The ongoing drought that is afflicting California and the western part of the US, should have everyone evaluating their landscape water usage. Potable water is a finite resource, and our lawns and irrigation systems can be large guzzlers.
Here’s how to convert your lawn to a more water-efficient landscape using drought-tolerant plants.
In addition to consuming water, lawns are often treated with chemical fertilizers and pesticides that can have a negative impact on the environment. Drought tolerant plants require less maintenance than a lawn and can consist of native grasses, wildflowers, and succulents.
Start with a Plan
Don’t rush to tear up your lawn just yet. You’ll need to fill the space with more than just flower beds and potted plants. Do your research, and find yards and landscapes that appeal to you. Speak to homeowners you see working on their yards, and inquire about their water usage and plants they used. Your neighbors can also be a great resource for finding reputable landscape designers.
Beyond plants, you will also need a plan for other outdoor elements like paved walkways, stone and gravel beds, and water drainage systems.
Remove Your Old Lawn
Rent a sod cutter to assist in removing your lawn. You can sell or giveaway your sod on Craigslist instead of throwing it away.
Build Landscape Features
Once all of the lawn is cleared away, build your landscape features such as hills, flower beds, and walkways. Keep in mind that drought tolerant plants require excellent drainage and can die if left in standing pools of water.
Select and Plant Your Plants
A plant nursery can help you identify native plants in your area and sell and source these plants for you. A native plant will be as adept at surviving in your yard as it is in an open field.
No fertilizer or pesticides are needed and water demand for native plants matches what they get from the environment.
Native plants grow quickly and look more natural in your home setting. They are also dynamic and change with the seasons, so you no longer worry about a lawn turning brown.
Take note of plants that can grow and spread quickly (vines and other climbing plants), which can push out other plants that are placed near them.
Some native plants may only be available as seeds which require attentive hand watering until they become established.
Nature Returns
After converting your yard to native plants you will notice an uptick in wildlife returning to your yard. Birds, butterflies, and bees may flock to the natural habitat you’ve created. Add a birdhouse to accelerate the process.
Money Back
If you live in LA you could be in for some cash if you tear up your turf as the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California on Tuesday voted to increase funding for its turf-removal program, as more and more residents and businesses swap water-guzzling lawns for more drought-tolerant landscaping.
The MWD will boost its turf-replacement budget by $350 million for one year, but will also change certain terms and conditions of the extremely popular program.
The district voted to cap the total reimbursement for residential customers at $6,000, paying per square foot of lawn removed.
Gentle Care
Native plants are robust when established and grow best when lightly watered.
Use a blower like Greenworks 60V to ensure your new plants are kept clean from dirt and debris. Make sure you don’t use the turbo mode as that would be too harsh for these plants. The variable speed trigger can be used on low to keep your new plants clean.
Save the turbo mode for clearing your sidewalks and street.
Photo by Emmanuelle Bourgue, Steve and Michelle Gerdes, FarOutFlora, JP Newell, and Art Jensen.
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