THE ULTIMATE LAWN / COLORADO FIELD GUIDE
Sammy’s
Lawn Tips!
A good lawn starts between visits. Here’s a practical place to start for a yard in Denver and along the Front Range.
Start with the basics ↓
YOUR YARD. A LITTLE KNOW-HOW.SMALL HABITS. A HEALTHIER LAWN.
Get the basics right.
- 01 / 06Keep a little height.
2½–3INCHES
Keep a little height.
For common Colorado lawns, aim for 2½–3 inches. Remove no more than a third of the blade per mow.
Read the guidance: CSU Extension ↗ - 02 / 06Water the roots.
ROOTSOVER ROUTINES
Water the roots.
Check soil moisture and rooting depth. Adjust irrigation to your soil, weather, and grass—not a fixed daily timer.
Read the guidance: CSU Extension ↗ - 03 / 06Let it soak in.
SOAKSKIP THE RUNOFF
Let it soak in.
On clay or slopes, split watering into shorter cycles with soaking time between. Keep spray on the lawn and follow your provider’s restrictions.
Read the guidance: Denver Water ↗ - 04 / 06Leave the clippings.
RECYCLEWHAT YOU CUT
Leave the clippings.
Return clippings to the lawn to recycle nutrients. They don’t cause thatch. Keep mower blades sharp for a clean cut.
Read the guidance: CSU Extension ↗ - 05 / 06Give roots some room.
AERATECOMPACTED SOIL
Give roots some room.
Core aeration relieves compaction. Leave the soil plugs to break down naturally, especially in heavily used areas.
Read the guidance: CSU Extension ↗ - 06 / 06Feed with a plan.
TESTBEFORE YOU GUESS
Feed with a plan.
Base fertilizer on grass type and soil testing. Too much nitrogen means extra growth and mowing, not necessarily healthier turf.
Read the guidance: CSU Extension ↗
LET THE SEASON SET THE PACE
A year in your yard.
General guidance for established cool-season lawns. Current watering restrictions always take priority.
01 / THE COLORADO YEAR
Spring
Watch the growth.
Mow as growth picks up. Avoid heavy feeding just to chase an early green-up.
02 / THE COLORADO YEAR
Summer
Ease off the stress.
Keep mowing height consistent; mow less often when heat and drought slow growth.
03 / THE COLORADO YEAR
Fall
Plan the next step.
Tailor feeding to grass type and soil. Don’t scalp the lawn for winter.
04 / THE COLORADO YEAR
Winter
Check, don’t assume.
Avoid watering frozen ground. Check current utility restrictions before any winter lawn watering.
Seasonal guidance: Colorado State University Extension. Native buffalograss and blue grama have different care needs.
LET’S LOOK AT YOUR LAWN
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Explore common lawn problems, or tell Sammy what you’d like to improve.
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