This document provides tips for creating a water-efficient landscape. It estimates that up to 50% of household water is used for landscaping. The tips include using drought-tolerant native plants that match the climate, reducing lawn areas, defining separate irrigation zones, and using efficient irrigation practices like drip systems. Proper planning of plant placement according to water needs and exposure, along with use of mulches and hardscaping elements, can help create an attractive water-wise garden.

1. Water-wise Landscaping
Vol. I Issue 1
Tips for Water Efficiency
W ater is a finite resource that
is renewed only at the whim
of nature. With growing
tips to keep the number of thirsty can minimize water usage. Place
plants and grasses in your landscape shrubs that need watering once a
to a minimum. week on a different water line than
populations and increasing summer annuals that need daily
development, it is essential that we water. Plants that require little or
look at water as a precious resource “It is estimated that up to no summer water are effective in
not to be wasted. It is estimated 50% of water consumed outer areas.
that up to 50% of water consumed by the average urban Reduce lawn areas. Use turf
by the average urban household is household is used for grass for function more than
used for landscape plants and turf landscape plants and appearance. Grass is a good choice
grass. where children play but avoid long
turf grass.”
To manage water in your yard, narrow strips of turf and isolated
you can gradually introduce islands of grass that are difficult and
drought-tolerant plants into an Plan your landscape to match wasteful to water. In outlying areas,
existing garden or design and plant the exposure at the site, the use drought-resistant grasses or
a new water-efficient landscape. drainage, water availability, wind meadow mixes instead of lawn.
“Water-Efficient Landscape” is a direction, and soil type. As a Save water with effective
generally accepted term for a general rule, southern and western irrigation. Using the proper
landscape which uses plants that exposures result in the greatest irrigation practices can lead to a
have low water requirements and water loss. Excessive use of rock in 30-80% reduction in water usage.
are able to withstand periods of southern or western exposures can For flowers and shallow-rooted
drought. Water-efficient cause temperature increases in and shrubs, drip irrigation is efficient
landscapes are a conscious attempt around the house. Use sun-loving, and reduces pest and disease
to develop plantings compatible drought-tolerant plants to save problems caused by wet foliage.
with the environment. California water in these locations.
has a Mediterranean type climate Define separate irrigation
with warm, dry summers and cool, zones for plants with similar
wet winters. Take this into account water requirements. Use water-
when you select plants. loving shade plants like hostas and
Water-efficient gardens do not ferns sparingly in an area close to
have to look like seas of gravel and the house or patio. Put drought-
plastic, or cacti and rocks. They tolerant plants like Grevillea and
can be full of beautiful green plants, Mahonia together in a separate area.
but they must have low water Hydrozoning, using irrigation zones
requirements. Use the following for plants with similar water needs,
UNIVERSITY of CALIFORNIA - Agriculture & Natural Resources
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION PLACER & NEVADA COUNTIES website: ceplacernevada.ucdavis.edu
PLACER: 11477 E Avenue • Auburn, CA 95603 Tel: (530) 889-7350 Fax: (530) 889-7397 E-Mail: ceplacer@ucdavis.edu
NEVADA: 255 So. Auburn Street • Grass Valley, CA 95945 Tel: (530) 273-4563 Fax: (530) 273-4769 E-Mail: cenevada@ucdavis.edu

2. Use a low-volume sprinkler system Use water-efficient plants and Use mulches to reduce
for lawn areas. Lawns require those that originated in climatic evaporation, minimize erosion,
enough weekly water to penetrate conditions similar to yours. Water- keep soil cool, and improve the
the soil to a depth of 4-6 inches. efficient landscape plants are not soil. Mulches will also reduce the
Daily watering with a hand-held limited to natives. A huge array of number of weeds that compete for
sprinkler is ineffective and plants with low water requirements valuable moisture.
wasteful. Adjust irrigation timing is available at local nurseries. A well-planned water-efficient
at least 4 times a year as the Plants with higher water gardens combine beauty and
seasons change. Do not irrigate requirements can be grouped function. It offers low
during the winter months. together in limited areas. Use maintenance, lower water bills, and
islands of intensely managed and a beautifully varied landscape.
The following is just a glimpse irrigated plantings for accent. A
of a few Water-Efficient Plants: References:
small arrangement of bright color
Trees Xeriscaping: Creative Land-
can make a strong, tasteful
Crape Myrtle scaping. http://
statement with less water than cecalaveras.ucdavis.edu/xeri.htm
Lagerstroemia indica
rambling shrubs or turf.
Incense Cedar California Master Gardener
Calocedrus decurrens Handbook. 2002. Dennis R.
California Buckeye Pittenger, editor, UCANR Pub.
Aesculus californica 3382.
Shrubs
Manzanita Resources
Arctostaphylos (many) Placer County Water Agency
Western Redbud http://www.pcwa.com
Cercis occidentalis
Wild Lilac Water Wise Gardens of
Ceanothus (many) Include hardscape design California
Perennials elements such as decks, patios, http://www.usbr.gov/mp/
Yarrow walkways, arches, and seating watershare/
Achillea (many) areas. Accent them with container Water Education Foundation
Matilija Poppy plants or water features. While http://www.water-ed.org
Romneya coulteri
conserving water, they can make
Russian Sage Water Saver Home
Perovskia
outdoor “rooms” that add interest
http://www.h2ouse.org
and utility to your landscape.
Written and compiled by RONNIE INGRAHAM, UCCE Master Gardener,
and KEVIN MARINI, UC Program Representative
WATER-WISE LANDSCAPING is a collaborative project of the University of California Cooperative Extension,
UCCE Master Gardeners of Placer and Nevada Counties, Placer County Water Agency, and the US Bureau of
Reclamation. For more information call 530-889-7388 or visit http://ceplacernevada.ucdavis.edu
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