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| Colorado State University |
Is your landscape ready to work for you to beautify your home and be able to withstand drought conditions? The following documents the many ways landscaped outdoor areas contribute to the quality of life and property values in Colorado.
Colorado State University did a study of landscaping contributions to the environment, quality of life and property values in Colorado, which should be considered when planning for drought.
Drought Is Inevitable:
Colorado has long experienced periods of drought. Our most recent severe drought occurred in 2002, which was preceded by a series of dry winters and springs and summers of limited precipitation during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Landscape Water Consumption:
While Colorado has numerous river systems including the headwaters of the Colorado River, more water leaves the state than remains within it. More than 60% of naturally flowing water leaves the state and is consumed by downstream users. Of the approximately 40% of water which remains, our landscapes only use approximately 3% of all water consumed in Colorado.
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| Colorado State University |
Colorado’s citizens enjoy a tremendous return from water used for landscapes. Responsible water management demands that in advance of drought we must be prepared with a drought plan that saves water, but does not threaten the ongoing viability of our cherished landscaped areas.
Environmental Benefits of Landscapes Include:
Air Quality
Cooling Effects
Storm water Management
Wildlife Habitat
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| Colorado State University |
Real Estate Value:
A well-landscaped property has curb appeal that speeds up real estate sales, improves occupancy rates and adds to property value.
Community and Health:
How landscapes improve our lives
Crime and community
Child development
Stress relief
Fitness and health
Why we can’t let landscapes die:
Eliminating landscape water is a short-term fix that creates complex, long-term problems. When trees in these landscapes die due to lack of water and related stressors, the shading and cooling benefits they provided are lost forever and air temperatures rise significantly.
Credit for the above article and photos:
Zachary S. Johnson, PLA, CLT, CLP Associate Professor Horticulture and Landscape Architecture Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Tony Koski, Ph.D Extension Specialist and Professor Horticulture and Landscape Architecture Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Alison Stoven O’Connor, Ph.D Extension Agent Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Here is the guide from Colorado State University that gives more information. CSUlandscapes