There are many smart ways to avoid wasting water in the yard. Many of these allow you to creatively choose the materials and plants that your yard will showcase.To minimize the use of water in the yard, one should consider native and alternative plants, the use of non-living materials for ground cover, synthetic grasses, and watering methods, including rainwater systems; all these things will enhance water conservation and contribute to a more interesting yard design. 

Synthetic Grass Alternatives

The common over-planting of grass contributes to our water bills and depletes our local reservoirs and aquifers. Fortunately, through technology we have developed some incredibly life-like synthetic grass products. Gone are the days when one could immediately spot synthetic grass in a front yard. Modern synthetic grass comes in a variety of authentic colors and non-fading dyes. Its realistic grass structure will beautify any size yard. Synthetic grass can be used in patches or beside pathways. These “grasses” allow the rain to filter through, minimizing standing water in the yard after a rain. Synthetic grasses also eliminate the need for mowing.

Wood and Stone Mulches

Wood and stone mulches come in a variety of earthy colors and can be touched up with fade-resistant, spray-on dyes that will keep them looking fresh, delaying replacement. Mulches can be used around plantings or as a ground pattern to enhance other structures, such as walkways or patios. They can also be used to contrast other ground coverings. Mulch reduces evaporation, meaning that your yard and soil will be able to retain water more easily.

Drought-Tolerant Grass

Many grasses are drought-tolerant, and new hybrid varieties of grass offer more options in areas in which it is geographically difficult to grow grass due to heat, humidity, and low precipitation. These hybrid grasses stay healthy and green in areas where sufficiently getting water in the yard has been problematic.

Plant Trees to Increase Shady Areas

Water in the yard evaporates more quickly in direct sunlight, due to heat. Trees, even small ones, can reduce moisture loss by shielding the plants and grass. Tree roots generally go deeper than those of other plants, so water in the yard is reserved for plant roots that are closer to the surface. This reduces the amount of water in the yard that you must expend.

Planting Native Species

Plants that have acclimated themselves to specific areas generally require no more water than that obtained through normal rainfall in their native area. This allows water in the yard to be redirected to other areas that might require more attention. If an entire yard is designed according to this kind of xeriscaping, little or no watering will be required to keep it healthy.

Combining various methods of conserving water in the yard not only helps preserve water, but reduces water bills, waste, and insect infestation.