Under the City rules, residents that use sprinklers and other irrigation systems to water lawns and gardens may only do so three times a week. From May 1 to Oct. 15, landscape watering must take place before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.

​Learn more and see the The Integrated Water Resource Plan at www.csu.org/Pages/waterwiserules.aspx

Yard Waste and Fall Leaves
Did you know grass clippings and leaves blown into the street during yard maintenance end up in storm drains and waterways? This causes problems in the city’s stormwater drainage system and can lead to flooding. It's also a violation of City Code and can result in fines.  

Instead of blowing leaves yard waste into the street try:
- Composting: Researchers found that mulching leaves in the fall resulted in a greener lawn and up to 80% less dandelions the following springs. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers it a form of recycling that prevents filling our landfills, helps prevent pollution, enriches soils and reduces the production of methane gas.  

- Mulching: Using a mower to shred leaves speeds up their decomposition. The shredded leaves make excellent mulch and can be used in flower or vegetable gardens as a natural fertilizer and soil conditioner. 

For more info, check out the Think Outside the Lawn: Managing Yard Waste & Landscape Debris brochure (pdf)

Other Ways to Think Outside the Lawn
- Stop erosion by covering bare ground with grass, gravel or mulch
- Direct runoff by installing swales or berms to slow waster down. Direct gutters and downspouts into green areas.
- Consider water gardens. The benefits include pollution control, flooding protection, habitat creation and water conservation
- Prevent blowing dust by covering gravel and dirt piles
- Consider a rain barrel. They divert water from our drainage systems and the water can be used to grow healthy and lush plants.

​Blocked Street Drains Can Cause FloodingUnswept debris has the potential to flow into vital drainage systems, creating blockages that could cause flooding during the next rain or snow storm. Please remember that the drains on our streets are there for a very functional and important reason, and avoid letting yard debris (branches, clipping, leaves, etc.) move into the street and possibly down the gutter and into the drain.


​To report a blocked drain, please call the City’s Stormwater Division at 719-385-ROAD (7623) or via the City’s free GoCoSprings App  (available at  https://www.coloradosprings.gov/gocosprings)

Homeowners have the responsibility to keep their yards looking pleasant and well kept. 

• Per the PCVA Guidelines, Section 3.2.1, “Homeowners are responsible for the maintenance of landscape, irrigation, erosion control, and sidewalks within the easements on their property and in the street right-of-way from the back of the curb to their property line.
• Landscape maintenance includes weed removal, tree trimming to include parkway trees, replenishment of dead vegetation, and erosion control.” 
• Also, please keep foliage, tree branches, etc., from coming in contact with common area fences (stucco, wooden, and metal view fencing), which can cause damage to the fencing material.

Now is a perfect time for homeowners to check the trees and shrubs along their property and make sure they do not impede pedestrian safety or driver visibility. 

• Be sure to check that no tree or bush limbs hang down or stick out and cause a safety hazard
• Trim limbs and make sure they hang no lower than 8-feet above the sidewalk
• Trim limbs 2 feet back from the sidewalk edge to allow free and safe movement
• Trim limbs to hang no lower than 14 feet over the surface of the street
• Trim corner limbs that obstruct views of the street, sidewalk, and street signs

​PCVA Community Guidelines
3.2.1 LANDSCAPING
Homeowners are responsible for the maintenance of landscape, irrigation, erosion control, and sidewalks within the easements on their property and in the street right-of-way from the back of the curb to their property line. Landscape maintenance includes weed removal, tree trimming to include parkway trees, replenishment of dead vegetation, and erosion control.
Specific landscape maintenance guidance:
• Trees, including in parkway:

• Trim dead branches
• Remove dead trees and stumps (requires a Design Review Request)
• Trim branches no lower than 8 feet (8’) over the sidewalk, and 14 feet (14’) over the street; branches may not impede the sidewalk
• Trim “suckers” (i.e., tree shoots) around the base of trees

Per Colorado Springs City Code 4.4.104:  DUTY TO PRUNE, The owner of any house, building or property within the City shall not permit the branches of any shade, ornamental or other tree to project over any street, avenue or sidewalk, in front of or alongside of the house, building or property, lower than eight feet (8') from the surface of the sidewalk and fourteen feet (14') over the surface of the alley or street. (Ord. 4716; 1968 Code §10-33.6; Ord. 77-190; Ord. 01-42)
See the City Code: 
https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/coloradospringsco/latest/coloradosprings_co/0-0-0-5922