Mowing challenges possibly ahead for Colorado Springs-area crews

The area’s wet weather has caused more plant growth than usual, but cool temperatures are keeping that growth under control so far.

Warmer weather could accelerate growth and put crews behind in mowing grasses and trimming weeds.

A warm, wet spring and summer several years ago produced so much additional work for crews that, in some cases, they were weeks behind and conditions were too wet to mow on many occasions.

Kurt Schroeder, maintenance and operations manager for Colorado Springs Parks and Recreation, said his crews have kept up this season.

“I think we’ve learned from the past,” he said. “We got them out there sooner. It presents some challenges because sometimes it can be too wet. But they’ve just finished up their first mowing cycle, and starting Monday, they’re going to start their second mowing cycle.”

The city hires three private contractors to do around 75% of the mowing and trimming in parks, along trails and in city-owned right-of-way property.

“The city crews do more specialized cutting in places that are hard to reach,” Schroeder said.

Proper mowing and trimming reduces the chance of blocking sight lines for drivers, but Colorado Parks and Wildlife have asked homeowners to watch for baby animals who might be hiding in thick vegetation and be injured or killed.

El Paso County officials said they are keeping up with their mowing responsibilities so far.