During the growing season, up to 30 percent of residential water use is for outdoor use. Of this, the majority often goes towards watering lawns and gardens. And so, using water conserving landscape design, soil health practices, wise plant selection, and efficient irrigation has high potential for conserving water. 

A design principle to use is grouping plants based on their irrigation needs. When designing landscape beds and borders, separate them into zones such as no irrigation, once a month irrigation, twice a month, or weekly irrigation. 

When selecting plants, identify their watering requirements and group plants with similar irrigation needs in the same area. Do not use plants with high water needs in the same zone as low water use or drought tolerant plants. 

While using low water use plants throughout the landscape conserves the most water, creating zones based on irrigation needs allows a larger variety of plants to be used. Some higher water use plants may be desired in the landscape. Zone planting allows for this while still conserving water. 

Keep in mind lawns are a planting zone. While turfgrass is often viewed as a high water use plant, it does not have to be. When designing landscapes, use practical turf areas where grass is most functional and beneficial. Select turfgrass with lower irrigation needs such as turf-type tall fescue or buffalograss. 

Don’t overlook improving soils prior to planting. Relieving compaction by working soil and increasing organic matter will improve infiltration rates to reduce the amount of rain and irrigation water that runs off. Organic matter also increases a soils water holding capacity in sandier soils.

Once plants are placed in the correct zone, apply mulch and water each area based on plant needs. It is estimated landscapes are watered twice as much as needed. This is a waste of water and leads to plants not having healthy root systems which makes them less efficient at using soil moisture.

To prevent overwatering, avoid irrigation systems that water the entire landscape the same regardless of plant needs. With automatic systems, do not “set them and forget them”. Turn irrigation systems on only when needed based on soil moisture and plant needs.