Drought and dry spells hit high-country landscapes hard: variable soils, intense UV, wind, and cool nights that still pull moisture from plants. The goal is not to pretend it is not dry, but to prioritize water where it matters, protect soil and roots, and align with how each of our regions is regulated and supplied.
How this shows up in our service areas
We work across Summit County, the Vail Valley, and Steamboat. Elevation, aspect, and water source rules differ district by district, but the pattern is the same: when snowpack is thin or rain is scarce, irrigation and maintenance have to be deliberate. We coordinate schedules and adjustments with what your system, plant palette, and local guidance allow.
Irrigation priorities during drought
In a shortage, we focus first on high-value woody plants and established perennials that are costly or slow to replace, then on turf where the regulations support it. Shorter, well-timed runs (including cycle-soak methods) outperform constant light spritzing. For a fuller picture of how we think about water on site, see our Field Guide on Water usage and Irrigation; our irrigation maintenance team can tune controllers and zones as conditions change.
What to Expect from Your Garden in a Drought
In a drought year, expectations shift. Conditions that might feel concerning in a typical season often become part of a new normal as landscapes adapt to limited water availability. Our focus moves from peak performance to resilience—supporting plant health at the root level and guiding landscapes through stress with care and intention.
Here’s what you may notice:
- Turf will go dormant
Lawns may develop large brown patches, especially in hot, sunny exposures, while remaining greener in shaded areas. This is a natural survival response—not decline. Dormant turf is conserving energy and will recover with adequate moisture, provided it is not heavily trafficked during this period. - Perennials will be smaller and less floriferous
Plants will direct energy below ground, prioritizing root health over top growth. Expect reduced size and fewer blooms as we support long-term vitality over seasonal abundance. - Trees will show signs of stress
Leaves may be smaller, and trees can become more susceptible to pests and disease. It’s also common to see earlier leaf drop as trees conserve resources. - Soil health becomes even more important
Mulch and organic matter play a critical role—reducing evaporation, regulating soil temperature, and protecting root systems. - Water features may be limited
Operation may be reduced or paused depending on restrictions and available supply. - Increased pest and disease pressure
Drought-stressed landscapes are more vulnerable. Monitoring and targeted plant health care may be needed to manage outbreaks and support recovery.
We help distinguish between cosmetic stress and true risk to plant health, so efforts are focused where they matter most. Through thoughtful irrigation management, soil support, and plant health care, we work to protect the long-term integrity of your landscape—even in challenging conditions.
Regulations, rebates, and planning ahead
Water providers and HOAs update rules during drought. We stay aware of restrictions in the counties and towns we serve and can help you stage reductions without abandoning long-term landscape goals. Rebates and retrofit programs sometimes align with turf reduction or more efficient irrigation—see Rebates for an overview.
When to call us
If you are seeing uneven coverage, valve or zone failures, or widespread decline during a dry stretch, early adjustments often prevent bigger losses. We are happy to review your property in context of drought and your service area and recommend a practical plan.
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