Smart Summer Drought Prevention Tips for Your Colorado Springs Yard

As summer approaches in Colorado Springs, homeowners face a familiar challenge: managing their yards in hot, dry weather. With limited rainfall, high altitudes, and extended periods of sunshine, it’s essential to plan your landscaping around drought prevention strategies that conserve water without sacrificing beauty. Whether you’re trying to keep your lawn green, choose plants that can thrive in dry soil, or simply reduce your water bill, there are smart, sustainable solutions that can help.

No need to worry about your greenspace shriveling up this summer: We’ll walk you through practical drought-prevention tips for your yard, including efficient watering techniques, smart irrigation solutions, and the best drought-tolerant plants for the Colorado climate. With the right strategies, your yard can stay lush and resilient, even during the hottest months of the year.

Colorado Springs experiences a semi-arid climate, which means low annual precipitation and significant water evaporation due to altitude and sun exposure. Summer temperatures often exceed 85°F, and rainfall can be sparse and unpredictable. These conditions make traditional landscaping and lawn care practices less effective and more wasteful if not adjusted for the local environment. Drought prevention isn’t just about saving water—it’s about working with nature to build a more resilient and sustainable yard.

Efficient irrigation is the backbone of any drought-prevention plan. Too often, homeowners waste water through inefficient sprinklers, poor timing, or overwatering.

Tips for smarter irrigation:

• Install a drip irrigation system: Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the root zone, minimizing evaporation. It’s especially useful for flower beds, shrubs, and trees.
• Upgrade to smart controllers: Modern irrigation controllers can adjust watering schedules based on real-time weather data, soil moisture levels, and evaporation rates. This saves water and ensures your yard gets only what it needs.
• Water early in the morning: Watering before 9 a.m. helps reduce evaporation and allows plants to absorb moisture before the hottest part of the day.
• Check for leaks and overspray: Even small leaks can waste gallons of water. Regularly inspect your sprinkler heads and hoses.

For more information on irrigation upgrades, read our full guide: Smart Irrigation Solutions for Colorado Springs Landscapes

Mulching is one of the simplest and most effective drought prevention techniques. A good layer of organic mulch helps retain soil moisture, reduce temperature fluctuations, and suppress weeds that compete for water.

Best mulching practices:

• Apply 2–4 inches of mulch around plants, trees, and in garden beds.
• Use organic materials like bark, shredded wood, or pine needles.
• Keep mulch a few inches away from plant stems or tree trunks to prevent rot.

Choosing native and drought-tolerant plants is key to building a water-efficient yard. Native plants are adapted to Colorado’s dry summers, fluctuating temperatures, and poor soil conditions. Once established, they require far less water and maintenance than non-native species.

Some great drought-tolerant choices include:

• Siloam Stone-groundcovers and succulents: Perfect for hot, rocky areas.
• Blue Grama Grass: A native ornamental grass that requires very little water.
• Russian Sage: Tall and vibrant with fragrant lavender-blue flowers.
• Blanket Flower (Gaillardia): Brightly colored and long-blooming.
• Rabbitbrush: Great for attracting pollinators and handling dry soil.

You can explore more drought-tolerant plant ideas in our related articles:

• Top 10 Groundcover Options to Reduce Mowing and Watering Needs
• 10 Native Plants to Incorporate in Your Colorado Springs Landscape

Rain gardens and xeriscaping are two beautiful, eco-friendly landscape design methods that help conserve water.

• Rain Gardens are shallow, planted depressions that collect and absorb rainwater from roofs or driveways. They allow water to slowly infiltrate into the soil, supporting drought-tolerant plants while preventing runoff.
• Xeriscaping is a landscaping approach that uses drought-tolerant plants, mulch, and efficient irrigation to minimize water use.

Both techniques reduce your reliance on irrigation and allow you to take advantage of occasional Colorado summer rainstorms.

Learn more about these sustainable strategies in our previous posts:

• Rain Gardens for Stormwater Management
• Water-Wise Landscaping Tips for Colorado Springs

Your lawn can survive dry conditions—but only if it’s maintained with drought in mind.

Key tips for lawn care:

• Mow high: Set your mower blade to 3 inches or higher. Taller grass shades the soil and promotes deeper roots.
• Water deeply and infrequently: Rather than daily sprinklings, water once or twice a week for longer periods. This encourages deeper root growth.
• Aerate annually: Aerating your lawn allows water and nutrients to penetrate more effectively.
• Fertilize wisely: Over-fertilizing can stress your lawn during drought. Choose a slow-release, organic fertilizer and apply sparingly.

Explore more summer-specific strategies: Summer Lawn Care Tips for Colorado Springs

Incorporating decorative rock features, flagstone pathways, or gravel beds can reduce the overall area of your yard that requires water.

Tips for hardscaping:

• Use locally sourced materials like Siloam Stone, a native Colorado stone that’s perfect for walls, patios, or decorative accents.
• Combine with drought-tolerant plants for an elegant, low-maintenance look.
• Use permeable surfaces when possible to allow rainwater to soak in rather than run off.

Fredell Enterprises has over 40 years of experience working with native materials like Siloam Stone to create beautiful, water-wise landscapes throughout the region.

Drought prevention isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Every yard is different—based on sun exposure, soil conditions, elevation, and homeowner goals. That’s why it’s beneficial to work with a landscaping company that understands Colorado Springs’ unique environment.

Fredell Enterprises offers custom landscaping solutions designed for long-term beauty and sustainability. Whether you need help designing a water-wise garden, upgrading your sprinkler system, or selecting the right drought-resistant plants, our team is here to help.

Conserving water doesn’t mean giving up a vibrant, beautiful yard. By integrating drought-resistant plants, smart irrigation practices, and sustainable design techniques, you can build a landscape that’s both functional and attractive all summer long—and for years to come.

Ready to protect your landscape from drought? Let Fredell Enterprises help you make smart, lasting changes that save water and support your yard’s health. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or learn more about our services.