Another Landscape Question (Colorado Springs, Monument: to buy, utilities, maintenance)

[soontob]

I am wondering when it is too late in the year, here in Colorado, to seed a yard. I asked a question similar to this in earlier this year but I have a friend who was thinking of seeding her yard within a month. I was thinking it's too late in the year, is it?
Thanks

[treedonkey]

It depends on what you're planting, but for the most part, it's not too late (yet). There's a great book, called "Xeriscape Colorado: The Complete Guide" by Connie Lockhart Ellefson and David Winger which will answer that question, and many more, in full detail - far better than an opinionated forum is likely too. BTW: I have no affiliation of with that book and will not profit if you buy it. It's just an excellent book - everyone with a yard in CO should have a copy, IMO.

[lizmyer]

I was curious, what is the dirt in COS like? Is it like the awful red stuff in Oklahoma? I'm from Iowa, where the dirt is pitch black and you don't hit clay until 6 ft deep. It is really rocky and dry?

[treedonkey]

It's pretty red, rocky and dry, at least up Monument Hill way. You'll probably want to buy topsoil for flowerbeds and such. Big, green, lush KBG lawns like back east are not a good idea at all out here. The aforementioned book has much to say about that.

[lizmyer]

Awww. Some of my plants will be sad, but I guess I have to pick ones that like the dry soil.

[COflower]

Where I live it's just sand.

[treedonkey]

That book and this website Colorado WaterWise Council - Home will tell you everything you need to know about selecting new plants. I can't say enough about the virtues if done right. it's really something everyone in the western US should be doing, and CO happens to be leading the way!

There is a demonstration garden at the Colorado Springs Utilities offices, which is well worth checking out.

[soontob]

Originally Posted by treedonkey

It depends on what you're planting, but for the most part, it's not too late (yet). There's a great book, called "Xeriscape Colorado: The Complete Guide" by Connie Lockhart Ellefson and David Winger which will answer that question, and many more, in full detail - far better than an opinionated forum is likely too. BTW: I have no affiliation of with that book and will not profit if you buy it. It's just an excellent book - everyone with a yard in CO should have a copy, IMO.

Well, she wants to plant grass. She wants to dig up the yard, put in new topsoil and then grass seed. I was told you needed to do that May or June to get it really grow right. She wouldn't even be doing it until mid-Aug. or Sept. I'm pretty sure that's too late but I was hoping to get more thoughts.
Thanks

[McGowdog]

Don't tell Jazz, but if you look up my posts with the crazy blisters and stuff...I show you how to dig out a dead lawn, put garden grade soil back in (the most expensive part), then have a company like Taravella come in with hydro-mulch and spray the seed-foam into your loose high-quality soil. If you water it right; 4 times a day for 5 to 10 minutes between 6am to 6pm for the first 21 to 30 days; then going to 15+ minutes 2x a day before and/or after 6pm to build the root system, then you can do it now.

We have a small little lawn. It's part rye and unfortunately part KBG. In less than a month, my lawn is better than it's been for about 5 years; except I've got some weeds to go pick and some bunnies and birds to go chase off.

On second thought; search out Vegaspilgrims pics on xeriscaping. He's got the plan!

Edit:

Originally Posted by me

but if you look up my posts with the crazy blisters and stuff...I show you how to dig out a dead lawn

Nevermind. It looks like that whole part of my life was orphaned. Just as well.

[Bulldawg82]

Originally Posted by COflower

Where I live it's just sand.

\
Now that is my kind of yard - low maintenance!!!! Nothing I hate worse than cutting grass, trimming bushes, raking leaves and cleaning out gutters.