ColoradoScape & Xeriscape Design and Installation in Denver
Replace a thirsty or struggling lawn with a beautiful, living landscape built around low-water plants, boulders, mulch, decorative rock and efficient irrigation.
FRSR manages the complete transformation—from lawn removal, grading and planting design through irrigation conversion, material installation, HOA support and the final walkthrough.
One Contractor. One Design. Done Right.
HOA support · Water-wise planting · Irrigation conversions · Complete installation
See FRSR Lawn Conversions & Landscape Projects
Start with our Thornton and Westminster lawn conversions, then explore additional Denver landscape projects. See how planting, materials, irrigation and usable outdoor spaces come together on actual properties.
Nelson Project — Thornton
A front-yard conversion with approximately 78 plants, natural boulders and a smaller retained lawn area. Explore how lawn reduction and planting work around an established home.
Explore This Lawn Conversion →
Drift Project — Westminster
Explore the before-and-after photos of a completed FRSR ColoradoScape conversion in Westminster.
See the Before & After →
Courtman Project — Denver
Explore another completed Denver landscape and see the materials, planting and outdoor spaces documented in the project photos.
View This Denver Project →
Crowe Project — Denver
Browse the completed Crowe project for another example of FRSR’s residential landscape construction in Denver.
View This Denver Project →
Driggs Project — Denver
See the finished Driggs landscape and explore ideas for your own residential outdoor space.
View This Denver Project →What Is ColoradoScape?
ColoradoScape brings water-wise landscaping principles to Colorado homes through climate-adapted plants, thoughtful soil preparation, efficient irrigation and practical landscape design. FRSR plans and installs these elements together around your property, existing trees and the way you use your yard.
A successful design combines structure, texture, seasonal color and useful outdoor space. Trees, shrubs, ornamental grasses and perennials work alongside mulch, rock, boulders and defined paths to create a landscape that develops as the plants mature.
Lawn reduction can be selective. Some properties benefit from retaining a smaller functional lawn, while others are suited to a complete conversion. We discuss the options around your goals, maintenance preferences and site conditions.
What You Can Expect From FRSR
- Plant selection matched to exposure, soil and available water.
- Irrigation planning that considers new plants and existing trees.
- Defined bed lines, boulder placement and coordinated materials.
- Drainage and grading considered before installation begins.
- A landscape planned for mature growth and seasonal interest.
A Good Fit For
Front-yard curb appeal improvements, struggling lawn areas, water-wise backyard conversions and homeowners who want a planted landscape with less area to mow.
Denver Xeriscape Installation Built Around Your Home
FRSR coordinates complete residential ColoradoScape and xeriscape transformations. We consider the details that determine how your landscape looks, functions and establishes after construction.
Lawn Removal, Grading & Drainage
We review existing lawn, slopes, downspouts, drainage and access, then prepare the property for the agreed conversion.
Plants, Boulders, Rock & Mulch
Plant groupings, natural boulders, defined beds and a balanced material palette create structure and room for the landscape to grow.
Spray-to-Drip Irrigation Conversion
We adapt irrigation to the planting plan, including appropriate drip components, filtration, pressure regulation and establishment watering.
Design, HOA Help & Installation
FRSR coordinates layout, materials, construction and supporting documentation so the major parts of the project work together.
Designed for Denver’s Residential Yards
Colorado’s exposure, soils and dry conditions make site-specific planning important. We consider your home’s architecture, sun and shade, existing landscape and everyday use when developing the installation.
For homeowner planning resources, visit Denver Water’s residential landscape resources . Confirm current program requirements directly with the relevant provider.
Thinking About Replacing Your Lawn?
Tell us your city, what you want to change and how you would like to use the space. We’ll discuss planting, irrigation, materials and the complete installation.
Talk to FRSR About Your Lawn Conversion →Why Homeowners Choose a Water-Wise Landscape
- More deliberate water use: site-appropriate planting and well-managed irrigation can reduce water demand compared with the lawn being replaced.
