Water efficient landscapes do not have a single look or style. Unfortunately, many associate water efficiency with gravel, cactus, sparse plantings, and a “desert” look - this is a misperception. While originally developed for arid and drought-challenged regions, the principals of water-efficient landscaping can now be applied in any region.

Native plantlife is not only lower maintenance, but it provides an ideal habitat for birds and other wildlife.

The potential beauty of water-efficient landscapes is unlimited. The key is to manage water use by balancing lawn, shrubs, flowers and hardscape in a pleasing mix.

________________________________________________________________

The benefits of water efficient landscaping are significant:

• Reduced water use. In some regions, almost half of water used by a home is applied to the landscape. Managing this resource helps lower your water bill.

• Less maintenance. Water efficient landscapes require less care and fewer chemicals (fertilizers, weed controls,etc.)to stay healthy. Because locally-appropriate plants are often applied, disease is less frequent.

•  Improved property value. A well-maintained water-efficient landscape adds color and style to a  home, enhancing curb appeal

• Provides wildlife habitat. Native plantings welcome birds, butterflies and other local wildlife into the landscape.

Key Principals of Water Efficient Landscaping:

Improve your soil. Gardeners know that healthy soil that is rich in organic matter retains the ideal balance of moisture and oxygen for plant needs.   Keeping your soil aerated and amending it with organic matter like compost or peat moss will aid in water retention.

Having healthy soil that is aerated and contains nutrients will increase water retention.

 Plan limited turf areas. Lush green lawns can be beautiful, but they are one of the largest consumers of water in a landscape. Base the area of landscape devoted to turf on what is required to meet the recreational needs of family members.   Many studies show that 600-800 square feet of turf provides an adequate area for play, pets and outdoor activities.   Avoid using turf as a groundcover, walkway or to fill-in areas that are otherwise unused.

Have an oasis.   The area of greatest landscape use, often around a patio or shade structure, can incorporate the higher maintenance and higher water use plants that gardeners love most. (annuals, container plants, etc.)    Lower traffic areas, screen plantings, and accent areas can be landscaped with lower water-use species.

Choose hardy, regionally-appropriate plants. For best results with drought-resistant plantings, use regionally-specific, native plants.  Species from outside your area can be extremely invasive and may choke out other plantings.  They also can spread into natural ecosystems. Avoid plants that require frequent care.

If you enjoy higher-maintenance plants like container plants and annuals, place them in a high visibility area to enjoy.

Implement efficient irrigation.  With conventional irrigation practices, a large portion of the water applied to landscapes is lost to evaporation and runoff or is applied in excess of the plants’ needs.   Drip watering systems apply the water where it does the most good: directly to the soil at each plant location.   This reduces evaporation, provides only as much water as is needed and eliminates the chore of hand watering.    Raindrip offers all of the products and expertise to help you achieve winning results.

Mulch regularly. Cover the areas around your plants with a 2”-3” layer of protective mulch.  Mulch helps retain soil moisture and reduces competing weeds.    Organic mulch like bark, wood chips or almond hulls will slowly incorporate into the soil, adding nutrients.   Apply mulch liberally, renew annually and avoid any bare areas.