An Innovative Approach to Water Conservation Coming to the Community
Updated on May 21, 2026
In partnership with the City of Boulder, Resource Central, an award-winning conservation nonprofit, will continue working on a non-chemical turf removal project north of Baseline Road (between Gilpin Drive and Inca Parkway).
This project started in 2024 and 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.
We tested several non-chemical turf removal options at the site, 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
- August 1-2, 2024: Steam treatment started
- August 6-12, 2024: Sod removal started, including use of skid steer, shaker deck machine, roto-tiller and steam-weeder
- Between August 12-22, 2024: Second steam treatment applied and plot re-seeded the with native grasses
- August 2024 – October 2025: Weed management
- June 2026: Remove grass in areas where it returned using a skid steer and reseed.
Continuing in early June 2026, neighbors can expect to see work on-site Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Equipment moving forward will include a skid steer for several days during early June, as well as regular standard maintenance equipment and crews.
Due to record hot and dry weather, the city entered a Drought Watch on April 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.
