Before newly built structures within the Denver Water service area are landscaped, the soil must be amended to retain water efficiently. This not only conserves water, but adding amendments also breaks up our naturally clay soils and provides nutrients for healthy plant growth. The general rule calls for approved organic compost to be tilled into the soil to a depth of six inches at the rate of 4 cubic yards per 1,000 square feet of landscaping area.
Submitting Proof of Soil Requirement Satisfaction
Satisfaction of these requirements calls for proof to be submitted to Denver Water in the form of an invoice or load ticket describing the type of amendment product and a plot survey map showing the amended area. This can be emailed or faxed to Denver Water, and the amended area is subject to inspection. Specific details for soil amendment requirements are available on the Denver Water website: DenverWater.org.
Request a Winter Extension
These requirements must be met to avoid penalties for unauthorized use of water. Of course, it’s hard to till frozen ground, so Denver Water offers winter extensions for compliance up to June 1 each year whenever weather conditions prevent completion of the requirements.
Builders and contractors can request a winter extension by calling Denver Water’s Customer Care department at 303-893-2444 or emailing customercare@denverwater.org to request the extension. The soil amendment must be approved prior to landscaping the premise in the spring.
Holistic Landscaping for Colorado Landscapes
At Donovan Arborists, we are committed to maintaining and protecting Colorado’s natural beauty and health by being good stewards of the environment. For each landscaping project, we use environmentally-friendly practices and a holistic approach, focusing on the providing the optimal outdoor environments for your plants to thrive.
If you need work on any part of your landscape, new or established, Donovan Arborists offers, planting, pruning and shearing and insect and disease management services in the Denver area. We’re happy to give free estimates to homeowners and property managers for any services they may need.
