Douglas County
Xeriscape & Landscaping in Highlands Ranch, CO
A master-planned community with architectural review, and a turf replacement program that no longer counts artificial turf.
- Water provider
- Highlands Ranch Water (Centennial Water & Sanitation District)
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Highlands Ranch is master-planned from end to end: consistent streetscapes, rolling terrain, and a community association with architectural review. That makes it a good place for xeriscape — the neighborhoods are designed to look cohesive, and a well-designed native landscape fits that better than a patchy lawn.
It also means a project here runs on a schedule set by approvals, not just by the weather.
Water in Highlands Ranch
Highlands Ranch Water (Centennial Water & Sanitation District)
Water in Highlands Ranch comes from Centennial Water & Sanitation District, which operates as Highlands Ranch Water. Its rules and programs are its own.
Turf replacement program. Highlands Ranch Water offers a residential rebate for removing high-water-use plants like Kentucky bluegrass, on up to 2,000 square feet, with the amount depending on what replaces it. Artificial turf is no longer eligible. As of September 2026, the 2026 funding is exhausted and the program is set to reopen March 1, 2027. If you want to use it, plan the design this winter and apply when it opens — before anything comes out.
Rules and programs checked September 2026. They change — confirm with your provider before you plan.
Architectural review and your rights
Landscape changes in Highlands Ranch go through community architectural review. Colorado law (C.R.S. 38-33.3-106.5) limits how far an HOA can go in prohibiting xeriscape or drought-tolerant landscaping on your lot, but the association can still require approval and reasonable design standards.
A strong submittal is a scaled plan, a named plant list with mature sizes, and specified mulch, rock, and edging. We prepare those; you submit them.
Builder-graded lots
Many Highlands Ranch yards were graded by a builder: compacted subsoil with a thin layer of topsoil, and sod laid on top. When the sod comes off, what's underneath needs decompaction before natives go in. It's also the moment to fix drainage that's been running toward the foundation.
Around Highlands Ranch
We work throughout Highlands Ranch, including Northridge, Eastridge, Southridge, Westridge, and Backcountry.
What Highlands Ranch yards usually need
Xeriscape Installation
Conversions designed to Highlands Ranch Water's program rules.
Custom Design
Plans and plant lists that clear architectural review.
Sod Removal
Removal timed to approvals, with decompaction underneath.
Drip Irrigation
Converting spray zones as the lawn comes out.
Also in Highlands Ranch
Highlands Ranch questions
- Is the Highlands Ranch turf replacement rebate open?
- Not right now. As of September 2026, Highlands Ranch Water's 2026 funding is exhausted and the program is scheduled to reopen March 1, 2027. Artificial turf is no longer eligible. Plan over the winter and apply when it opens, before removing anything.
- Do I need approval to xeriscape in Highlands Ranch?
- Landscape changes go through community architectural review. State law limits an HOA's ability to prohibit xeriscape, but it can require approval and reasonable standards. We prepare the plan and plant list for your submittal.
- Will artificial turf count toward the rebate?
- No. Highlands Ranch Water no longer counts artificial turf as an eligible replacement. If the rebate matters to your budget, plan a planted xeriscape.
Planning a project in Highlands Ranch?
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