Guidance for xeriscaping tree lawns in Commerce City

Published on July 20, 2026

A front lawn area with rocks and various plants.

As Commerce City residents look for ways to conserve water and create beautiful, low-maintenance landscapes, we want to clarify rules regarding tree lawns, the landscaped area between the sidewalk and the street, and whether they can be converted with water-wise gardening/xeriscaping.

The answer is yes, but there are important requirements to help protect public infrastructure, maintain healthy trees, and ensure safe pedestrian access. The city has developed the following detailed tree lawn xeriscaping guidelines:

• Residents living in an HOA-managed community must first obtain approval from their homeowners association (HOA) before making landscape changes.

• Living plants are required. Tree lawns cannot consist solely of rock or wood mulch. A mix of shrubs, perennials, ornamental grasses, and groundcover is encouraged.

• Existing trees must continue to receive adequate water. Trees require proper irrigation, such as bubblers or deep-root watering systems. Drip irrigation alone is generally not sufficient to support healthy tree growth.

• Rock and wood mulch are allowed, but they must be used alongside living plant material.

• Steel edging is not permitted because it can become a safety hazard over time. Concrete or plastic edging may be used if it does not extend more than one inch above the mulch.

• A walkable area at least three feet wide is required to maintain pedestrian access, using flagstone, concrete pavers, gravel, or low/walkable groundcover.

• Decorative rocks or boulders are allowed, provided they do not exceed 24 inches in height.

Additional xeriscaping guidelines are available now, including recommended design examples, irrigation recommendations, and an updated list of approved drought-tolerant plants to make planning even easier. Stay tuned for more resources that will help residents create attractive, water-wise landscapes while keeping Commerce City's neighborhoods safe and beautiful.

Learn more at c3gov.com/Landscaping.