Climate change could make Colorado lawns suffer. Here’s how to help yours adapt

A warmer, drier future for Colorado has many people wondering about their lawns. Drought and heat turn lawns brown or kills them altogether. 

How can we sustain a lawn with less water and less mowing? And should we keep them at all? 

Tony Koski is a professor of horticulture and landscape architecture at Colorado State University. He teaches a class on growing a lawn that's resilient in the face of climate change.  

Tony talked with Erin O’Toole about how to create a lawn that will thrive in a hotter, drier climate. He is especially enthusiastic about one type of grass – called Bermuda grass – that he says is well equipped to survive in Colorado’s changing climate. 
 

For advice on how to overhaul your lawn, take a look at a fact sheet from the CSU Extension that Tony co-authored. 

Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: [e-mail]
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

What is In The NOCO?

KUNC's In The NOCO is a daily look at the stories, news, people and issues important to you. It's a window to the communities along the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The show explores the big stories of the day, bringing context and insight to issues that matter. And because life in Northern Colorado is a balance of work and play, we explore the lighter side of news, highlighting what makes this state such an incredible place to live.