Replacing your lawn with water-saving sod in Colorado is the most effective way to reduce water bills and comply with strict municipal watering restrictions. By upgrading to drought-tolerant varieties like Tahoma 31™ or RTF® Water Saver®, you can cut water usage by up to 75% while maintaining a lush, functional green space. The process involves selecting the right turf, completely tearing out the old grass, properly amending the soil, and professionally installing the new sod for deep root establishment.
Before diving into the “how,” it is important to understand the “why.” Many older Colorado homes were built with generic cool-season grasses that were never intended for our dry climate. These lawns require massive amounts of supplemental irrigation just to survive July and August.
With organizations like Denver Water implementing strict two-day-a-week watering rules [1], keeping these old lawns green is becoming nearly impossible. Furthermore, many local water providers are now offering significant rebates and discounts of up to $750 for turf removal and water-wise landscape upgrades [2].
By choosing to replace your lawn with water-saving sod in Colorado, you are making a long-term investment. The upfront cost of new sod and installation is quickly offset by the dramatic reduction in your monthly water bills, lower maintenance costs, and the increased property value that comes with a modern, sustainable landscape.
The success of your lawn replacement project hinges entirely on selecting the correct turfgrass for your specific needs. At Green Valley Turf, we have spent decades testing and growing varieties specifically for the Colorado climate. Here are the top three water-saving options to consider:
If maximum water conservation is your goal, Tahoma 31™ is the undisputed champion. This cold-tolerant bermudagrass uses 50% to 75% less water than traditional cool-season grasses. It thrives in the summer heat, requires significantly less mowing, and is highly resistant to high traffic and dog urine. It greens up in April and goes dormant in October, making it the ultimate low-maintenance “Colorado Grass.”
For homeowners who prefer a traditional, dark green lawn that stays green longer into the shoulder seasons, RTF® (Rhizomatous Tall Fescue) is an exceptional choice. It features a deep, extensive root system that draws moisture from deep within the soil, allowing for up to 30% water savings. Unlike older fescues, RTF® is self-repairing and fills in bare spots naturally. It also performs beautifully in both full sun and shaded areas.
If you need a highly durable, fine-textured grass for active kids and sports, our Colorado Blue™ is a drought-tolerant blend of elite Kentucky bluegrasses. While it uses slightly more water than Tahoma 31 or RTF, it is vastly more efficient than older bluegrass varieties. It is designed to withstand severe drought stress by going dormant and recovering quickly once watered.
You cannot simply lay new sod over an existing, struggling lawn. The old grass, weeds, and thatch must be completely removed to give your new water-saving sod the best possible start.
The tear-out process involves using a sod cutter to slice under the existing turf, removing the top layer of vegetation and the immediate root zone. This step is physically demanding and generates a significant amount of heavy organic waste that must be hauled away and disposed of properly.
Attempting a DIY tear-out can be overwhelming for many homeowners. This is why utilizing a professional sod installation service is highly recommended. Professional crews have the heavy equipment necessary to strip the old lawn quickly and efficiently, ensuring a clean slate for the next crucial step.
This is arguably the most important step in learning how to replace your lawn with water-saving sod in Colorado. Even the most drought-tolerant grass will fail if planted in poor, compacted soil. Colorado soils are notoriously heavy in clay, which drains poorly and restricts root growth.
Once the old lawn is removed, the bare dirt must be thoroughly tilled. We highly recommend incorporating high-quality organic compost into the native soil during this tilling process. This soil amendment improves drainage, increases water retention capacity, and provides essential nutrients for the new sod to establish its deep root system.
After tilling and amending, the soil must be fine-graded. This involves leveling the surface, removing rocks and debris, and ensuring proper drainage away from your home’s foundation. A perfectly smooth grade prevents water pooling and ensures your new lawn looks like a seamless green carpet.
With the soil perfectly prepped, it is time to lay the new sod. Because water-saving varieties like Tahoma 31 and RTF rely on deep root establishment, the sod must be installed immediately after harvesting to prevent the roots from drying out.
At Green Valley Turf, our sod is cut fresh daily. When laying the sod, the pieces must be tightly butted together without overlapping, and the seams should be staggered like brickwork. Once laid, the entire lawn should be rolled with a heavy water roller to ensure excellent sod-to-soil contact, eliminating air pockets that can dry out the roots.
While your new sod is designed to be drought-tolerant, it is not drought-tolerant on day one. The first two to three weeks are critical. The new grass must be watered frequently, often multiple times a day, to keep the sod and the underlying soil moist while the roots grow down into the prepped soil.
Once the sod is firmly rooted (you cannot easily pull up a corner of the grass), you can begin to taper off the watering schedule, training the roots to dive deeper in search of moisture. By the following season, your new lawn will be fully established and ready to deliver on its water-saving promises.
Replacing an old, inefficient lawn is a major project, but the long-term benefits for your wallet and the environment are undeniable. If you are ready to embrace a smarter way of landscaping, Green Valley Turf is here to help.
We offer comprehensive services, from helping you select the perfect water-wise sod to handling the complete tear-out, soil prep, and professional installation. Stop fighting a losing battle with thirsty grass. Contact us today at 303-798-6764 or use our online area calculator to get an estimate on upgrading your property with premium, Colorado-grown, water-saving sod.
[1] Denver Water. “Summer Watering Rules and Restrictions.” denverwater.org. [2] Denver Water. “Residential Rebates and Discounts.” denverwater.org.
