Why Xeriscape (ColoradoScape) Right Now?
We have serious water issues, and it's been this way for over a decade plus!
Why Colorado is Shifting Toward ColoradoScape and Artificial Turf
Colorado’s move toward ColoradoScape and artificial turf is driven by a combination of water conservation goals, climate pressures, regulatory changes, lower maintenance requirements, cost of living reduction efforts, improved curb appeal, and increased property re-sale value.
Water scarcity and turf replacement
Much of Colorado’s landscape uses nonfunctional turf—decorative grasses like Kentucky bluegrass that require large amounts of supplemental irrigation. These are common in medians, parking areas, and other spaces where turf has no functional purpose. Initiatives like ColoradoScape aim to replace these with low-water, native, and native-adapted plants Denver Water. This reduces outdoor municipal water demand, which is critical given the state’s average 17 inches of annual rainfall and increasing climate-related droughts Colorado Department of Natural Resources.
Legislative push to cut traditional turf
In April 2024, Colorado passed Senate Bill 24-005, which bans the installation, planting, or placement of nonfunctional turf, artificial turf, or invasive plant species on commercial, institutional, and industrial properties Landscape Management. The law takes effect in 2025–2026. It reflects a broader statewide effort to shift toward water-wise landscaping and reduce reliance on thirsty turf.
Statewide water plan and ecosystem benefits
The Colorado Water Plan and the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) are promoting “transformative landscape change” to lower water use while maintaining aesthetic and functional landscapes Colorado Department of Natural Resources. This includes efficient irrigation, drought-tolerant plants, and, where appropriate, synthetic turf for high-use areas.
Artificial turf as a compliant alternative
While the bill bans nonfunctional turf, artificial turf is not explicitly prohibited. It may be used as a functional turf alternative—such as in sports fields or playgrounds—where it serves a purpose and can be maintained without irrigation. This can be part of a transformative landscape change strategy that also includes native plantings in other areas Landscape Management.
In summary:
Colorado is leaning into ColoradoScape and, in some contexts, artificial turf because it’s part of a statewide water conservation strategy. The push is to replace thirsty, nonfunctional turf with native, low-water landscapes, while allowing functional turf (including artificial) where it serves a purpose. This approach addresses climate-driven water shortages, reduces outdoor water demand, and supports resilient, sustainable urban environments Denver Water+2.