Colorado Springs Xeriscape Guide
Explore the principles, estimate your savings, and understand the establishment timeline of a resilient, low-water landscape.
Impact Calculator
Estimate your annual water savings by converting high-water turf to a custom xeriscape.
500 sq ft
2,000 sq ft
5,000 sq ft
Estimated Annual Water Savings
0 gallons
*Based on GreenCO BMP data
Calculations based on BMP Manual data: Bluegrass (~19 gal/sq.ft/yr) vs. Xeric Plants (~4 gal/sq.ft/yr).
Annual Water Consumption Comparison
Traditional Bluegrass
- • High fertilizer requirement
- • Frequent mowing needed
- • Shallow root system (< 6 inches)
- • Susceptible to drought stress
Modern Xeriscape
- • Minimal fertilizer needs
- • Seasonal maintenance only
- • Deep root systems (> 12 inches)
- • Thrives in semi-arid climate
Xeric plants require a 3-year establishment period to develop the deep root systems that make them truly drought-tolerant.
🌱
Year 1: The "Sleep" Phase
Roots are shallow and vulnerable. The plant focuses energy underground rather than visible growth.
Watering Strategy:
Consistent moisture is critical. Water deeply to encourage downward root growth. Do not let the root ball dry out.