Your step-by-step guide to transforming your thirsty lawn into a water-wise oasis.
Congratulations on taking the first step in your H2Overhaul adventure! See below for all the detailed instructions, tips and encouragement you need. You’re well on your way to the higher ground of water-wiseness.
Plus check out our Rebates & Free Services page for resources to help you along.
H2Overhaul Guidance
Your hard work and dedication to conservation will result in seriously beautiful benefits, including:
- Decreased water waste
- Added visual interest and curb appeal
- Increased property value
- Big savings on future water bills
- Decreased lawn maintenance
- A gorgeous, water-efficient landscape that will make your neighbors green with envy.
Depending on the amount if time you have, your drive to complete your H2Overhaul and how crazy your life is, below are some guidelines for timing.
Daily
Doers
You can accomplish your H2Overhaul in one weekend if you’re motivated, organized, prepared and armed with a few helpers.
Weekend
Warriors
Give yourself a month to complete your turf transformation and prepare to dig in when the work week ends.
Occasional
Overhaulers
Dive in whenever it’s possible. It may take a little longer to complete your H2Overhaul. Set realistic goals and timelines for each step of the process until your water-wise oasis is complete.
Use these money-saving tips:
Check out garage and estate sales in your neighborhood for gently-used supplies, tools, wheelbarrows and hoses at a fraction of the price.
Hop on social networks like Next Door and let your neighbors know you’re on the hunt for things like bags of mulch, newspapers or cardboard, landscaping bricks, unused rocks, and additional help.
Take advantage of Labor Day sales. Stock up on supplies and remove your sod in late August and early September to save big.
Free Mulch for Thornton Residents! Monday-Friday between 6:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 8651 Colorado Blvd. just inside the gate immediately to the right. One truckload per resident, hand shoveling only. Contact the Parks Division to find out about availability. Please use email or call 303-255-7833.
Step 1
Dive into your kit! Read through all of the sections before you dig in. It will help you anticipate and prepare for your next steps.
Step 2
After reviewing each section, write down any questions that float to the surface and tap into our online resources to help you plan.
Step 3
Consider hiring a professional for the more complex steps of your H2Overhaul. Research local service providers and make sure to ask friends and neighbors for referrals.
Step 4
Take time to plan. This is the most important component for a smooth, successful transformation.
Step 5
Set goals on the calendar based on the time of year and your availability.
Step 6
Get refreshed before each step. Review each section of the kit again, right before you begin tackling it.
Step 7
Use the online resources at the end of each step to help you dig into additional details.
Step 8
Keep your kit handy as you get to work.
More Programs & Resources
In partnership with Resource Central, Thornton Water provides a limited number of discounted, professionally designed gardens for Thornton Water customers. Each garden kit comes with 14-28 starter plants, a comprehensive Plant and Care Guide, at least 1 plant by number map, and educational resources about water-wise practices. Supplies are limited. Purchase yours at Resource Central.
Thornton Water wants to reward water customers that install water-wise landscaping on their property. Receive up to $2 per sq. ft. for approved and installed low-water landscape (up to 1000 sq. ft.). Rebates may be considered taxable income by the IRS. Consult a tax professional for more information.
The city’s Demonstration Garden locations are listed on our Saving Outdoors page.
Find our scheduled activities for the current season on our Events page
Learn more about Rain Garden Installation from the Colorado Stormwater Center
