Kathy watered twice a week in the spring when she first planted. Of course, that s not necessary if there s sufficient rainfall. Many native plants are accustomed to spring snow run-off, especially in the foothills. By summer she began tapering off. Once established, her plants required little care and less water.
Trees are difficult to recommend.
The typical native, such as the cottonwood, grows by a stream with its roots deeply extended into the water. It s not a drought-tolerant tree. This is true for most of the Great Plains, where trees evolved to be near a streamside. After all, the Plains were covered with grasses and wildflowers. The mountains differ vastly.