- Less lawn maintenance: reducing grass reduces mowing and lawn upkeep, while planting beds receive their own seasonal care.
- Seasonal interest: layered plants, grasses, boulders and textures create a landscape that changes throughout the year.
- Useful outdoor space: walkways, sitting areas and retained lawn can be incorporated where they serve a purpose.
- Potential program eligibility: qualifying conversions may be eligible for local incentives when the applicable requirements are met.
- A coordinated appearance: the planting, materials and transitions are planned around the home and neighborhood requirements.
Built Around Actual Conditions
Drainage, grade, soil, sun exposure and irrigation are considered alongside plant appearance.
Planned for Plant Maturity
Mature size and spacing help the landscape develop without crowding paths, windows or neighboring plants.
HOA & Documentation Support
We help organize drawings, plant lists, photos and project details for the requirements that apply.
What Goes Into an FRSR ColoradoScape Project
Each proposal is tailored to the property. Depending on the agreed scope, your project can include the following:
Site Review & Layout
Sun, shade, grades, drainage, existing irrigation, access and the placement of beds, paths, boulders and lawn areas.
Planting Plan
A project-specific plant list selected for site conditions, mature size, seasonal color, water needs and maintenance preferences.
Irrigation Conversion
Changes to existing spray irrigation, appropriate drip components, filtration, pressure regulation and watering adjustments.
Rock, Mulch & Boulders
Material placement, planting beds, natural boulders, edging, steppers and coordinated transitions.
Cleanup & Walkthrough
Finishing details, project cleanup and a review of watering and seasonal care for the completed landscape.
Photos & Documentation
Project photos, plant lists, area notes and installation information to support HOA or program documentation where required.
Our ColoradoScape Design & Build Process
One contractor coordinates the project so grading, irrigation, planting, materials and hardscape are considered together.
Site Consultation
We discuss goals, access, sun exposure, drainage, existing irrigation, HOA requirements and budget.
Plan & Proposal
We develop the layout, planting direction, materials and installation scope, then explain the proposed work and pricing.
Professional Construction
Our team completes the agreed removal, preparation, irrigation, planting and material installation.
Final Walkthrough
We review the finished work, establishment watering and the seasonal care your landscape will need.
ColoradoScape, Xeriscape & Your Landscape Design
ColoradoScape
A living landscape planned for Colorado conditions, with site-appropriate planting, efficient irrigation and materials selected around the home and property.
Xeriscape
A planned approach to water-efficient landscaping. Plant selection, soil preparation, irrigation, mulch and ongoing care work together to create an attractive landscape.
More Than a Material Change
Removing lawn is one part of the project. Existing trees, new planting, drainage, irrigation and access all need to be considered in the finished design.
Can the Design Include Artificial Turf?
Where a dedicated pet or play area fits your goals, an optional artificial turf area can be considered alongside planted beds, steppers and outdoor living space. We review its suitability separately from any lawn-replacement incentive requirements.
Colorado Landscape Experience That Supports the Entire Project
For more than 30 years, FRSR has worked on Colorado outdoor spaces. Our approach brings landscape construction, irrigation, planting and hardscape planning together.
For a lawn conversion, that means considering existing trees, soil, drainage, access, mature plant spacing and irrigation before installation begins.
One Contractor. One Design. Done Right.
Explore the FRSR ColoradoScape Plant Guide
FRSR’s plant guide helps homeowners compare trees, evergreens, shrubs, ornamental grasses and perennials for Front Range landscapes. Use it to explore options before developing a planting plan for your property.
Plan for Color, Structure & Seasonal Interest
Explore mature size, sun exposure, water needs and the role different plants can play in a finished landscape.
The guide includes plants for different conditions. Not every plant has the same water requirements or belongs in the same irrigation zone. FRSR develops the final selection around your soil, exposure, drainage and maintenance preferences.
Shade Trees
Compare canopy trees for cooling, scale, fall color and long-term structure.
Explore Shade Trees →Ornamental Trees
Explore smaller flowering and accent trees for entries, courtyards and layered front-yard designs.
