ULTIMATE LAWNCARE / LAWN ANSWERS
A little know-how.
A better yard.
Questions worth asking before you turn up the sprinklers, buy fertilizer, or plan the next job.
Sources checked September 18, 2026
01 / BROWN PATCHES
Is that brown patch asking for more water?
Not always. Uneven irrigation is one common cause, but pet urine, mites, and disease can also leave brown areas. Color alone doesn’t identify the problem.
What to check next
Check the pattern, soil moisture, and sprinkler coverage first. Note when the patch appeared and whether it is spreading. Follow watering restrictions; don’t add fertilizer or chemicals on a guess.
Source: PlantTalk Colorado · Brown spots ↗Talk to Sammy about your yard ↗02 / AERATION & DROUGHT
Should I aerate a dry, dormant lawn?
Wait when the lawn is completely brown or dormant from water restrictions. CSU guidance explains that aeration can further stress severely dry turf, and recovery needs adequate moisture.
What to check next
Check lawn condition and whether permitted watering can support recovery before scheduling. Aeration is a decision about the lawn’s health, not just the month on a calendar.
Source: PlantTalk Colorado · Aeration during drought ↗Talk to Sammy about your yard ↗03 / SOIL & NUTRIENTS
What can a soil test actually tell me?
A lab result gives you a better starting point for fertilizer decisions than buying another bag on instinct. CSU’s Soil, Water and Plant Testing Laboratory accepts homeowner samples and provides fertilizer suggestions.
What to check next
Use the lab’s sampling instructions and submission form. Describe the area and what is growing there. A soil test is not a diagnosis of every lawn problem; this lab does not test for pesticides or herbicides.
Source: CSU · Soil, Water and Plant Testing Laboratory ↗Talk to Sammy about your yard ↗04 / GRASS & WATER USE
Is there a better grass for my yard?
There is no one best grass for every Colorado yard. Sun, shade, soil, foot traffic, available water, and how long you want the lawn to stay green all matter. Low maintenance does not mean no maintenance.
What to check next
Start with how you use the space. Compare grass options before seeding or renovating, and check current establishment-watering rules. A play lawn and a lightly used sunny strip may need different approaches.
Source: PlantTalk Colorado · Choosing a lawn grass ↗Talk to Sammy about your yard ↗05 / SPRINKLERS & RUNOFF
Why does water run onto the sidewalk?
Sprinklers can apply water faster than soil absorbs it. Shorter watering cycles with soaking time between can help water reach the roots, especially on slopes or slow-draining soil.
What to check next
Check head alignment and leaks. Adjust the controller to your soil and sprinkler type, within your utility’s permitted days and hours. More runtime is not always the answer.
Source: Denver Water · Watering your lawn ↗Talk to Sammy about your yard ↗06 / THE REST OF YOUR YARD
Can yard work affect my trees?
Yes. Tree roots extend beyond the canopy and need both water and oxygen. Compaction, digging, added soil, and excessive watering can injure roots—even when the trunk looks untouched.
What to check next
Discuss exposed roots and nearby trees before changing beds or bringing equipment through. Avoid piling soil over roots. For tree health concerns, seek a qualified arborist’s assessment.
Source: CSU Extension · Healthy roots and healthy trees ↗Talk to Sammy about your yard ↗THINKING BEYOND THE LAWN?
Keep the grass you use.
Explore the rest.
Denver Water’s ColoradoScaping resources cover water-wise plants, native grass, and planning a lower-water yard. Use them to explore options before committing to a renovation.
Explore Denver Water’s resources ↗BRING YOUR QUESTIONS
Let’s start with your property.
Share the problem, your goals, and your ZIP code. We’ll discuss the scope and confirm which work is available.