Native Grass Maintenance 

‘Fire band’ mowing. A 15-foot band behind homeowner fences is conducted annually, usually in the summer. Timing is coordinated with the expert assistance of Resilient Roots Ecology, after conducting site walks to determine actual conditions each season.

‘Beauty band’ mowing. We regularly mow ‘beauty bands’ along common area sidewalks. The band is one mower width (approximately 4 feet).

Resident trimming behind the fence line. You are allowed to trim the native grass up to 3 feet outside your fence line. Trim it no shorter than 6″ in height (do not mow it), for example with a string trimmer or weed whacker. Cutting too short or mowing inhibits the health of the native grass. Please see the full rules for the area outside your fence: District Fence and Common Area Rules 2023-06-13

Native Grass Information

One of the many features that make Colorado an attractive place to live is its unique native landscape, which amplifies the state’s natural beauty. Inspiration is situated within a high-mountain prairie, or USDA Hardiness Zone 5, where certain plants and landscape elements thrive in ways others do not. Among these elements are the resilient native grasslands found at Inspiration.

Water conservation: These native grasses showcase Colorado’s natural beauty while supporting a sustainable landscape strategy that conserves our most essential natural resource. Unlike bluegrass or other conventional turf, native grasses thrive with minimal irrigation and require far less maintenance. Native grass is an important component of environmental stewardship; widespread use of water-intensive bluegrass is not allowed by the City of Aurora, as it would deplete water resources essential for drinking, hygiene, and daily living needs. Furthermore, high-maintenance turf landscapes would necessitate costly practices like regular fertilization, weed control, and mowing. The district maintains approximately 400 acres of open space, making native grass the only viable option for sustainability.

Time to establish: 3 to 7 years

Native grass takes approximately 3-7 years to fill in. Native grass establishment is strengthened as it is allowed to drop its seed into the bare spots.