Your step-by-step guide to transforming your thirsty lawn into a water-wise oasis.

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.

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. Visit the Parks Division Website for more information. Please email the Parks Division or call 303-255-7833 to find out about availability.

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.

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 on Resource Central’s website.

Thornton Water wants to reward water customers who 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.

Access the Landscape Rebate Rules and Forms on the Residential Rebates and Free Services page.

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.

Landscape Designs for 4,000 Sq. Ft. Lot

Landscape Designs for 7,000 Sq. Ft. Lot

Landscape Designs for 9,000 Sq. Ft. Lot

Landscape Design for Average Sized Lot

Landscape Design for a Larger Sized Lot

Learn more about Rain Garden Installation from the Colorado Stormwater Center.