Spring is here! With warmer temperatures that are perfect for outdoor enjoyment, it’s time to start thinking about developing a water-smart landscape for your home. We believe a beautiful yard can be achieved without water-heavy and water-dependent features, which are time-consuming to maintain and expensive to keep. Water-smart landscaping is responsible landscaping! Here is a surefire guide to conserve water this season.
One of the easiest ways to practice conservation in your garden is to select water-efficient plants. These are usually native plants that require little to no fertilization and can adapt to local soil and climate conditions. Some examples of low-water plants are agave, sagebrush, and California Lilac.
Another water-smart landscaping tip is to group your plants according to their water needs, also known as “hydrozoning”. This practice reduces water use and protects your garden from under-watering and over-watering. The EPA suggests separating your shrub and turf areas into different hydrozones to appropriately water each type of plant.
Mulch is also an important tool you can use to help keep your yard water-wise. Mulch can include anything from rocks or wood chips to compost. Adding mulch around your garden plants helps reduce water evaporation and deter weeds.
Finally, a healthy and water-wise yard needs a suitable irrigation system. For example, grass does best with an automatic sprinkler system, which can help prevent water runoff. Watering early in the day or late in the evening also conserves water. Just make sure to turn off your sprinklers on rainy days, or invest in a rain sensor to automatically shut them off during storms.
If you’re like us, you care about using water wisely. The EPA notes that the average American uses more water outdoors than in any other area of the home. Water is our most precious natural resource, so before the spring season begins, why not plan ahead and be water-smart?