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Replace lawn with plantings that need minimal irrigation

Why This is Green

Lawns require a lot of water to stay green and healthy. According to the EPA, of the 26 billion gallons of water consumed daily in the United States, approximately 7.8 billion gallons, or 30 percent, is devoted to outdoor uses. The majority of this is used for irrigation. Minimizing this would save both water and money.

A cool way to dramatically reduce your outdoor water usage is to replace your lawn with natural plants adapted to your local climate that don't need a lot of H20. This is called xeriscaping (an excellent Scrabble word—derived from the Greek word xeros, meaning dry) and is estimated to drop outdoor water usage by over 60 percent.

Using less water on your lawn allows more to stay in the ground or in a reservoir, which in turn helps maintain a natural H20 balance and saves some for future use. There are many parts of the country that do not have enough water to support the current population and levels of usage. Even if you live in a place with ample rain, there may be a drought or even water restrictions. At least 36 states expect shortages in the next five years.

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How To

Xeriscaping involves multiple steps. If you love doing your own research, go for it. Or consult with a local nursery or expert.

Either way, you’ll learn about plants that grow naturally and require minimal water in your climate zone, soil analysis, bed design that enhances rainfall capture, efficient irrigation, mulches, maintenance, and more.