parks
Lo-Fidelity: Confessions of a lawn guy part 8 — high ‘n’ dry
By Lorenzo Semple Follow at Aspen Times
· July 10, 2026
· 4 min read
Oh, what a dreadful year to be a lawn guy. So far, my income is basically a third of what it was last summer. As we descend spirally ever further down the drain into the throes of drought, I get a funny feeling this is Nature’s way of telling me to find another career.
At this stage of my lif...
Key takeaway So far, my income is basically a third of what it was last summer.
Why this matters in Aspen News
The drought's impact on local lawncare professionals is a stark reminder of the delicate balance between Aspen 's natural beauty and the economic realities of living in a mountain town. As the city's water restrictions continue to shape the way residents maintain their properties, it's likely that more lawncare workers will be forced to adapt or seek alternative employment. The fact that some homeowners are flouting the watering guidelines, despite the obvious consequences, raises questions about the effectiveness of the city's enforcement mechanisms and the need for greater education and outreach on the importance of conservation. Meanwhile, the lawncare professionals who are finding ways to thrive in this new environment, such as by adopting more water-efficient practices, may hold the key to a more sustainable future for Aspen's parks and gardens. The city's response to this challenge will have a direct impact on the livelihoods of these workers and the character of the community.
About this story
Original reporting by Aspen Times . Aspen News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: parks ·
Published: July 10, 2026 ·
Source: Aspen Times ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Oh, what a dreadful year to be a lawn guy. So far, my income is basically a third of what it was last summer. As we descend spirally ever further down the drain into the throes of drought, I get a funny feeling this is Nature’s way of telling me to find another career.
At this stage of my lif...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 10, 2026 by Aspen Times and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Lorenzo Semple Follow at Aspen Times. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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