How to replace your Colorado lawn with native or water-saving grass

Editor’s note: Betty Cahill wrote about preparing your lawn for replacement here last week. Here is Part II.

You’ve decided to remove your cool-season lawn grass and replace it with either native grass or another water-saving grass species. The goal is to reduce outdoor summer water use and be part of the long-term solution of our limited Colorado water resources.

Good on ya; let’s roll up our sleeves and discuss the how-tos and what-nots.

Last week, we talked about the differences between warm and cool-season grasses, if swapping lawns is right for you, and helpful tips on saving water in your current landscape.

Timing

The expression “there’s no time like the present” is more than applicable to get started on a turf-replacement project. This applies both to first killing the existing lawn and then planting and caring for the new one.

The best time to get replacement turf planted and growing is when most of these grass types grow their best: in the heat of the summer. They need a good six to eight weeks or more of growth before nighttime temperatures remain cold in the fall. Target your planting by Aug. 1, certainly no later than Aug. 15.

If this planting window doesn’t work for whatever reason, make your plan now and over the next few months and try next spring. Do more homework in choosing your new turf type and the steps involved. If you’re partnering with a landscape professional, make contact now and get scheduled even if it’s a year from now.

Hiring help from a competent landscape company, turf specialty company or sod grower is worth the extra dollars if your budget allows. These companies can remove existing turf, add any needed soil amendment, rework irrigation if needed, grade the area, then seed, sod or plant plugs. Plan on spending approximately $4 to $5 a square foot for these projects with a professional.

Always check with your local municipality or HOA on changing out grass species or height rules, etc. Also check for current rebates for both low-water sprinkler upgrades and grass turf conversions.

Remember that there are up-front costs involved in a lawn conversion, from the seeds or plant material needed, installation, irrigation rerouting, and water to establish. Keep expectations in check knowing that the first season and subsequent years may require more time and effort for it to be a success.

Replacement lawn turf choices

Native grasses are defined as types that have been growing in Colorado and the North American Great Plains for centuries (or longer) and have become popular grass turf replacement choices. These include warm-season buffalograss and blue grama grass. Less well-known cool-season native species (also worth considering if correct for your conditions) include prairie Junegrass, streambank wheatgrass, and Western wheatgrass.

There are other excellent low-water grass turf options such as warm-season Bermudagrass and cool-season fine fescue.