An Innovative Approach to Water Conservation Coming to the Community
Updated on mayo 21, 2026
In partnership with the City of Boulder, Resource Central, an award-winning conservation nonprofit, will continue conducting a non-chemical turf removal project north of Baseline Road (between Gilpin Drive and Inca Parkway).
Having started in agosto 2024, this project aims to test methods for removing large areas of thirsty turf grass without using chemicals or herbicides. After removing the existing Kentucky bluegrass, waterwise native grasses are being seeded.
The project is testing several non-chemical turf removal options, including:
- Roto-tilling
- Removing sod with a skid steer and taking it offsite
- Removing sod with a skid steer and placing it in a shaker deck to shake free excess topsoil
- Applying steam to kill grass
Dates and Ongoing Activities
- agosto 1-2, 2024: Steam treatment started
- agosto 6-12, 2024: Sod removal started, including use of shaker deck machine, roto-tiller and steam-weeder
- Between agosto 12-22, 2024: Second steam treatment applied and plot re-seeded the with native grasses
- agosto 2024 – octubre 2025: Weed management
- junio 2026: Removal of areas where previous treatment methods were unsuccessful
Continuing throughout 2026, neighbors can expect to see work on-site Lunes through Viernes, between 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Equipment moving forward may include a rototiller as well as standard maintenance equipment and crews.
Due to record hot and dry weather, the city entered a Drought Watch on abril 1 and is asking for voluntary reductions in water use throughout the summer. Drought Watch means the city is encouraging voluntary water conservation. After establishment watering, the native grass planted in this project will need 25-75% less water than Kentucky bluegrass and will save water over time.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Tracy Ayres, Water Program Manager, 303-999-3820 ext. 107.
