Colorado homeowners, get ready for some big changes in your yard! The state is looking at new rules that could make certain landscaping choices a thing of the past.
From fancy fountains to water-hungry grass, some features might soon be off-limits. Let’s take a closer look at the yard items that could disappear and what it means for your outdoor space…
1. Large Grass Lawns
Traditional green lawns are major water guzzlers in Colorado’s semi-arid climate. Some counties are already limiting lawn sizes to 500-1,000 square feet for new construction.
Homeowners might soon face retrofitting requirements, forcing them to replace existing turf with native plants. The water savings could be substantial – a typical lawn needs over 20,000 gallons annually in Colorado’s dry conditions.
2. Ornamental Water Features
Backyard ponds and decorative fountains may become relics of the past. During Colorado’s frequent drought periods, these features lose thousands of gallons to evaporation.
Officials are considering permits for water features that would require recirculation systems and size limitations. Many Colorado communities already discourage these installations through their water conservation programs.
3. Non-Native Plant Species
Exotic plants that require excessive watering or threaten native ecosystems face increasing scrutiny. Colorado’s Department of Agriculture already maintains an expanding noxious weed list.
Future regulations may prohibit selling or planting certain popular ornamentals like Russian olive trees or Japanese barberry. These restrictions aim to protect Colorado’s delicate native habitats from invasive competition.
4. Artificial Turf
While once promoted as a water-saving alternative, artificial turf creates heat islands and prevents natural water absorption. The plastic materials also shed microplastics into Colorado’s watershed.
Lawmakers are examining limits on synthetic lawns, especially in areas near waterways. Some Colorado municipalities have already started requiring permeable surfaces around homes instead of impervious alternatives.
5. Outdoor Heating Elements
Patio heaters, fire pits, and outdoor fireplaces contribute to air pollution and fire danger. With Colorado’s growing wildfire concerns, these features face increasing restrictions.
Several mountain communities have already limited outdoor burning during high-risk seasons. Future regulations may permanently restrict certain types of outdoor heating or require expensive permits and safety modifications.
6. Certain Fencing Materials
Wildlife-unfriendly fencing disrupts natural migration patterns crucial to Colorado’s ecosystem. Solid privacy fences and those with sharp tops particularly harm local deer and elk populations.
New regulations may mandate wildlife-friendly designs with specific height restrictions and gaps. Many Colorado mountain communities are already implementing these requirements to protect the movement of native animals through residential areas.
7. Chemical Pesticides and Herbicides
Common lawn chemicals threaten beneficial insects and contaminate Colorado’s water supply. Counties are increasingly restricting products containing neonicotinoids and glyphosate.
Homeowners may soon face complete bans on certain chemical treatments for residential yards. The movement has gained momentum as Colorado beekeepers report declining populations and researchers find chemical residues in local watersheds.
8. Bright Outdoor Lighting
Excessive nighttime illumination disrupts wildlife and contributes to light pollution across Colorado’s famously starry skies. Motion-activated floodlights and decorative string lights are particular concerns.
New dark sky ordinances may limit brightness, direction, and hours of operation for residential lighting. Several Colorado mountain towns have already implemented strict lighting codes to preserve their night sky views.
9. Raised Garden Beds with Treated Lumber
Pressure-treated wood contains chemicals that can leach into soil and vegetables. Colorado gardeners often use these materials without realizing the potential risks.
Future regulations may prohibit certain treated woods in food-growing areas. Some Colorado communities already recommend alternative materials like cedar, stone, or composite products for garden construction to prevent contamination.
10. Excessive Hardscaping
Large concrete patios and extensive paved areas prevent natural water absorption and contribute to flooding and erosion. Colorado’s increasingly intense rainstorms make this particularly problematic.
New regulations may limit the percentage of a property that can be covered with impermeable surfaces. Several Front Range communities have already implemented stormwater management requirements that discourage excessive hardscaping in Colorado yards.
11. Non-Electric Powered Equipment
Gas-powered lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and trimmers produce significant air pollution. A single gas mower can emit as much pollution as 11 cars in an hour.
Colorado lawmakers are considering following California’s lead with phased bans on gas-powered yard equipment. Some Colorado municipalities have already started incentive programs to encourage residents to switch to electric alternatives.
12. Invasive Water Features
Backyard streams and waterfalls that connect to natural waterways risk introducing non-native species to Colorado’s ecosystem. These connections can also contaminate natural water sources.
New regulations may require permits and inspections for any water feature with potential environmental impact. Several Colorado watershed protection groups are actively pushing for these restrictions to safeguard the state’s precious water resources.
13. Resource-Intensive Vegetable Gardens
Water-hungry crops like corn and certain varieties of tomatoes face scrutiny in Colorado’s arid climate. These plants can require several times more water than native or adapted food plants.
Future regulations may limit residential garden water allocation during drought periods. Some Colorado communities have already implemented garden watering restrictions and are promoting drought-resistant vegetable varieties better suited to the state’s climate.