Colorado officials and landscaping experts are urging residents to adopt drought-resistant gardening and shrink lawns to combat a severe water crisis.

These measures come as the state faces a drought emergency driven by record heat and historically low snowpack. The crisis has forced city officials to tighten water-use restrictions, making traditional high-water lawns unsustainable for many homeowners.

In the city of Aurora, program managers are offering assistance to residents who wish to replace traditional grass with drought-tolerant alternatives. Some experts suggest that homeowners should shrink their lawns entirely in favor of water-wise planting beds to reduce overall consumption.

Certified arborist Tony Hahn said planning out drought-resistant landscaping with the heartiest plants and grasses will keep yards thriving while conserving water. He said the use of hardy species maintains greenery without depleting limited water supplies.

While some advocate for the removal of turf, other specialists suggest that grass can be managed to survive. A KSL News reporter said turfgrass can adapt to less water if it is managed properly, especially by encouraging deeper root growth.

To support these transitions, the state is providing significant financial backing for infrastructure and efficiency. A spokesperson for the Colorado Water Conservation Board said the $40 million [1] in state water grants will support projects that improve water efficiency across Colorado.

These grants are intended to help communities implement large-scale water projects, while individuals transition their private properties to more sustainable models. The combination of state funding and professional guidance aims to stabilize the region's water table as the drought persists.

“Planning out drought-resistant landscaping with the heartiest plants and grasses will keep yards thriving while conserving water.”

The shift toward 'water-wise' landscaping represents a fundamental change in Colorado's urban planning and residential aesthetics. By combining individual behavioral changes—such as shrinking lawns—with systemic state investments of $40 million, the region is attempting to move away from water-intensive greenery to ensure long-term water security in a warming climate.