Thoughtful Landscape Design in a Water-Conscious Era
Colorado’s HB25-1113 has sparked debate among developers, designers, and homeowners. Some critics assume the bill will lead to barren landscapes, endless rock beds, and what many describe as “moonscape” development. That outcome is certainly possible with poor design or no design at all. However, it is far from inevitable.
Good landscapes have never been defined by the amount of turfgrass they contain. They are defined by intentional design, appropriate plant selection, and an understanding of how people actually use outdoor space. With thoughtful planning from a landscape architectural team, the landscapes shaped by HB25-1113 can be attractive, functional, and environmentally responsible.
In fact, the bill presents an opportunity to move toward well-designed xeric landscapes that prioritize low water use, lower maintenance, and long-term sustainability.
What HB25-1113 Actually Addresses
A common misconception is that the bill eliminates turfgrass altogether. In reality, HB25-1113 does not prohibit turfgrass. Instead, it limits the non-functional use of high-water turfgrass in areas where it provides little to no benefit.
For decades, much of Colorado development relied on a “green by default” approach to landscape design. Large areas of turfgrass were installed because they were inexpensive to construct and created an instant visual impact. Unfortunately, many of these areas were never intended to be used.
Examples include:
- Narrow tree lawns
- Roadside medians
- Business park buffers
- Unused open spaces
- Difficult-to-maintain slopes
These spaces often consume significant irrigation water while providing little recreational value. They also require ongoing mowing, fertilization, and maintenance.
HB25-1113 simply encourages designers to ask a practical question:
Does this area actually need turfgrass?
If the answer is no, then the landscape should shift toward lower-water alternatives, including native grasses, planting beds, and xeriscape plant communities.
Moving Beyond Minimal Landscape Design
Part of the challenge comes from Colorado’s regulatory history. Licensed landscape architects were not required in the state until 2008. Prior to that, many developments met only the minimum municipal landscape requirements.
Minimum standards often produced minimal landscapes—large turf areas with limited planting diversity. These landscapes may have satisfied code requirements, but they did not always represent thoughtful design.
Today, communities across Colorado are recognizing that these older practices are not sustainable in a semi-arid climate. Cities are increasingly encouraging xeriscape principles, native plant communities, and low-water landscape strategies.
With these tools, landscapes can become more resilient, visually interesting, and easier to maintain.
Native Grasses and Low-Water Turf Alternatives
Fortunately, Colorado offers a wide range of low-water plant options that perform well across different climates and elevations.
Throughout much of the state, native grasses such as Buffalo Grass and Blue Grama provide excellent alternatives to traditional high-water turf. These species evolved in the region’s climate and therefore require less irrigation and maintenance once established.
In cities at lower elevations—such as Pueblo—designers have even more opportunities to incorporate xeriscape plant palettes that thrive in hot, dry conditions.
When used intentionally, these grasses can create landscapes that are:
- Durable
- Water efficient
- Low maintenance
- Visually consistent with the regional ecology
The result is a landscape that belongs to its environment rather than fighting against it.
Lessons from Past Projects in Pueblo
Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work on several projects in Pueblo, and those experiences helped shape our office’s approach to low-water landscape design.
One of my earliest projects there was the Pueblo Municipal Complex, located south of the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo along Main Street.
This project was particularly memorable because the City of Pueblo served as both reviewer and client. The primary contact was Steven Meier, a landscape architect who also attended Kansas State University, my alma mater.
Working with another landscape architect as a client creates a unique experience. There is often an unspoken understanding of design intent, and the conversation quickly moves beyond minimum requirements to focus on what will truly benefit the project.
At the Municipal Complex, the landscape was designed to be contextual and intentional. The plan minimized high-water turfgrass and incorporated planting beds and drought-tolerant materials that aligned with Pueblo’s climate. In many ways, the design reflected xeriscape principles long before they became a statewide policy conversation.
Affordable Housing and Water-Efficient Landscapes
Years later, I had the opportunity to work on another Pueblo project while leading the Colorado Springs office for Altitude Land Consultants.
The first phase of the Uplands Townhomes project in southwest Pueblo was designed as an affordable housing community. Planning and architecture were provided by Kephart, while civil engineering and landscape architecture were provided by Altitude.
Just like the Municipal Complex, we focused on reducing high-water turf areas in favor of native planting beds and xeriscape planting zones. I recently visited the property and noted that the future phases unfortunately abandoned the low water/maintenance intent and included several large areas of high water use turfgrass.
Turfgrass When Necessary
Where turfgrass is necessary, or desirable from our clients, Rhizomatous Tall Fescue (RTF) remains a preferred turfgrass for moderate-use areas. RTF provides the visual quality of green lawn with slightly less maintenance and considerably less water than the conventional default of bluegrass.
None of this is to say that bluegrass isn’t still a necessary tool for the landscape. Bluegrass is an important material in the palette for areas with high-traffic from kids and dogs. Locally adapted bluegrass mixes will continue to be a key participant in the landscape with good turfgrass management.
Practical Xeriscape Strategies for Modern Development
In many current projects, including neighborhoods like Gold Hill Mesa, we are experimenting with a broader range of xeriscape solutions.
For example, where tree lawns traditionally relied on irrigated turfgrass, we are now implementing:
- Buffalograss and Blue Grama seed blends
- Native planting beds
- Low-growing shrub communities
- Ornamental native grasses
One plant we particularly enjoy using is Nassella (Mexican Feather Grass). This species creates a soft, flowing texture that moves with the wind and performs exceptionally well in low-water xeriscape environments.
Over time, Nassella spreads naturally—especially in rock mulch without weed barrier fabric—creating a dynamic, evolving landscape that requires very little maintenance. There is a word of caution with Nassella however, the seed from Nassella can become airborne and spread to nearby planting beds where it may not be desired. It’s best to identify this early on and remove (or even better yet – relocate) the young Nassella plants.
Beds of Nassela can instead of static turf areas, become dynamic living plant communities.
Conclusion: A Better Landscape Future for Colorado
HB25-1113 should not be viewed as a limitation. Instead, it is an invitation to design landscapes more intelligently.
By embracing xeriscape design, native plant communities, and low-water landscape strategies, Colorado communities can create outdoor environments that are beautiful, resilient, and easier to maintain.
The era of installing turfgrass simply because it is easy is coming to an end in Colorado. In its place is an opportunity for thoughtful design, where every landscape element has a purpose and every plant belongs in its environment.
If approached with creativity and care, the landscapes shaped by HB25-1113 will not resemble barren moonscapes. They will represent a smarter, more sustainable vision for the future of development in Colorado.