Practical strategies to lower water bills and support sustainability

Water costs are climbing across Colorado, and commercial properties are feeling the impact. Between rising utility rates and stricter water use regulations, business owners and property managers are looking for ways to maintain attractive landscapes without breaking the budget.

Here in Boulder, Larimer, and Weld County, the dry climate makes water management even more critical. A commercial property can easily use thousands of gallons per week during peak season. The good news? There are proven strategies to cut that usage significantly while keeping your grounds looking professional.

At AGT Landscape & Design, we've helped commercial clients across the Front Range reduce water consumption without sacrificing curb appeal. The strategies below aren't theoretical—they're what we implement on corporate campuses, retail plazas, and multi-family properties throughout Northern Colorado.

1. Upgrade to Smart Irrigation Controllers

Traditional irrigation timers run on a set schedule, regardless of weather conditions. Smart controllers adjust watering based on real-time data like temperature, humidity, and rainfall.

These systems connect to local weather stations and automatically skip watering cycles when it rains or when soil moisture is adequate. For a typical commercial property, this can reduce irrigation water use by 20-40% compared to standard timers.

The controllers also allow remote monitoring and adjustments, which means your landscaping team can respond to changing conditions without being on-site. This is particularly useful for properties with multiple zones or varying sun exposure.

2. Install Drip Irrigation in Planting Beds

Overhead sprinklers lose a significant amount of water to evaporation and wind drift. Drip irrigation delivers water directly to plant roots through a network of tubes and emitters.

This method is ideal for shrub beds, perennial gardens, and foundation plantings. Water goes exactly where it's needed, reducing waste and preventing runoff onto hardscapes. Drip systems also help prevent fungal issues since foliage stays dry.

While the upfront cost is higher than spray heads, drip irrigation pays for itself through lower water bills and reduced plant replacement costs. We typically see water savings of 30-50% in areas where drip systems replace traditional sprinklers.

3. Choose Drought-Tolerant Plants for Colorado's Climate

Plant selection makes a massive difference in water consumption. Many commercial landscapes still rely on high-water plants that aren't suited to our semi-arid climate.

Native and adapted plants like blue grama grass, Russian sage, penstemon, and juniper thrive with minimal irrigation once established. These plants have deep root systems and natural drought resistance.

Transitioning to drought-tolerant species doesn't mean sacrificing color or visual interest. There are plenty of options that provide seasonal blooms, texture, and year-round structure. The key is working with a designer who understands what performs well in Colorado conditions.

4. Improve Soil Quality Before Planting

Colorado's native soil is often compacted clay or sandy loam with low organic matter. Poor soil structure leads to runoff, poor drainage, and shallow root development—all of which increase water needs.

Amending soil with compost improves water retention and encourages deeper root growth. Plants with deeper roots access moisture from lower soil layers and require less frequent watering.

For new construction or landscape renovations, proper soil preparation is one of the most cost-effective investments you can make. It reduces long-term irrigation needs and creates healthier, more resilient plantings.

5. Apply Mulch to Reduce Evaporation

A 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around plants reduces soil temperature, suppresses weeds, and slows moisture evaporation. This simple practice can cut watering frequency significantly during hot, dry periods.

Wood chips, shredded bark, and composted materials all work well. Mulch also breaks down over time, adding organic matter to the soil and improving its structure.

For commercial properties, mulch provides a clean, finished appearance while serving a functional purpose. Plan to refresh mulch annually or as needed to maintain depth and effectiveness.

6. Zone Irrigation Based on Plant Water Needs

Not all areas of your property need the same amount of water. Turf, shade plantings, and sun-exposed beds all have different requirements.

Hydrozoning groups plants with similar water needs together and assigns them to separate irrigation zones. This allows you to water each area appropriately without over- or under-watering.

A well-designed hydrozoned system prevents waste and keeps plants healthier. Turf areas can receive more frequent, shallow watering, while established shrubs get deeper, less frequent irrigation.

7. Reduce Turf Areas Where Possible

Lawn grass requires more water than almost any other landscape element. While turf has its place—especially in high-visibility areas or functional spaces—many commercial properties have more lawn than necessary.

Replacing unused turf with mulched beds, groundcovers, or hardscaping reduces water use and maintenance labor. Even converting a portion of your lawn can lead to noticeable savings.

We've worked with clients to identify low-traffic turf areas that can be transitioned to water-wise plantings without affecting the property's appearance or usability.

8. Schedule Regular Irrigation System Maintenance

An efficient irrigation system doesn't stay that way without upkeep. Broken sprinkler heads, leaks, and misaligned zones waste water and create uneven coverage.

Routine inspections catch problems early. We recommend spring start-up checks, mid-season adjustments, and fall winterization for all commercial irrigation systems.

Regular maintenance also includes adjusting run times seasonally. A system programmed for July shouldn't still be running the same schedule in September when temperatures drop and rainfall increases.

Common Mistakes That Waste Water

Even well-intentioned property managers make mistakes that increase water use unnecessarily. Here are a few we see often:

Overwatering: More water doesn't mean healthier plants. Overwatering leads to shallow roots, fungal disease, and runoff. Most established landscapes need less water than you'd think.

Outdated Irrigation Systems: Systems installed 10-15 years ago lack the efficiency of modern equipment. Old controllers, worn components, and poor coverage patterns waste water and money.

Poor Plant Selection: Installing high-water plants in full sun or exposed areas creates a maintenance burden. Choose plants suited to the specific conditions of each location on your property.

Ignoring Seasonal Adjustments: Irrigation needs change throughout the year. Failing to adjust schedules for cooler weather or rainfall results in unnecessary watering.

Plan Smart, Save Long-Term

Water-smart landscaping isn't just about cutting costs—it's about building systems that work efficiently over time. Proper planning, quality installation, and ongoing maintenance create landscapes that look professional while using resources responsibly.

For commercial properties in Colorado, where water availability and costs will continue to be challenges, these strategies aren't optional. They're smart business decisions that protect your investment and reduce operating expenses.

If you're managing a commercial property in Boulder County, Larimer County, or Weld County and want to reduce water use without compromising appearance, we can help. AGT Landscape & Design works with businesses throughout Northern Colorado to design, install, and maintain water-efficient landscapes tailored to local conditions.



Contact us to discuss how water-smart landscaping can work for your property.