and reduce water consumption at the same time !

‘Xeriscape’ NOT ‘Zeroscape’ A ‘zeroscape’ is a landscape comprised of nothing but rocks, usually gravel. Devoid of plants, and therefore habitat, they create heat islands and lack beauty. They may have an application in small, select areas but they are not desirable and still get weeds!

Xeriscape landscaping focuses on water conservation by replacing traditional lawns with drought-tolerant native plants, rocks, and efficient drip irrigation. This approach can reduce outdoor water use by up to 70%, which is vital for Colorado’s arid climate. JM Hayes Landscape was founded with a passion for creating sustainable, water-efficient landscapes. Committed to conservation and thoughtful design, we help clients transform their outdoor spaces into functional, beautiful environments that thrive with minimal water use.

At JM Hayes Landscape, we're passionate about creating landscapes that benefit both the environment and our clients through water- wise landscaping. Our approach involves designing sustainable landscapes that harmonize with our local climate, while simultaneously requiring minimal maintenance and water. This not only helps you save on water bills but also reduces your overall water consumption. Whether you're considering a fresh landscape or a transformation of your current one, we are here to assist you in crafting beautiful and sustainable outdoor spaces that fulfill your desires.

Water efficient landscaping is no longer just a trend in Fort Collins, Colorado. It has become a smart, responsible, and attractive way to create outdoor spaces that fit the local climate, conserve water, reduce maintenance, and improve curb appeal. In a place known for sunshine, dry summers, wind, clay soils, and changing weather, traditional high-water lawns can be expensive and difficult to maintain. A well-designed water-wise landscape gives homeowners and businesses a better option: a yard that looks beautiful, functions well, and uses water wisely. The first step in water efficient landscaping is planning. Before removing grass or buying plants, it is important to look at how the yard is used. A family with children or pets may still want a smaller turf area for play. A front yard may need strong curb appeal. A backyard may need outdoor living space, privacy, shade, and low-maintenance planting beds. The best landscapes organize the yard into practical zones. High-use areas can receive more water, while low-use areas can be converted to drought-tolerant beds or native plantings. Hydrozoning is one of the most important principles of water-wise design. This simply means grouping plants according to their water needs. Plants that need regular moisture should be placed together, ideally near the house or in areas where water is easy to manage. Very drought-tolerant plants should be grouped in hotter, drier parts of the yard. This prevents the common problem of watering an entire landscape just to keep a few thirsty plants alive. When plants with similar needs are grouped together, irrigation becomes more efficient and plant health improves. Soil preparation is another key part of success in Fort Collins. Many local yards have compacted or clay-heavy soil, which can cause water to run off instead of soaking in. Healthy soil acts like a sponge. Adding compost and improving soil structure helps water move deeper into the root zone, where plants can actually use it. Better soil also encourages stronger roots, which makes plants more resilient during heat, drought, and winter stress. Skipping soil preparation can lead to poor plant growth and wasted water, even in a low-water landscape. Choosing the right plants is where water efficient landscaping becomes exciting. Fort Collins homeowners can choose from many attractive low-water plants that bring color and texture throughout the seasons. Native and regionally adapted plants are especially useful because they are suited to Colorado’s sun, wind, temperature swings, and lower rainfall. Popular choices may include ornamental grasses, rabbitbrush, penstemon, yarrow, blue grama grass, blanket flower, Russian sage, serviceberry, Apache plume, chokecherry, and many varieties of salvia and coneflower. A good design includes a mix of bloom times so the landscape has interest from spring through fall. Turf does not have to disappear completely, but it should be used intentionally. Instead of having grass by default, homeowners can ask where lawn is truly useful. A smaller, well- shaped lawn area can be easier to water, mow, and maintain than a large patch of turf that nobody uses. In some areas, traditional lawn can be replaced with native grasses, low-water groundcovers, mulch beds, or hardscape features such as patios and walkways. Reducing unnecessary turf is often one of the fastest ways to lower outdoor water use. Irrigation is where many landscapes either save water or waste it. Even a xeriscape needs water during establishment, and most landscapes benefit from some irrigation during dry periods. The difference is how the water is delivered. Drip irrigation is usually best for planting beds because it sends water directly to the root zone with less evaporation and overspray. Efficient sprinkler heads, smart controllers, rain sensors, and soil moisture sensors can help lawns and planting areas receive the right amount of water at the right time. Sprinklers should be checked regularly for leaks, broken heads, overspray onto sidewalks, and poor coverage. Mulch is another simple but powerful tool. Organic mulch, such as wood mulch, helps reduce evaporation, moderate soil temperature, suppress weeds, and improve soil over time as it breaks down. Rock mulch can be useful in certain areas, but too much rock around plants can increase heat stress. A balanced design uses mulch to protect the soil while still allowing plants to be the main feature. Fort Collins residents also have access to helpful local resources. Fort Collins Utilities offers programs, rebates, classes, sprinkler evaluations, and water conservation information that can help homeowners plan and improve their landscapes. These resources can make water-wise upgrades more affordable and less intimidating, especially for people who are not sure where to begin. Before starting a turf replacement project, homeowners should check current program requirements and get approval where required. Water efficient landscaping is a practical choice for Fort Collins because it matches the way people want to live today. It saves water, supports pollinators, improves curb appeal, reduces unnecessary maintenance, and creates outdoor spaces that feel natural in Northern Colorado. Whether the project is a small front- yard conversion, a backyard remodel, or a complete landscape transformation, the best results come from careful planning and smart plant choices. A beautiful yard in Fort Collins does not need to be a thirsty yard. With the right design, homeowners can enjoy color, shade, texture, outdoor living space, and seasonal interest while using water more responsibly. Water efficient landscaping is not about giving something up. It is about creating a landscape that works better for the home, the climate, and the future of Colorado.