewide number: the wettest and driest parts of Colorado need different plant palettes and different irrigation entirely, which is why the zone for your own city is the figure to plan against rather than a state average.
Plant genera native to Colorado
These genera are native to Colorado and are the backbone of low-water planting here. Starting from natives matters because they evolved with the local rainfall pattern and soil, so once established they generally need no irrigation beyond what the climate provides.
Listed at genus level deliberately. Which species within a genus is native varies across Colorado, so check the species with a local native plant society or extension office before buying.
USDA Zones in Colorado
Turf removal rebates in Colorado
4 cities in Colorado runa residential turf removal rebate we have verified against the water provider's own page. The terms differ sharply between them, so the city you are in changes what the same lawn is worth:
$3.00 per square foot for a water-wise landscape, or $0.50 per square foot for a low-water grass landscape. Aurora Water.
$0.75 per square foot up to 1,000 square feet, so $750, rising to $1,000 with the native bonus. Fort Collins Utilities.
Up to $2.00 per square foot, based on total project cost. City of Thornton Water.
$2.00 per square foot converting high-water grass to low-water plants, or $1.00 per square foot converting to low-water grass or groundcover. City of Grand Junction.
Outside those cities, no Colorado provider in our checks publishes a residential turf rebate. Ask your own water utility directly before assuming one exists, and see our turf removal rebate comparison.
Xeriscaping Principles for Colorado
1. Plan and Design
Start with a water-efficient landscape plan that groups plants by water needs. Place high-water plants (if any) closest to the house and low-water plants further away.
2. Improve Soil
Amend soil with compost to improve water retention in sandy soils and drainage in clay soils. Healthy soil holds more moisture and supports deeper root systems.
3. Reduce Turf Area
Limit conventional lawn to areas that serve a functional purpose (play areas, pathways). Replace decorative turf with native plants, ground covers, or mulch.
4. Choose Low-Water Plants
Select native and adapted plants suited to your USDA zone. Native plants have evolved with local rainfall patterns and typically need no supplemental irrigation once established.
5. Mulch Generously
Apply 5–10cm of organic mulch (or gravel in desert climates) around all plantings. Mulch reduces evaporation by up to 70%, suppresses weeds, and moderates soil temperature.
6. Irrigate Efficiently
If irrigation is needed, use drip systems or soaker hoses rather than sprinklers. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Water before 9am to reduce evaporation.
7. Maintain Appropriately
Proper maintenance reduces water waste. Keep mulch refreshed, prune to reduce water demand, and adjust irrigation seasonally. A well-maintained xeriscape improves over time.
Colorado cities and their USDA zones
Your hardiness zone is the single most useful number for choosing plants, so this is every Colorado city we hold, with its zone. Cities shown as links have their own guide because they run a verified turf rebate worth explaining on its own page. For the rest, the zone below plus the state palette above is the plan: their local advice would not differ from what is on this page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is xeriscaping worth it in Colorado?
Yes. Colorado has high-level water restrictions. Xeriscaping reduces outdoor water use by 50–75%, which translates to significant savings on water bills. Many Colorado municipalities also offer rebate programs for turf-to-xeriscape conversions, making the upfront cost more manageable.
What USDA zones are in Colorado?
Colorado contains USDA hardiness zones 6a, 6b. Each zone has different drought-tolerant plant recommendations. Find your city below for zone-specific xeriscape plant lists.
Does Colorado offer xeriscaping rebates?
Yes. Colorado cities restrict lawn watering during drought. Denver Water and Aurora Water offer significant xeriscaping rebate programs.
What are the best drought-tolerant plants for Colorado?
The best plants depend on your specific USDA zone within Colorado. Generally, native plants adapted to Colorado's climate are the best choices: they evolved with local rainfall patterns and soil conditions. Browse your city guide below for zone-specific recommendations.
How much does xeriscaping cost in Colorado?
Professional xeriscaping in Colorado typically costs $5–$20 per square foot depending on design complexity, plant selection, and hardscape elements. DIY approaches can reduce costs to $1–$5 per square foot. Rebate programs can offset 20–50% of the initial investment.