Drip Irrigation in Denver: How to Keep Trees and Shrubs Alive During the Lawn Watering Ban
If you live in Denver, you probably know the news by now. Denver Water has ended the lawn watering season, and spray sprinklers are off after September 30, 2026. The ban stays in place until the Board of Water Commissioners decides otherwise. That means your lawn sprinklers may stay off into next spring.
But your trees, shrubs, and perennials still need water. That is where drip irrigation in Denver comes in. It is one of the few ways to water those plants automatically while following the rules.
Here is what is allowed, how drip works, and how to plan ahead this winter.
What the Denver Water Ban Allows (and What It Doesn't)
Based on Denver Water's published rules, the ban covers lawn watering and spray irrigation. That includes hand-watering grass.
Still allowed:
Trees, shrubs, and perennials: any day, using a hand-held hose with a shutoff nozzle or low-volume, non-spray irrigation such as drip.
Annuals and vegetable gardens: the same methods, until the first frost.
Penalties for breaking the ban start at $500 for single-family customers. Rules can differ if your water comes from a different district, like some neighborhoods in Highlands Ranch, Centennial, or Lakewood. Check with your own water provider, and check Denver Water's website for updates before you water.
One more note from Denver Water: it recommends occasional hand-watering of trees and shrubs on warm winter days when conditions are dry. Drip works well for this too, as long as the lines are not frozen.
What Is Drip Irrigation?
Drip irrigation is a low-pressure system. Instead of spraying water through the air, it sends water through small tubing and lets it drip slowly at the base of a plant.
Because the water goes right to the roots, very little is lost to wind or evaporation. That matters on the Front Range, where our dry air and strong sun can steal water from a spray head before it hits the ground.
Common drip parts
Drip line or emitter tubing that runs along a bed
Individual emitters placed at the base of trees and shrubs
A pressure regulator and filter at the connection point
A timer or a zone on your existing controller
Why Drip Fits Denver Yards
Our clay-heavy soil soaks up water slowly. Spray heads often put water down faster than the ground can take it, so it runs off. Drip applies water slowly, which gives clay soil time to absorb it.
Drip is also a good match for mature trees, which are the most expensive plants in most yards to replace. Many homeowners in Denver, Golden, and Littleton have trees that took decades to grow. A drip setup is one way to give them steady care while lawns rest.
Can You Add Drip to an Existing Sprinkler System?
Often, yes. A sprinkler technician can convert a zone that waters shrubs or flower beds from spray heads to drip. This usually means swapping the spray heads for drip-ready fittings and adding a pressure regulator and filter.
A few things to keep in mind:
Lawn zones and plant-bed zones should be on separate zones, because they need different run times.
Drip needs lower pressure than spray heads, so a regulator is important.
Drip tubing can freeze, so it needs to be included in your fall blow-out.
Plan Now for Spring
Winter is a good time to plan. Here is a simple checklist:
Walk your yard and list every tree, shrub, and bed that depends on irrigation.
Note which zones feed lawn and which feed plants.
Ask your water provider what rules will apply this spring.
Schedule your fall blow-out so your lines are protected from freezing.
Talk with a pro about converting plant-bed zones to drip before spring.
Because it is not yet clear when lawn watering will be allowed again, drip gives you a plan that works either way. If the restrictions ease, your lawn zones are ready. If they don't, your trees and shrubs still get what they need.
Don't Forget the Winter Blow-Out
A lawn ban does not mean you can skip winterizing. Water left in pipes, valves, and backflow preventers can still freeze and crack them. That is true whether or not you plan to use the system. Drip lines need to be drained or blown out too.
Conclusion: Drip Irrigation in Denver Is a Smart Plan B
Drip irrigation in Denver gives you a legal, efficient way to water trees, shrubs, and perennials while lawn sprinklers are off. It uses less water, fits our soil, and can often be added to the system you already have. Use the quiet winter months to plan, and you'll be ready for whatever spring brings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is drip irrigation allowed during Denver Water's lawn watering ban?
Yes. Denver Water allows trees, shrubs, and perennials to be watered any day with a hand-held hose with a shutoff nozzle or low-volume, non-spray irrigation like drip. Always check Denver Water's website for the latest rules.
Can I water my lawn with drip irrigation?
No. The ban applies to lawn watering, including hand-watering grass. Drip is intended for trees, shrubs, perennials, and gardens.
Do I still need a sprinkler blow-out if I'm not using my system this winter?
Yes. Water left in the pipes, valves, and backflow preventer can freeze and cause damage, even if the system sat unused. Drip lines should be drained or blown out too.
Can drip be added to my existing sprinkler system?
In many cases, yes. A technician can convert plant-bed zones to drip with the right fittings, filter, and pressure regulator.
Not sure how to keep your trees and shrubs watered under this year's rules? Contact Apex Irrigation and we'll look at your system and talk through your options for drip, winterizing, and spring start-up.
