6 Landscaping Tips for High Altitude Properties

Are you struggling to maintain a thriving landscape at your high-altitude Colorado property? Many commercial property managers in Colorado face challenges in selecting and sustaining plants that flourish in this unique environment. A landscape with excellent curb appeal is essential for attracting clients and tenants, but finding the right plants and maintaining them can be daunting. At Rocky Mountain Custom Landscapes, we specialize in creating beautiful, sustainable landscapes tailored to high-altitude climates. Here are 6 tips to help you achieve it.

Choosing plants adapted to high altitudes ensures they can thrive despite the harsh conditions, reducing maintenance and water usage. Here are some altitude-friendly choices:

Aspen Trees: Known for their striking white bark and fall colors, these trees are well-suited to high altitudes due to their cold tolerance, adaptability to rocky soils, quick growth in short-growing seasons, and resilience to fire.

Serviceberry: A hardy shrub that provides beautiful spring blossoms and edible berries, Serviceberry trees thrive in full sun to partial shade.

Rocky Mountain Columbine: Colorado’s state flower, perfect for adding color to your landscape, has great resilience to wind and harsh conditions

Kinnikinnick: This ground cover is excellent for erosion control and requires minimal water.

Improve your commercial space with premier gardening services. Incorporating these plants into your landscape design can create a resilient, beautiful environment with less maintenance.

Planting at the right time of year will contribute to your success in high-altitude gardening. In Colorado, spring and early fall are ideal. For spring planting, aim to plant after the last frost, typically from late May to early June. Early September is best for fall planting to allow plants to establish roots before winter. Follow these planting schedules to help ensure your plants have the best chance to thrive.

High altitudes can experience extreme temperature swings, which can stress plants. Here’s how to protect them:

Mulching: Apply a thick layer of mulch around plants to insulate roots and retain moisture.

Frost Cloths: Use frost cloths or covers during unexpected cold snaps to shield plants.

Windbreaks: Install windbreaks near gardens and open spaces, to protect delicate plants from harsh winds.

By taking these steps, you can mitigate the effects of temperature fluctuations and keep your plants healthy.

Watering needs can vary greatly in high altitudes, making it hard to achieve the right balance to avoid over or under-watering. We recommend watering plants early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow moisture to reach the roots. Think about installing drip irrigation systems to deliver water directly to the plant roots, conserving water and reducing waste. You should also adjust watering frequency seasonally, increasing during dry spells and reducing during rainy periods to ensure your plants receive the right amount of water for optimal growth.

Soil at high altitudes often lacks essential nutrients, which can significantly impact plant health. Enhancing soil quality is key to addressing these challenges. Start by incorporating organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil. Regularly conduct soil tests to assess pH levels and nutrient deficiencies, adjusting amendments as needed. Additionally, aerate the soil to improve drainage and enhance root penetration. By taking these steps, you can improve soil condition, leading to healthier, more robust plants that thrive with reduced maintenance needs.