When July heat hits Colorado Springs, even the most drought-tolerant plants can begin to feel the strain. But that doesn’t mean your water bill has to skyrocket—or that you need to waste precious resources trying to keep everything green. With thoughtful strategies and efficient tools, you can maintain a healthy, thriving landscape while using less water.
Here’s how to water smarter, not harder, during Colorado’s driest stretch of the year.
Know When and How Often to Water
In July, temperatures regularly hit the high 80s or low 90s, and the sun is at its most intense. That means timing your watering is just as important as the amount.
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Water early or late: Aim for watering before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m. This minimizes evaporation and ensures more water reaches plant roots instead of evaporating into the dry air.
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Water deeply, less often: Frequent shallow watering encourages weak roots. Instead, water deeply two to three times a week, allowing the soil to dry out in between to encourage stronger, more drought-resilient plants.
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Adjust with the weather: After a summer rainstorm (and July does bring some monsoons), skip your next scheduled watering. Overwatering can be just as harmful as underwatering, especially for native species adapted to arid conditions.
Use Drip Irrigation to Target Where It Counts
Drip irrigation systems are a water-saving powerhouse for Colorado Springs landscapes, especially in garden beds and around trees or shrubs. They deliver moisture directly to the root zone, which means:
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Minimal waste: No runoff, less evaporation, and fewer weeds benefiting from broad spray coverage.
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Controlled delivery: Emitters can be adjusted based on plant size and water needs, giving each plant what it needs without overdoing it.
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Healthier plants: Consistent root-level moisture reduces the risk of disease, which can be triggered by wet leaves in overhead watering.
If you haven’t installed a drip system yet, consider starting with a simple setup in your flower beds or around key perennials. Expand gradually as you learn how much water your plants truly need.
Group Plants by Water Needs
Not all plants are created equal—especially in July. By grouping your landscape according to water requirements, you can tailor your irrigation more efficiently.
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Hydrozoning: This technique clusters plants with similar watering needs into the same area. Drought-tolerant plants like lavender, yucca, and penstemon won’t need the same care as moisture-loving vegetables or potted annuals.
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Plan around exposure: South-facing and west-facing spots will dry out faster than shaded areas. Adjust your watering schedule accordingly, giving sunbaked zones a bit more attention.
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Use mulch to your advantage: A 2–3 inch layer of natural mulch around your plants helps retain moisture, cool the soil, and reduce weed competition—all while giving your yard a clean, polished look.
Don’t Ignore Hardscape and Non-Traditional Beds
If you have gravel gardens, xeriscaped zones, or rock beds, these areas need care too. While they’re lower-maintenance than traditional lawns, they still require occasional watering to keep native plants and ornamentals thriving through July.
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Spot-water native perennials: Even drought-adapted plants like blue flax or blanketflower benefit from a deep soak every 10–14 days during prolonged heatwaves.
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Check drip emitters in gravel beds: Ensure lines haven’t shifted under the rock, and adjust emitters if water is pooling or missing the target zones.
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Use rain barrels: Capture runoff from summer storms and reuse it in gravel gardens, containers, or native plant areas. It’s free water and great for non-edible plants.
Inspect and Tune Up Your Irrigation System
Efficiency starts with a well-functioning system. If you haven’t done a midsummer inspection, now’s the time.
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Look for leaks: Cracked hoses or broken emitters can waste a surprising amount of water in just a few days.
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Check timers: Make sure your system isn’t running longer than necessary or during peak sun hours.
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Clean filters and flush lines: A clogged drip system delivers inconsistent water flow and can stress your plants without you noticing until it’s too late.
Taking an hour once a month to walk through your system can save gallons of water—and dozens of plants.
Conserve Without Compromising Beauty
Colorado Springs residents take pride in creating landscapes that are both functional and beautiful. You don’t have to sacrifice appearance to stay water-wise in July.
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Use containers smartly: Containers dry out quickly but can be grouped in shaded areas or near water sources to simplify care. Try self-watering planters to reduce frequency.
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Add more natives: Plants like Apache plume, goldenrod, and chocolate flower are stunning, attract pollinators, and thrive with minimal water.
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Skip the grass: If you have open areas that used to be turf, consider replacing them with native groundcovers, hardscaped paths, or a mix of gravel and low-water plants.
Watering smarter isn’t just about cutting back—it’s about learning what your landscape truly needs and giving it the right care at the right time.
Final Thought: Work With Nature, Not Against It
July in Colorado Springs presents challenges, but also opportunities. By adjusting your approach to watering and embracing native techniques, you can keep your garden vibrant while respecting local conditions and water limits.
Want more seasonal strategies for a beautiful, low-maintenance yard?
Explore our latest tips on smart landscaping, or reach out to the team at Affordable Services Colorado Springs. We’re here to help you stay cool, conserve wisely, and love your outdoor space all summer long.
