Expansive, green lawns with large trees in the front yard are on their way out in Colorado — and they need to be, experts say. Temperatures are warming and rain continues to be unpredictable in Colorado. Parts of Colorado have experienced some level of drought for almost all of the last 25 years, and this year was no different. Cities responded with watering restrictions, and residents saw their lawns go dry and then turn brown. It’s time for a change, experts told 60 people gathered at The Colorado Sun’s water solutions event Sept. 26. … Many water utilities have been able, or are trying, to keep community water use relatively flat as populations grow. The state has also been pushing the idea of xeriscaping — using water-saving landscaping plants, tools and strategies — since the 1980s. It’s time for Coloradans to take the hint, experts said.