When considering a new or revised project, keep in mind these practical steps to get an attractive and low water use landscape:

A comprehensive design plan is the initial step to a water-efficient landscape. A well thought out and researched design will minimize cost and attain a proper strategy for plant and sprinker placement. These factors should be considered:

• Site conditions such as drainage, soil type, sun exposure/shade, aesthetic preferences, existing plantings, slope/grade and water availability are all crucial elements of an efficient plan.
• Intended use of the site must be carefully considered, including recreation, habitat and traffic.
• Trees, shrubs and grass all require different amounts of water. Plants should be placed in groups according to their respective water needs, called hydrozones. This way, an irrigation system can be designed to properly match the needs of the plants, soils and weather conditions.
• A proper irrigation design should have a base calculated schedule that includes projected sprinkler run times and weekly frequency for each month of the growing season. This base schedule is used as a starting point for an irrigation manager.
• Incorporate high water demanding plants at the bottom of slopes.
• Incorporate the use of existing trees, plants and wildlife areas to help add value to the site.
• Consider creating shade areas, which can be 20 degrees cooler than nonshaded areas.
• Minimize the use of impervious surfaces to reduce runoff and subsequent stormwater pollution.
• Consider using porous materials such as porous concrete or permeable paving methods.
• Consider grading and directing surface run-off and rainfall gutters to landscaped  areas as opposed to drainageways that exit the property.

  

• Soil testing will help determine soil quality, nutrients present and absorptive capacity.
• Choose plants based on these findings. Most soils require some adjustment of the pH (acidity or alkalinity). Your county cooperative extension offices can provide more information about how to conduct soil testing.
• Organic matter such as compost, mulch or manure increases the water holding capacity of soil and can help improve water distribution.
• When improving the soil of a given area, it is important to treat a large area around the planting to allow ample space for root systems.
• Do not allow heavy construction equipment to compact soil around existing trees or other sensitive natural areas.

• The selection of native species can greatly reduce maintenance costs.  Consider plants’ water demand, pest tolerance, soil nutrient and drainage requirements. Native species are adapted to work together in similar soils and benefit each other’s growth by forming symbiotic relationships.

• Turfgrass has the highest water consumption of any plant group. Plant grass only where it will provide optimal functional and aesthetic benefits.
• Avoid very small turf areas under 10 feet wide.
• Proper watering of turf (less frequent and deeper vs. frequent and light watering) will promote deep root development, which will make the turf more drought resistant.
• Turfgrass should be cut to the maximum recommended height for its type, generally a minimum of two inches to a maximum of four inches for optimum water use. Proper drainage and aeration of container mixtures is as important as water holding capacity. Media aeration directly influences plant growth by its effect on soil oxygen, which controls to a large extent the uptake of nutrients and water. As lawns age or sustain heavy use from play, sports activities, pets, vehicle traffic and parking, soil compaction can result. Soil compacting forces are most severe in poorly drained or wet sites.

• The proper design, installation and maintenance of both the irrigation system and the landscape will lead to efficient irrigation. No amount of good maintenance can overcome the inefficiencies of poor design.
• Additional irrigation will be needed on newer transplanted landscapes.
• Automatic controllers are a cost-effective time-based method to save labor and consistently deliver water. It is important to adjust controllers regularly for weather changes and plant growth.
• Drip irrigation and microsprays place water at the base of the plant. This reduces evaporation and saves water by not wetting the entire ground surface. This technique is good for trees, shrubs and ground covers.
• Uniformity of the water being applied by the irrigation system is the key ingredient in irrigation efficiency. Sprinkler uniformity is affected by the operating pressure, the nozzle used and the sprinkler spacing, as well as external forces such as wind.
• Plants transpire moisture through their leaves and the soil allows water to evaporate into the air. This condition is called evapotranspiration. Replacing the plant’s ET will allow the plant to thrive. Rain will replace some of the moisture, irrigation will do the rest. Tenisometers measure soil moisture in a plant’s root system. The measurement is very close to ET and a practice tool to use when needing to know how much irrigation is necessary.
• Rain shut-off devices on automatic systems cut off the power to the controller during rain events and won't allow the system to operate until the unit has dried out and irrigation may be needed again.
• Overspray that covers concrete or other impervious areas can waste water by running off the property.  
• Over-watering landscapes is a more common problem than under-watering. People tend to think that if a little is good, a lot is even better.

• Mulches are various organic materials, such as pine/oak bark, pine straw, aged wood chips and compost mixtures that are placed around the root zone of a plant.
• The use of mulches around planting is highly effective in retaining soil moisture and reducing the need for watering and maintenance.
• Three to five inches of mulch reduces the level of evaporation from the soil, insulates root systems from heat and limits the germination of weeds around beds and flora.
• Fine textured mulches help retain more moisture than coarse mulches.

• The most crucial element in sustaining water efficiency in any landscape site is ensuring that a regular maintenance schedule is met. Attention to the landscape and irrigation system at regular time intervals will lower the cost of maintenance, and increase the effectiveness of water for landscaping.
• Mow grass at a proper height. No more than one-third of the leaf blade should be removed during mowing.
• Regular aeration of clay soils will improve water holding capabilities and prevent runoff.
• Monitor irrigation schedules to replace evapotranspiration.
• Analyze the soil several times during the season to be sure nutrient levels are maintained.
• Inspect, adjust and replace sprinkers, filters, valves and emission devices for proper operation once a month.