Water-Efficient Landscapes: Combining Aesthetics with Sustainability

By Emily Newton

Well-manicured lawns often symbolize achieving the American dream of homeownership. However, monoculture yards require significant irrigation to thrive. This strain on natural resources has led many to transition to water-efficient landscaping — some with little choice, as climate change brings excessive heat waves and prolonged droughts to their region.

Homeowners take curb appeal and creating the perfect backyard oasis seriously, frequently using unsustainable irrigation methods with water-guzzling grasses and exotic flowers. Fortunately, they don’t have to sacrifice property aesthetics for eco-friendliness. There’s a way to tie in water efficiency for a lush, visually stunning landscape.

What Are Water-Efficient Landscapes, and Why Do They Matter?

Many people may not realize how much water their property consumes. Irrigating a lawn with just 1 inch of water requires 0.623 gallons per square foot. This means a 10-foot by 10-foot area needs at least 62 gallons per watering, while a larger 100-foot by 100-foot yard will consume 6,230 gallons.

Water-conserving landscapes use drought-tolerant and native plant species, xeriscaping, hardscaping, permaculture design and several sustainable gardening techniques to decrease the amount of water needed for irrigation. These green spaces are critical to conserving this precious resource worldwide.

Although Earth has abundant water, only 0.5% is potable and available freshwater. The situation is particularly dire as flooding events have risen 134% since 2000, while droughts have increased 29%. Asia and Africa have experienced the most significant impacts, with most drought-related deaths occurring in Africa during this period.

Water conservation practices have positive impacts everywhere, which is why other nations, like the United States must reduce their resource consumption. U.S. water utility costs rose 80% from 2010 to 2018, with two-thirds of city residents unable to pay their water bills in 2020. 

Droughts and dry spells have also limited water use in California, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado and western Texas, among other states. In fact, in 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation mandated several western states to devise a plan to cut 15% of water consumption by 2023 or face significant restrictions.

Types of Water-Conserving Landscapes 

The likelihood of increasing water depletion is a real and growing threat to the environment and humanity. Therefore, people must transition from conventional lawns and gardens to water-conserving landscapes. These four types of backyard environments are as stunning as they are environmentally friendly.

• Native Gardens

The U.S. has lost 150 million acres of natural habitat and pasture to urbanization — today, lawns comprise 40 million acres. As a result, these areas no longer support essential ecological functions or wildlife. While nice to look at, the invasive flora requires copious amounts of water.

Native plants are a much better option for cutting back on irrigation. These species have evolved and adapted to the local climate, demanding minimal care, watering or chemical pesticides and fertilizers. They also help rewild habitats for pollinators and small backyard critters. 

• Xeriscaping

Arid states like Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado have embraced xeriscaping — a garden design utilizing drought-resistant plants, requiring little or no water. Xeriscaping replaces traditional landscapes with native flora and efficient irrigation methods like drip systems and soaker hoses.

Those who have adopted xeriscaping throughout their properties have noticed they use 50%–75% less water and save money on their utilities. For example, after Novata, California officials encouraged residents to transform their lawns to xeriscapes, the city saved 120 gallons per household daily.

• Permaculture Design

Permaculture considers a symbiotic relationship between people, the built environment and the natural world. It’s about mimicking and restoring naturally-occurring spaces using sustainable and organic techniques. 

When choosing a site, one should identify where water pools or courses throughout the property. Then, depending on the topography, considering whether people traverse certain areas or avoid them sets the foundation for a permaculture design. 

Permaculture seeks to recycle water as often as possible and use various sustainability methods to reduce irrigation. This might entail rainwater harvesting, building downhill swales or integrating small ponds.

• Rain Gardens

Rain gardens collect and filter rainwater from stormwater runoff, which meanders from the street, driveway or roof into a depressed area on the property. Many people plant grasses and perennial blooms, improving this water-conserving landscape’s aesthetics. 

These gardens are cost-effective, help reduce widespread property saturation, and provide food and habitat for pollinators and wildlife. However, they should be kept 10 feet from the house to prevent basement flooding or foundation problems. Likewise, rain gardens should not be planted over a septic system, drinking well or steep slope. 

The best flora for rain gardens can withstand wet conditions. Native plants are still best for this greenscape to avoid fertilizers, pesticides and extensive maintenance. Overall, gardeners may want to prune the plants to keep them small, pick up dead branches seasonally, and remove weeds. Some people also lay mulch to protect the plants and prevent significant erosion. 

Getting Started With Water-Efficient Landscaping

Successful water-conserving landscaping requires comprehensive planning and design. The best place to start is looking up native plants within an agricultural zone while considering whether to use grasses, shrubs, trees, flowers or a combination.

Creating a sketch of the intended garden — including the type — will serve as a blueprint. Plants should be conducive to the landscape, whether drought-tolerant or ideal for wetter environments.

Other helpful tips for establishing a water-efficient landscape include:

• Grouping plants according to their similar irrigation requirements
• Installing drip irrigation systems or smart controllers, which automatically sense soil moisture levels and adjust to the correct amount of water
• Occasionally pruning and trimming to ensure proper growth
• Aerating the soil and adding compost to create adequate drainage and improve moisture retention
• Harvesting rainwater in barrels to avoid using municipal water sources
• Mowing higher so the roots become more drought-resistant
• Applying a thin layer of mulch to maintain moisture
• Pulling weeds for a cleaner aesthetic and reducing water consumption

Creating a Healthier Planet With Water-Efficient Landscaping

Sustainable gardening requires adopting eco-friendly behaviors and a commitment to a healthier planet. As proven by the many options available for gardening, it’s possible to create a beautiful landscape while preserving the Earth’s most precious resource. By integrating water conservation into planning, planting and irrigation practices, people can enhance their outdoor space and contribute to a greener tomorrow. 

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Emily Newton is the Editor-in-chief of revolutionized
emily@revolutionized.com.