Explore Ornamental Trees →Evergreen Trees
Review screening and evergreen options with attention to mature size, site conditions and water needs.
Explore Evergreen Trees →Shrubs
Compare flowering, evergreen, native and adapted shrubs for structure and seasonal interest.
Explore Shrubs →Ornamental Grasses
Explore grasses for movement, winter structure and repetition throughout the landscape.
Explore Ornamental Grasses →Perennials
Plan waves of spring, summer and fall color with flowering plants suited to the site.
Explore Perennials →Turn Plant Ideas Into a Property-Specific Plan
Plant performance depends on exposure, drainage, soil, irrigation, mature spacing and microclimate. We use those conditions to develop the final plant list and layout.
Explore Your Plant Options
Research plant groups, sizes, exposures and seasonal interest before your landscape consultation.
Explore the Free Plant Guide →See Finished FRSR Landscapes
Browse actual projects to see how planting, materials and outdoor living spaces fit together.
View Completed Projects →Plant Palettes & Materials We Consider
We tailor the palette to sun, shade, soil, irrigation, HOA guidelines and your maintenance preferences. These examples illustrate the range of choices rather than a single plant list for every yard.
Color, Texture & Structure
Options considered for suitable sites include Little Bluestem, Blue Oat Grass, Karl Foerster, Switchgrass, Salvia, Penstemon, Blanket Flower, Catmint, Hummingbird Mint, Russian Sage, Rabbitbrush and Potentilla.
Individual selections still depend on soil, drainage, available space and irrigation.
A Palette Matched to the Light
North-facing yards and shaded side yards need a different selection from hot, exposed areas. We review actual light, root competition and soil moisture before selecting plants.
Dry shade and moist shade require different planting and watering decisions.
Rock, Mulch, Boulders & Edging
Shredded mulch, river rock, cobble, breeze, decorative gravel, steel edging, paver borders, boulders and steppers can be selected to complement the planting and home.
Material placement considers drainage, access and the needs of the surrounding plants.
Plant Groups
- Grasses: Little Bluestem, Blue Oat Grass, Karl Foerster and Switchgrass.
- Perennials: Salvia, Penstemon, Blanket Flower, Russian Sage, Catmint and Hummingbird Mint.
- Groundcovers: Creeping Thyme, Ice Plant, Creeping Phlox and selected Sedums.
- Shrubs: Apache Plume, Rabbitbrush, Potentilla, selected Spirea and native Sumac.
- Trees: selected for mature size, soil conditions and long-term irrigation needs.
Ideas for Different Parts of the Yard
- Front yard: reduce lawn, introduce layered beds, retain valuable trees and define the entry with boulders and a walkway.
- Backyard: combine planting with a patio, sitting area and any functional lawn or play space you want to retain.
- Side yard: address drainage and access with appropriate materials, planting pockets and steppers.
- Corner lot: frame the home with planting while reducing exposed, difficult-to-irrigate lawn.
FRSR Planting Favorites
These plants serve different landscape roles and do not all have the same soil or water requirements. Final selections are matched to the property and grouped by irrigation needs.
Trees
- Shademaster Honeylocust
- Hot Wings Maple
- Vanderwolf Pine
- Other shade and ornamental trees selected for the site
Shrubs
- Blue Star Juniper
- Little Devil Ninebark
- Rabbitbrush
- Apache Plume
Grasses
- Karl Foerster
- Blonde Ambition
- Prairie Dropseed
- Little Bluestem
Perennials
- Walker's Low Catmint
- May Night Salvia
- Moonshine Yarrow
- Rocky Mountain Penstemon
Compare more options in our ColoradoScape Plant Guide . The broader guide includes plants for a range of moisture, exposure and landscape conditions.
Bring the Rest of the Outdoor Space Together
A ColoradoScape project can also include the practical improvements that make the yard easier to use. We can coordinate these elements within the agreed landscape construction scope.
Defined Paths & Finished Edges
Steel edging, paver borders, steppers or a stamped concrete walkway can connect planting areas and help organize how you move through the yard.
