Lawns

America loves its green lawns. Roughly one-third of water used in U.S. homes is used outdoors, with much of that going to irrigate landscaping dominated by grass. But prolonged drought in Western states has challenged ideas about the "ideal" outdoor aesthetic.

Colorado’s summers are getting hotter and drier and our lawns are getting crispier. But you don’t have to give up your lawn altogether, says Colorado State University Extension's turf grass specialist.

If the bill passes next year, it would prohibit local and state governments and unit owners associations from allowing the planting nonfunctional turf or nonnative plants, or installing artificial turf in commercial, institutional or industrial properties, beginning in 2025.

As the fall colors start to fade and leaves drop to the ground, it's a common habit to bag them up – but those leaves can be very beneficial to the environment.