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Replace thirsty trees with waterwise species. |
Buffalo grass, tall fescue, blue grama and crested wheat grass all make good choices for waterwise lawns.
Change up your plant selection to keep that lush look while dramatically reducing water needs.
Savvy landscape design, efficient irrigation and careful maintenance can result
in dramatic water savings—up to 50 percent even in traditional landscapes like the
one just north of here. So for this modified traditional landscape, we again followed
recommendations found throughout the Garden—planning wisely, installing drip emitters
instead of sprinklers, and following up with proper maintenance with care.
Then we added another thrifty twist. We changed up our plant selection, replacing
water-loving traditional species with less-thirsty types. We began by planting turf
areas with waterwise grass. (Buffalo grass, tall fescue, blue grama and crested
wheat grass all make good choices.) Next, we filled planting areas with drought-tolerant
shrubs, dressed in crisp-looking mulch.
The results? Stunning—in terms of looks and water savings. Our savvy plant substitutions
reduced the water requirements of this landscape 65-70 percent from a typical Utah
household’s irrigation usage—and we get to keep the classic good looks of traditional
landscaping.
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Marvelous mulch, part of proper maintenance, boosts water savings. |