Kentucky bluegrass became the default Front Range lawn through a combination of marketing, infrastructure, and habit — not because it makes sense in Denver. (The history of the American lawn explains a lot about how we got here.) It needs far more water than the city receives naturally, requires constant input to look acceptable, and turns brown the moment restrictions kick in. There are better options — and if you're ready to swap, our lawn removal service handles the conversion start to finish.

Here are the best grass alternatives for Denver yards — organized by how much they look like a traditional lawn and how much work they actually require. Water use below is relative to Kentucky bluegrass.

Native Grass Alternatives: Still Grass, Much Less Work

These options look similar to a conventional lawn from a distance but are native to the Colorado shortgrass prairie — meaning they're designed by nature to handle Denver's climate without intervention.

Buffalo Grass (Bouteloua dactyloides, formerly Buchloe dactyloides)

The most popular low-water grass replacement on the Front Range. Buffalo grass is native to the Great Plains, goes dormant in winter (turns tan, green again in spring), tolerates mowing or can be left unmowed at 4–6 inches for a natural prairie look. Extremely drought tolerant once established.

Water use: Very low
Mowing: Optional — once or twice per season if desired, or leave natural
Foot traffic: Moderate — handles light use, not a soccer field
Establishment: Plugs or sod in spring or early summer; slow first year, fills in by year two
Best for: Homeowners who want a green lawn appearance with minimal water

Blue Grama Grass (Bouteloua gracilis)

Colorado's state grass and arguably the most drought-tolerant lawn alternative available. Blue grama grows 12–18 inches when unmowed, with distinctive curved seed heads that look like eyebrows or combs in late summer — a feature, not a bug. Can be mowed to maintain a shorter turf-like appearance.

Water use: Very low
Mowing: Once per year in spring if desired, or leave natural for striking seed heads
Foot traffic: Good — tougher than it looks
Best for: Low-maintenance naturalist yards, any size lot

Blue Grama / Buffalo Grass Seed Mix

A native seed blend combining both species creates a resilient shortgrass prairie that handles Denver's climate on very little water once established — Resource Central puts a buffalo grass–blue grama mix at about one-third the water needs of Kentucky bluegrass. Takes 1–2 full seasons to fully establish from seed but is the most cost-effective approach for large areas.

Grass alternatives in Denver — buffalo grass, blue grama, and native groundcovers replacing Kentucky bluegrass

Buffalo grass and blue grama — native alternatives that handle Denver's climate on a fraction of the water.

Low-Growing Groundcovers: Green Without the Grass

These options don't look like conventional turf but provide a low-growing green or textured surface that reads as "covered" rather than gravel or bare earth.

Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

Low-growing (1–3 inches), fragrant, and produces small pink-purple flowers in late spring. Handles light foot traffic well. Spreads slowly to fill in gaps. One of the best options for front yards where appearance matters — looks intentional and designed, not weedy.

Water use: Low once established
Mowing: None
Foot traffic: Light to moderate — not a sports field but handles walking paths
Best for: Front yards, areas between stepping stones, small spaces

Clover (Trifolium repens)

White or micro-clover was removed from lawn seed mixes in the 1950s when broadleaf herbicides became common — ironically, since clover was a standard lawn component for generations. It fixes nitrogen (fertilizes itself and surrounding plants), attracts pollinators, stays green through summer droughts, and handles moderate foot traffic. A clover lawn looks soft and lush even when Kentucky bluegrass is brown.

Water use: Moderate
Mowing: Optional — mow to keep uniform, or leave to flower
Foot traffic: Good
Best for: Mixed lawns, backyards with pets (dogs can graze clover without harm)

Sedge (Carex species)

Sedges form dense, low mats that look similar to fine-bladed grass. Pick species proven in Front Range gardens — hardiness varies a lot between sedges. Excellent for partly shaded areas where lawn grasses fail. Does not handle heavy foot traffic.

Water use: Moderate
Mowing: None required — stays naturally short
Best for: Shaded spots, areas under trees, north-facing yards

Non-Plant Alternatives

For areas where plant coverage isn't the goal, these surfaces replace lawn function without requiring irrigation.

Decomposed Granite (DG)

Finely crushed granite that compacts into a stable, permeable surface. The workhorse of Denver xeriscape — affordable, natural-looking, weed-suppressing at depth, and comfortable for foot traffic and dogs. Works as a full yard surface or as the ground layer beneath planted beds. See our complete DG guide for installation and cost details.

Flagstone or Permeable Pavers

For high-traffic zones (front entry, backyard entertaining area), flagstone or permeable pavers provide a durable surface that handles real use and keeps water infiltrating rather than running off. Higher upfront cost but essentially zero ongoing maintenance.

Low-water grass alternatives in Denver — creeping thyme, native groundcovers, and decomposed granite replacing turf

Creeping thyme and native groundcovers — grass alternatives that look designed, not abandoned.

Comparison: Grass Alternatives at a Glance

Option	Water use vs. bluegrass	Mowing	Foot traffic
Buffalo grass	Very low	Optional	Moderate
Blue grama grass	Very low	Optional	Good
Creeping thyme	Low	None	Light
Clover	Moderate	Optional	Good
Sedge	Moderate	None	Light
Decomposed granite	None	None	Good

Narrow spaces follow the same logic — our hellstrip landscaping guide covers the strip between the sidewalk and the street, where lawn fails first. For a complete planting guide suited to Denver's soil and climate, see our native plants for Denver xeriscape guide.

Replace Your Lawn With Something Better

Xeris Landscaping installs grass alternatives and full xeriscape conversions across Denver and the surrounding metro — decomposed granite, native groundcovers, low-water grasses, artificial turf where it makes sense, and mixed xeriscape designs. We'll help you choose the right option for your lot, your use, and your HOA requirements. The old lawn has to come out first — our sod removal handles that — and then we install the replacement and irrigation in the same project.

Request an estimate and we'll tell you what makes sense for your yard.

Best Grass Alternatives for Denver Yards