Water conservation is a big part of the landscaping discussion right now, especially in places like Phoenix. With brutally hot summers and naturally dry, desert conditions, water is a resource that is as vital as it is scarce.
As more and more people think about droughts and potential water shortages, they also start to think about ways to conserve water in their landscaping. Luckily, there are several simple things that everyone can do to save a little (or a lot) of water when landscaping in Arizona.
Be smart with your watering schedule.
A lawn is, by far, the most demanding landscaping element when it comes to water usage. You can mitigate this a bit by being smart about when you choose to water your lawn. Watering at night or in the early morning can help conserve water by lowering evaporation rates. Frequency of watering is important, too. Overwatering won’t only waste water; it will probably kill your lawn, too. Most lawns don’t need to be watered everyday. You should also turn off your watering system after it rains.
All these tips may seem overwhelming, but if you install a smart watering system that can be controlled with your phone, you can set a schedule and then make whatever adjustments you need with just the touch of a button.
Install artificial grass.
Don’t want to deal with all the factors at play for watering a lawn? No problem. Artificial grass is an increasingly popular option for Phoenix homeowners. It always looks great, it’s family and pet friendly, and best of all, you never have to water it.
Artificial grass will require an upfront cost that is greater than the cost of real grass. That said, you will save a ton of water both immediately and over time.
Choose desert plants.
Some people in Arizona love the lush greenery that grows so easily in other states, and they insist on filling their own yards with leafy bushes, shady trees, and flowering plants. While these options are aesthetically pleasing, they also require a lot of water to maintain.
Desert plants like cacti and native trees will help you conserve water, as these plants have adapted to the arid climate and can thrive even without frequent watering.
Incorporate hardscaping.
Hardscaping creates hard spaces in your yard using materials like pavers or concrete. This is very helpful for cutting back on the amount of greenery in a yard. Not only that, but these areas add visual interest and functionality. Consider adding a space for a dining table, a paved walkway, an outdoor kitchen, etc. The more hardscaping you use, the less landscaping you need—and that conserves water.
Watch the level of your pool water.
If the autofill valve is broken on your pool, the water level in your pool will be consistently higher than it should be. If you have a leak, your water levels might be too low. Either of these scenarios can waste thousands of gallons of water every month. If you suspect something is wrong with your pool, call a professional to look at it right away.
Upgrade your watering system.
New drip heads for your plants (ones that compensate for pressure) and new sprinkler heads (high-efficiency or pressure-regulating heads) can go a long way toward helping you water your grass and plants more efficiently. Plus, they are relatively inexpensive and each to switch out on your own.
These tips may be simple, but they can help you save water in a big way. By simply being more observant and careful about your planting choices, and by making a few small swaps, you can conserve water even while maintaining a beautiful yard.
