With more and more stories coming out in recent years about the importance of making eco-friendly changes to our homes, it’s a good idea to look for ways to reduce and conserve that will be sustainable in the long term. Saving water is a great example. This is especially true for homes in the Southwest, particularly in states like Arizona, where most days are dry and hot. Finding ways to conserve water isn’t always easy, but with special water-smart landscaping considerations, you can do your part in making your home and lawn eco-friendly.
Of course, you can also find Xeriscape landscaping options to make your landscaping really stand out. This is a great way to go green and to help teach your children about the responsibilities of caring for living things, and some ideas―such as building a rain garden―can even save you time and energy.
Keep reading for some great ideas on how to conserve water and still have a beautiful landscape.
Create drought-tolerant landscaping
For dry climates that don’t get much water throughout the year, it’s a good idea to look for landscaping ideas that will tolerate heat. Reduce the amount of grass by using mulch, gravel, or paving stones, and plant shrubs, cacti, or lavender, none of which need much water. If you do have a few plants that need moisture, consider potting them together so they can share the water source.
Consider Xeriscaping
Xeriscaping is a landscape that takes water conservation to the next level. It requires careful planning, not just for the type of plants you’ll use, but for the soil quality, elevation, and function of the entire area. Xeriscaping can save you money, time, and energy as well as water throughout the entire year. Go here for more information.
When working with plants that thrive in heat and dry climates, it’s important to remember to have the right equipment for the job. For example, gardening gloves are imperative, especially when you’re handling succulents or cacti.
Build a Rain Garden
Another eco-friendly addition to your home is a functional rain garden that will allow your yard to collect and properly drain rainwater, making it the perfect natural alternative to keeping your ground soaked in hot weather. A rain barrel is also beneficial in keeping plants watered, and you can use it for bathing pets or washing the car as well.
Stay on Budget
It can be difficult to stay on budget when it comes to Staying on budget is important when creating the perfect water-conserving landscape, especially if you need to add irrigation pipes or other large projects, but doing so can help save you money on utility bills in the long run. Check out this great tool for calculating your budget and staying on track.
Consider drip irrigation
Drip irrigation is a budget-friendly way to ensure the water you use on your plants and crops goes right to the roots rather than being partially lost to evaporation or runoff. In many cases, it’s fairly simple to install. Do some research online or at your local home improvement store to get an idea of the tools and materials you’ll need.
Making long-term eco-friendly changes to your landscape, including your lawn, may seem like an overwhelming task, but with a good plan and a little research, you and your family can conserve water go green and save money at the same time. Talk to your family about saving water by shortening shower times, and consider installing a low-flow toilet and/or showerhead to help everyone stay on task. With these simple tricks, you can reduce your carbon footprint in no time.
From time to time, Water -Use It Wisely features guest bloggers who write about topics related to water and water conservation. The author of this blog, Gus Stewart, is the creator of Gardenable.org, which aims to provide helpful tips, advice, and stories about gardening for those with disabilities.