Thornton Lawn Removal & Sustainable Landscaping

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Owner

Darlene

City

Thornton

Skill Set

Expert

Project Size

500 - 750 sq ft

Project Location

Front yard

Sun Exposure

Part shade

Year Completed

2024

Time Commitment

More than 40 hours of labor

Project Cost

$500 - $1,000

Other Project Elements

Low water/xeric plants, Drip irrigation system, Trees/Fruit Trees, Native or drought-tolerant plants, Shrubs

Resource Central Programs

Lawn Removal Service

Advice from the Owner

I am now 72 years old. I grew up on a farm and always had plants a wanted a nice yard. I took the Master Gardener classes over 10 years ago and then about 2009 I helped my son who started his own landscaping company. He taught me about using curves, yard art, and picking the right plants for our area. I moved into our current house in 2012 and it has a very large yard which had little previous TLC. My projects have evolved as our weather and water issues came into the picture. 2 years ago, I decided I would initiate the move to less grass with the hope others would follow. I did it myself with some muscle help from my husband. My plant criteria were heat and cold tolerant (-20 to full summer sun), drought tolerant {water once a week once established}, need to flower and are perennials. Once grass was removed I laid down newspaper and cardboard as weed barrier. I transplanted a variety of plants from my backyard, and I have an ornamental pear tree, very young crabapple and very tall pine tree in the yard as well.

The area under the eaves is shaded except in July/Aug so I built a rock garden bed with shade lovers, columbine, bleeding heart and hosta. They survive but I wouldn't say they thrive. Once my plants were in I covered the yard with brown mulch and VOILA!! I was done for a while. It overall took me a few weeks working at my own pace in the first year. The plants did great, but this summer I decided to add a dripline to make watering easier. I also added another layer of mulch to cover the lines and add depth after settling. I have received many compliments on my yard and I am very happy with it. With current climate issues I have decided I need to redirect my backyard as well. I have been I ridding the grass and sowing wildflower mix to attract pollinators, birds, butterflies, etc.

I am happy I could do this project myself (with my husbands help at times) at not much cost. I used plants I had or got free from friends, and bought small plants and plants that were on clearance. I incorporated some rock and gnarly wood that I got from friends for natural additions, and mulch that was on sale. I didn't want it too busy or plants that would become invasive or spread quickly.

My advice for beginners -- start with an area and figure out what you want it to look like. Don't try to do the whole yard at once. We all learn "the right plant for the right place" which saves time and money. It's great to see the outcome and enjoy it for years to come.

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Owner

Erin

City

Thornton

Skill Set

Beginner

Project Size

750 - 1,000 sq ft

Project Location

Front yard

Sun Exposure

Part shade

Year Completed

2023

Time Commitment

21 - 30 hours of labor

Project Cost

$3,001 - $4,000

Other Project Elements

Trees/Fruit Trees, Native or drought-tolerant plants, Other

Resource Central Programs

None

Advice from the Owner

I removed part of my lawn because I love roses and needed someplace else to put them. There are soaker hoses feeding my roses and catmint around the edges. We planted bulbs in one area that bloom in the spring, no water needed. Also, there were some parts of our yard that just didn't seem to get enough water to keep the lawn green, so we needed to try something else. For both sections we are working towards no care needed other than occasional weeds. An added bonus has been that it takes a lot less time to mow!

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Owner

Cindy Wakefield

City

Thornton

Skill Set

Intermediate

Project Size

500 - 750 sq ft

Project Location

Front yard

Sun Exposure

Full sun

Year Completed

2020

Time Commitment

11 - 20 hours of labor

Project Cost

less than $500

Other Project Elements

Native or drought-tolerant plants, Drip irrigation system, Shrubs

Resource Central Programs

Slow the Flow, Grass to Garden, Lawn Removal Service, Garden In A Box

Advice from the Owner

A little research helped me choose plants and seeds to have color and interest in every season. The native plant selection pleases hundreds of pollinators and birds. I have learned how to control weeds without poison so the birds and other animals stay healthy after eating insects and seeds. Groups such as Colorado's People and Pollinators and the Xerces Society have specific, understandable information for every homeowner for increasing pollinators in your yard. I am amazed by the number of bumblebees and dragonflies in my yard. Find a sprinkler system professional who can understood your landscape philosophy. Mine installed emitters that can be turned off and on according to my plants' needs. My water bill is a fraction of what my sod-friendly neighbors pay.

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Owner

Heather

City

Thornton

Skill Set

Intermediate

Project Size

500 - 750 sq ft

Project Location

Front yard

Sun Exposure

Full sun

Year Completed

2018

Time Commitment

11 - 20 hours of labor

Project Cost

less than $500

Other Project Elements

Drip irrigation system, Pathways, Patio/sitting areas

Resource Central Programs

Slow the Flow, Grass to Garden, Garden In A Box

Advice from the Owner

Make a space that works for you! We still wanted an area to have our morning coffee, so we needed to incorporate a walking path and a little seating area. Overall, we love our new garden (and have way less lawn to mow)!

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Owner

Kathy

City

Thornton

Skill Set

Beginner

Project Size

250 - 500 sq ft

Project Location

Front yard

Sun Exposure

Full sun

Year Completed

2018

Time Commitment

31 - 40 hours of labor

Project Cost

Less than $500

Other Project Elements

Low water/xeric plants

Resource Central Programs

Slow the Flow, Garden In A Box

Advice from the Owner

I love watching the bees enjoying the flowers as much as I do. I like sitting on my front porch to watch the flowers, bees, dragonflies and birds. Each year there is a new surprise as to what will come up as the flowers continue to seed and spread. Additionally, I did not need to purchase items for a drip system as all I had to do was shut down an entire sprinkler zone.