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Native Grass Landscapes

Native grass landscapes are a beautiful, water-wise option for front yards and reflect what Aurora’s original landscape looked like. While native grasses are a great choice for some homeowners, it does require patience and perseverance to establish and look its best. Seeding native grasses is often a more affordable way to create a water-wise landscape. The lower upfront cost is balanced by the time and effort needed for weed management during establishment. 

We would love to see more native grasses in Aurora yards, and success starts with planting it in spaces where it is well-suited by people who have the motivation and patience to help them thrive. Review the notes below to see if a native grass landscape might be the right fit for you!

Benefits of switching to native grass over your traditional lawn: 

  • At least 50% less water use 
  • Lower water bills 
  • Reduced mowing, fertilizing and aeration 
  • Better heat and drought tolerance 
  • Improved habitat for native wildlife 

Native grass is great if you:

Native grass may not be a great fit if you: 

  • Are willing to weed weekly for the first one to two seasons and learn to identify weeds (PSST. There are grasses that are considered weeds.)

  • Enjoy the classic look of a lawn whether short and manicured or tall and prairie-like.

  • Don’t enjoy mowing

  •  Have a yard with full sun (over six hours)

  • Want a cost-effective landscape conversion and are willing to put in the labor to achieve it

 

  • Dislike managing weed by hand or herbicide

  • Have limited mobility for maintenance

  • Want instant, finished results

  • Have a shady yard

  • High-traffic outdoor activity

Consideration

Native Grass

Traditional Water-Wise Landscape

Weed Maintenance

Very high in initial years, requires weed-identification skills as weeds emerge

Can be high if weeds were a problem before conversion

Cost

Often cheaper, especially for 1:1 seed conversions

Water-wise landscapes are generally more expensive. Estimates are approximately $2 to 6/ sq ft for DIY or $10 to $13/ sq ft

Maintenance

Mainly weeding, may need reseeding, mowing is not required, but may be desired

Seasonal plant care, regular weeding, and wood mulch top-offs are recommended every three years

Site Requirements

Needs a sunny yard

 

 

There are water-wise plants available for any condition (While most plants prefer sun, a wide range is available)

 

City Requirements

1:1 square foot turf to native grass conversions do not require a detailed landscape design.

 

1:1 square foot turf to native grass conversions do not require a landscape feature requirement

Water-wise landscapes require50% long-lived plant material and a landscape feature (boulder, berm, rock wall).

 

Apply for a free design that meets all City Landscape Requirements from the Aurora Water's Landscape Design Program today.

Native Grass Resources  

Colorado Native Grass Manual 

https://coloradonativegrass.org/ or download the manual here. 

Colorado State University’s Native Grasses List

https://extension.colostate.edu/resource/native-grasses-for-use-in-colorado-landscapes/

My DIY turf to native grass conversion video 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYyFUSMp3eg&list=PLLnYiwKrQTrum0e8Bb7JGM70RaccoSU8U&index=8

Grass Replacement Incentive Program

https://www.auroragov.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=16242704&pageId=16599022

Apply for a Seed and Sod Permit 

If you choose to install native grass, you will still need to apply for a seed and sod permit with the City of Aurora. This permit allows for increased watering during establishment, which is necessary to help native grass seed successfully establish.

https://www.auroragov.org/business_services/development_center/inspections___certificate_of_occupancy/lawn_and_irrigation

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