Tips for Landscaping in Highlands Ranch's Tricky Climate
Maintaining a beautiful landscape in Highlands Ranch and many other Colorado cities can be quite a challenge given the tricky climate found here. Between the hot summers, freezing winters, low humidity, and unpredictable weather patterns, it’s never a simple task to design and maintain stunning landscaping in Highlands Ranch. But with the right tips and strategies, you can create a breathtaking outdoor space that thrives despite the climate.
From activities like thoughtful plant selections to utilizing important landscaping protection strategies, you can ensure that your yard will weather any storm. Let's get into these landscaping tips and how you can use them to your advantage.
Get Acquainted with Colorado's Unique Climate
To get the most out of your landscaping, it's essential that you get to know the specific climate and conditions that you're living in. With its varying elevations, rugged terrain, and distinct microclimates, Colorado experiences a range of weather patterns throughout the year. In the eastern plains, the climate tends to be more arid and prone to extreme temperature fluctuations, while the western region is defined by the Rocky Mountains and the area receives more precipitation and experiences cooler temperatures.
With an elevation of over 5,000 feet above sea level, Highlands Ranch sees cooler temperatures than lower-lying areas with the same amount of sunshine, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts year-round. In terms of soil conditions, Highlands Ranch is known for its rocky, clay-like soil that can be challenging for landscaping. The soil in this area typically has higher alkaline content, which can affect the growth of certain plants and trees. It’s also important to note that Colorado is technically a “high desert” climate, which means the state consistently experiences very low humidity levels and lower precipitation than other regions, like the Pacific Northwest.
Despite these challenges, with proper soil amendments, humidity considerations, and landscape maintenance, it’s still possible to create lush and beautiful landscaping in Highlands Ranch.
Pick Plants for High Altitudes and Dry Climates
The key to success in this type of environment is selecting plants that are well-adapted to the specific conditions of the region. Plants can be fickle things that often have very precise growing requirements and restrictions. As such, it's important to keep in mind factors like water availability, sunlight exposure, soil quality, and temperature fluctuations as you consider various plants for your landscape.
Drought-tolerant plants that require minimal watering are ideal for areas with lower precipitation levels like Highlands Ranch. For example, you may integrate plants like lavender, yarrow, Russian sage, and succulents like sedum and agave into your landscape design as they can grow and thrive with little amounts of water.
In addition to water-wise plants, you may want to consider plant varieties that can withstand the cold temperatures and intense sunlight that are characteristic of Colorado's high altitudes. Plants that are native to mountainous regions or alpine species are typically better suited for these conditions, such as columbines, penstemons, and mountain bluestars.
Consider Xeriscaping
Derived from the Greek word “xeros” which means “dry,” xeriscaping is a landscaping technique that focuses on reducing or eliminating the need for irrigation. By incorporating xeriscaping techniques into your landscape design in Highlands Ranch, you can create a beautiful outdoor space that conserves water and reduces long-term maintenance costs.
It’s a good idea to consider xeriscaping features in Highlands Ranch because traditional landscapes require a lot of water to maintain, and due to the semi-arid climate of the region, homeowners do not have a lot of water to spare. The city of Highlands Ranch receives limited rainfall throughout the year, and during the hot, dry summers, frequent watering and maintenance can quickly become unsustainable and costly.
By working with a professional landscaping company that specializes in xeriscaping techniques, like our team at Enviroscapes, homeowners can transform their outdoor spaces into stunning, eco-friendly havens that are both practical and visually striking.
Protect Your Landscaping from Extreme Weather
Between the occasional hailstorms, intense blizzards, and high heats, all kinds of weather events in Colorado can wreak havoc on your plants, trees, and shrubs. To keep your landscaping well-protected year-round, we’ve rounded up a few measures you can explore.
Mulching is an efficient technique for protecting your landscaping from extreme weather and can be a great solution across multiple seasons. Mulch helps retain moisture in the soil, regulate soil temperature, and prevent erosion. It also provides a protective layer for the root systems of your plants and trees, shielding them from temperature fluctuations and heavy rainfall.
In the event of a hailstorm, it is important to cover delicate plants with netting or cloth to prevent damage from hailstones. Be mindful of the expected weather patterns each week so you can plan accordingly and have those protective elements ready to go before hailstorms hit.
Pruning dead or damaged branches and removing debris from your yard can also help prevent potential damage to your landscaping during extreme weather events. Whenever you notice any of those signs, do your best to remedy them quickly so you can keep your landscape looking great.
By taking proactive measures to protect your landscaping, you can ensure that your outdoor space remains beautiful and healthy throughout the changing seasons in Highlands Ranch.
Get Foolproof Landscaping from the Experts at Enviroscapes
By following the tips outlined in this article, you can create and maintain a beautiful and sustainable outdoor space that thrives in the unique environment of Highlands Ranch. Enviroscapes is a leading landscaping company in the area with over 20 years of experience in designing and maintaining outdoor spaces throughout the Denver metro area and beyond. With our team of skilled professionals and access to top-quality materials, we can provide foolproof landscaping solutions that will transform your outdoor space into a beautiful and functional oasis.
Contact us today to learn more about our experience in elevating Highlands Ranch homes with innovative landscaping designs.