Looking for easy ways to save water in your yard?
If you’re like most homeowners living in arid areas, like the southwest, you’re not alone.
Not only does using less water save you money and is environmentally friendly, watering less saves you time also. The less time you have to spend on maintaining your flowers, grass and shrubs, the more time you can spend enjoying them and doing other things. These tips will enable you to spend less money and time, plus conserve water while still having a beautiful, green yard.
1. Amend Soil
Any location in which you plan to plant vegetation, amend the soil with compost prior to planting.
Compost will improve soil structure and allow it to retain moisture more efficiently. Compost also prevents soil compaction so plant roots are able to grow deeper and spread out more easily in search of moisture.
2. Use Mulch
Mulch will enable the soil retain moisture and will keep the soil cooler so less water will be needed to keep the plants hydrated. Mulch will also prevent weed growth and improve soil structure as it slowly decomposes.
3. Drought Tolerant Plants
Plants that are native to your region are typically drought tolerant and many of the new hybrid plant varieties do well in drought conditions. These plants also include a variety of succulents, which can add a nice flair or personality to your landscaping.
Because they thrive in arid areas, drought-tolerant plants will help you save water in your yard for years to come.
4. Plant Grouping
If you enjoy growing plants that do require regular watering, group those type of plants together so less water will be wasted when you do water them.
5. Water Wisely
Only use a sprinkler system in the early morning and late evening hours so less water will be lost through evaporation. An underground irrigation system will use less water than an overhead sprinkler system, plus the water will go directly to the plant roots where it’s needed.
When watering plants with a garden hose, aim the water at the base of the plants so it will soak into the soil and go directly to the plant roots.
6. Artificial Turf
Instead of growing grass in your yard, consider using artificial turf instead. You’ll get the same look without all the work of maintaining a living lawn. No mowing, weeding, pest control, fertilizer and no watering.
Conclusion
Whether you’re ready to plant drought-tolerant plants or install artificial turf, there are plenty of ways to save water in your yard.
These are just a few to help you get started, but there’s a wide range of solutions and opportunities available.
