5 Irrigation Tips Every Colorado Mountain Homeowner Needs

Watering a lawn in the Roaring Fork Valley is different from watering at lower elevations. Intense sun, low humidity, thin air, and fast-draining mountain soils mean your irrigation system needs to work smarter — not just longer. Here are five tips that will save water, save money, and keep your lawn green all summer.

1. Water Deep and Infrequent — Not Shallow and Often

The most common irrigation mistake in mountain communities is running sprinklers for short periods every day. This encourages shallow root systems that can't handle the heat of July and August.

Better approach: Water 2-3 times per week for longer durations. You want moisture to reach 4-6 inches deep into the soil. This trains grass roots to grow deeper, creating a more drought-resistant lawn.

A simple test: push a screwdriver into your lawn after watering. If it slides in 6 inches easily, you're watering correctly. If it stops at 2-3 inches, you need longer run times.

2. Water Early in the Morning

At altitude, midday sun and wind cause massive evaporation. Watering in the afternoon means a large percentage of your water never reaches the roots.

Best time: Between 4 AM and 8 AM. Temperatures are cool, winds are calm, and water has time to soak into the soil before the sun hits.

Evening watering is the second-best option, but it can increase the risk of fungal disease since grass stays wet through the night.

3. Adjust Your Schedule Monthly

A schedule that works in May won't work in July. Mountain weather changes dramatically through the season:

• May–June: Start light — soil is still cool, snowmelt is supplementing moisture
• July–August: Peak watering — hot days, dry air, and maximum sun exposure
• September: Taper down as temperatures cool and days shorten

Smart controllers that adjust based on weather data are an excellent investment for mountain properties. But even a manual timer should be updated at least monthly.

4. Fix Leaks and Broken Heads Immediately

A single broken sprinkler head can waste 12,000+ gallons per season. A cracked underground line can be even worse — and you might not notice it until a patch of lawn turns into a mud pit or dies completely.

Signs of irrigation problems:

• Unexpectedly soggy areas in the lawn
• Brown spots that don't respond to more water
• Uneven spray patterns or misting
• Water pressure drops in certain zones
• Higher-than-expected water bills

Taylor Made Lawns provides irrigation maintenance and repair throughout the Roaring Fork Valley. We catch these problems early during our regular service visits, often before homeowners notice them.

5. Know Your Zones

Not every part of your property needs the same amount of water. South-facing slopes dry out faster than shaded north sides. Flower beds need different watering than turf. Areas near pavement heat up more and need extra moisture.

Set each zone independently: Sprinkler systems are designed with zones for a reason. Running every zone for the same duration wastes water in some areas and under-waters others.

A professional assessment of your zones can often reduce water usage by 20-30% while actually improving lawn health.

Need Irrigation Help?

Whether your sprinkler system needs a spring start-up, a repair, or a full efficiency tune-up, Taylor Made Lawns has you covered across the Roaring Fork Valley — from Aspen to Glenwood Springs.