Helping Your New Landscape Establish Successfully
A water-wise landscape still needs appropriate watering and care. Establishment is part of the plan, particularly when new plants replace an existing lawn.
Watering During Establishment
New plants need regular watering while roots develop. The schedule should respond to plant type, soil moisture, weather and exposure, then be adjusted as the landscape establishes.
Protect Existing Trees
Removing lawn changes how nearby trees receive water. Their root zones and ongoing irrigation needs should be considered as part of the conversion.
Seasonal Care
Plan for weeding, appropriate pruning or cutbacks, mulch upkeep and irrigation checks. During dry winter periods, assess soil moisture and the watering needs of trees and new plants.
Start Planning Your ColoradoScape Before Spring
Use the coming months to discuss your goals, review the property, select a plant palette and coordinate HOA requirements. Planning ahead gives the important decisions time to come together.
Installation timing depends on weather, site conditions, materials and crew availability. If you intend to apply for a lawn-replacement incentive, confirm eligibility and any inspection or approval requirements before removing lawn.
Rebates & HOA Support
Lawn-replacement and water-wise landscape programs have address-specific eligibility, funding, deadlines and installation requirements. Review the current rules with your city or water provider before starting work.
Requirements may include advance approval, inspections, plant coverage, irrigation changes and documentation. Artificial turf eligibility must be checked separately. A landscape design or HOA approval does not guarantee a rebate.
HOA Submittal Support
We can provide drawings, plant lists, material information and photos to support your application.
Project Documentation
We can help assemble before-and-after photos, area notes, planting information and irrigation details where required.
Plan Before Removal
Confirm any required inspection or authorization with the program administrator before removing the existing lawn.
Start With Our Colorado Rebate Guide
Explore city and utility resources through our Colorado xeriscape rebates and lawn-replacement guide .
Local Conservation & Program Resources
These links are provided for research. Check current availability, eligibility, funding and deadlines directly with each provider.
- Thornton — Residential Rebates & Services
- Erie — Water Efficiency Programs
- Westminster — Conservation Programs
- Brighton — Rebates & Programs
- Longmont — Water Conservation
- Aurora — Water-Wise Landscaping
- Castle Rock — Conservation & Rebate Resources
- Broomfield — Lawn Replacement Program
- Lafayette — Water Efficiency
- Fort Collins — Water Efficiency
- Resource Central — Lawn Replacement
ColoradoScape Service Areas
FRSR serves residential properties across the Denver Metro and Front Range. Explore the local pages below, or tell us your city and project scope to discuss availability.
Lawn-replacement planning, planting, irrigation and coordinated landscape installation.
Water-wise front and backyard conversions with planting, materials and irrigation considered together.
Front-yard improvements built around site-appropriate plants, boulders and irrigation.
ColoradoScape planning with attention to sun exposure, wind, planting and property requirements.
Planting-focused conversions with coordinated materials, bed lines and irrigation changes.
Landscape planning around exposure, drainage, planting and useful outdoor space.
Planting, defined beds, boulders and irrigation conversions for residential yards.
Front and backyard conversions with water-wise planting and coordinated construction.
Lawn reduction, plant selection and irrigation planning for established and newer homes.
Many conversions are part of larger landscape construction projects . Visit the Colorado rebate guide for links to local program information.
ColoradoScape Questions
Is ColoradoScape just rocks and a few shrubs?
Is ColoradoScape the same thing as xeriscaping?
Do I have to remove all my grass?
Will a rock-only yard qualify for a rebate?
Can I include artificial turf with ColoradoScape?
Where can I find Colorado lawn-replacement program information?
How long does installation take?
Do you help with HOA approvals?
What watering and maintenance will the landscape need?
Where can I research plants before planning my project?
Where can I see completed FRSR projects?
Ready for a Landscape That Fits Your Home?
Tell us what you want to change, your city and what matters most: less lawn, more color, better use of water or a complete outdoor transformation. We’ll discuss the next step for your project.
FRSR Landscape & Outdoor Living · Family-Owned Since 1994