El Nino’s rains this winter provided some much-needed relief, but California residents are still very much in the midst of a historic four-year drought. As summer approaches and the temperatures rise, water usage is likely to increase.
So despite the limited relief brought by El Nino, residents of the Golden State must keep their eye on the ball when it comes to conserving water. With that in mind, we bring you these seven water-wise tips for landscaping ideas that will maintain your backyard’s beauty, while helping to minimize water consumption.
1. Install a Backyard Artificial Grass Putting Green
Ever dreamt of having your own backyard putting green? The good news, installing one can actually help you save water. Synthetic turf can be ideal for use as a putting green. Its smooth, consistent, aesthetically pleasing consistency makes it the ideal surface for putting on. One Napa Valley homeowner found she was able to cut her monthly water bill 90% after installing a putting green. And installing your own artificial grass putting green may be easier than you think.
2. Stone Features
Ornamental stonework is another decorative measure you can take that can improve the aesthetics of your yard while helping you to save water. The greater the area of your yard that features stonework, the less water you’ll require to upkeep your landscaping.
3. Permeable Paving
Permeable paving refers to decorative patterns that allow water to permeate and drain between custom ceramic or stone tile and flow out to irrigate other areas of your garden. It’s a smart all weather irrigation strategy that prevents flooding, and maximizes every water drop’s exposure to vegetation.
4. Plant Succulents in the garden
Cactuses, aloe vera and other ornamental plants in various categories are known as succulents for their unique ability to go long periods of time with no water. In the desert–or during a dry spell like a drought–these plants tend to flourish, while others may struggle or perish due to lack of hydration.
5. Drought-Tolerant Shrubs
Like succulents, these plants and flowers require less water to maintain than most other plant varieties. Drought-tolerant shrubs, flowers and cactus have become increasingly popular in areas affected by drought.
6. Sustainable Gardening
Sustainable — a.k.a. organic — produce has become more popular as we increasingly become aware of the dangers of using pesticides and genetically modified plants in conventional gardening. Sustainable strategies can also help to save water. Drip irrigation and dry farming are just two of the water-wise, sustainable gardening strategies that have become more popular as homeowners search for alternatives to conventional, water-intensive landscaping.
7. Artificial Grass
What’s the biggest water-consumer in the typical American backyard? You probably already know, it’s the green expanses of lawn that have long been de rigeur for suburban homes in backyards across America.
With water rationed and neighbors setting lawn sprinklers at night to avoid fines during drought-torn summers, many homeowners are looking for alternatives to the traditional natural grass lawn. One of the most popular alternatives is of course artificial lawns.These days, there are more choices than ever when it comes to artificial grass. Synthetic lawns require almost no water and a fraction of the maintenance it takes to upkeep a conventional lawn.
By replacing your water-guzzling natural lawn with an artificial one, incorporating stonework, succulents and some of the other tips featured here, it’s possible to transform your yard into the neighborhood’s shining bastion of water-wisdom as summer gets into full swing.
If you have questions about artificial grass and are interesting in replacing your natural lawn with a water-saving synthetic one, contact us for a free quote.
