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Maintaining a lush, inviting landscape doesn’t have to mean skyrocketing water bills and the guilt and frustration of wasting water. By adopting a water-smart approach, you can create a resilient outdoor space that thrives even during the driest, hottest months. The goal is to capture, retain, and utilize every drop of moisture effectively.
A rain barrel is a classic, effective way to harvest runoff water for your garden. It captures and stores rainwater that flows off your roof, typically from gutters and downspouts. Instead of allowing that water to run into the storm drains or create puddles around your foundation, the barrel holds it for future use, which also prevents erosion and reduces utility bills.
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Buy NowBut a rain barrel is only one small part of a waterwise plan. To maximize your impact, consider modernizing an outdated irrigation system, mulching strategically, switching to natural lawn seed, and more to create a yard that requires significantly less water to stay lush. By layering the following low-water landscaping techniques, you can achieve a professional-grade landscape that is as sustainable as it is beautiful.
Update the irrigation system.
A lot of water waste results from outdated or mismatched irrigation systems. Here are several ways to ensure your irrigation system is working as efficiently as possible:
- Separate irrigation into zones, since different types of vegetation have different watering needs.
- Install drip irrigation such as soaker hoses. Drip systems deliver water directly to the root zone, which reduces evaporation and overspray. Pairing drip irrigation with a smart controller that adjusts watering based on weather can reduce irrigation use by 30 to 80 percent, while improving plant health.
- Eliminate leakage since even a slow drip can leak over a gallon of water daily and can easily exceed 20 gallons a day, warns Annie Morton, gardening expert and Hoselink brand ambassador in Charlotte, North Carolina. “Address this by investing in quality quick-connect fittings to ensure a watertight seal between your hose, faucet, and accessories every time,” says Morton.
- Time your watering strategically, suggests Morton. “Adjusting your watering routine costs nothing; water early in the morning (ideally before 9 a.m.) before temperatures rise, since early morning watering allows soil and roots to absorb moisture efficiently, and avoid watering at midday since it leads to higher evaporation.” Evening watering isn’t a good idea either, since it can leave foliage damp overnight and increase the risk of fungal issues. “If you want to make it truly effortless, pair your hose setup with an automated watering timer, so your garden gets watered at the right time every day, even when you’re not around to think about it,” she suggests.
Improve soil structure.
Healthy soil is often overlooked when it comes to water efficiency. Soil that’s been amended with organic material holds moisture longer, allowing plants to last between watering cycles, according to Dig Studio’s Turf (Grass) Conversion guide. “Boost soil structure by increasing its organic matter, as soil with a high organic content absorbs moisture better and retains moisture longer,” says Ross Hulstein, owner at Enviroscapes in Denver, Colorado. “To do this, simply add 10 cm [about 4/10 inch] of humus on top of the base soil, then mix it into the soil, and repeat this process twice a year.”
Use mulch strategically.
Covering soil with mulch is another simple but powerful tool, noticeably reducing the frequency of irrigation while supporting stronger root systems over time and even helping to cool plants during heat waves. “Mulch reduces moisture evaporation from the soil and protects the roots from overheating, which keeps the soil moist longer,” says Hulstein. This means you won’t have to water as often. Mulch also reduces the growth of weeds, which steal water from your plants. “Take straw, grass clippings, bark, compost, or wood chips and lay a 5 to 10 cm thick layer around the plants, keeping it away from the stems. Renew this layer every 2 months,” advises Hulstein.
Evaluate where you actually need turf.
One of the most effective ways to reduce water use is to replace some grass with other materials. In many yards, large portions of lawn go unused but still require consistent irrigation. Keep grass only where it serves a real function, such as in gathering spaces and play areas. “Gravel, stone, and decomposed granite don’t need to be watered, and can be placed to look intentional,” says Daniel Crowley, CEO, Hello Gravel in New Orleans, Louisiana. “And the best part is that they make it easier for rainwater to soak into the ground, instead of running off.”
Plant natural lawn seed.
Another water-smart landscaping approach is to replace conventional turf with natural lawn seeding. Conventional turf lawns tend to have shallow root systems and depend on frequent irrigation to stay green, says Jim Fucetola, horticulture expert and president and founder of Earthwise Seed Company in Paterson, New Jersey. “In contrast, well-designed alternative lawn blends develop deeper, more efficient root systems that access moisture below the surface. Once established, they can often thrive on natural rainfall alone in the right conditions,” he explains. In many cases, homeowners can reduce outdoor water usage by 50 percent or more just by switching to a natural, low-input lawn seed blend.
He recommends replacing traditional turf with grass alternatives like fine fescue grasses, microclover, native grasses like buffalo grass or blue grama, or creeping thyme. “These are some of the best options for reducing water usage since they require far less irrigation than conventional turf and still provide a soft, full, green lawn in a wide range of conditions,” says Fucetola.
Choose native, drought-tolerant plants.
Morton recommends selecting plants suited to your climate. “A key long-term water-conservation strategy is to choose native, drought-tolerant plants, as they are adapted to local rainfall and require less supplemental watering once established,” she explains. “You can maintain a beautiful landscape while using water efficiently by making extremely intentional planting choices.” You don’t have to go into full xeriscaping mode, but growing the right plants in the right place is one of many principles of xeriscaping. Speak to experts at your local nursery to learn which plants thrive in your area and are suited to low-water landscaping.
Build drainage into the system.
By installing materials to help move and store water more efficiently in your yard, you can reduce the amount and frequency of irrigation needed. “Erosion and buildup can be possible, so it’s important to look into incorporating materials like drain rock, or a layered aggregate system, that makes passive drainage channels,” suggests Crowley. “Also, look at installing French drains, sloped gravel (to move the water where you want it to go), or dry creek beds to help manage any excess water and keep moisture where you actually want it, and where plants can actually benefit from it.”
