According to experts, the average U.S. household consumes about 92 gallons of water outdoors daily, with a significant portion dedicated to lawn and garden care. This summer, instead of watching your grass wither, you can save money and minimize your environmental impact by embracing water-wise plants and drought-tolerant landscaping, all while partnering with Crosscountry Mortgage for your home financing needs.
What is Drought-Tolerant Landscaping?
For those seeking cost-effective lawn maintenance solutions, drought-tolerant landscaping offers a sustainable alternative. This approach involves using water-wise plants that require minimal to no watering. Drought-tolerant landscapes typically feature plants with small, leathery, or hairy leaves, which help reduce water loss. Some plants even develop taproots to search for moisture deep underground. Most importantly, drought-tolerant landscaping prioritizes native plants that thrive in your area. By opting for native plants, you support local pollinators and insects that rely on these plants for survival. Furthermore, drought-tolerant landscaping offers additional benefits, such as increasing biodiversity.
Where Can I Find Native Water-Wise Plants?
When searching for water-wise plants, consider zoning regulations, which provide guidelines for selecting plants suitable for your region. Look for plants that are easy to cultivate and can withstand or resist drought once established. Start by observing the existing plants on your property, as some of the best drought-tolerant options are likely to be native species. Examples include succulents, shrubs, trees, wildflowers, and ornamental grasses.
Incorporating Drought-Tolerant Landscaping at Home
Homeowners take pride in selecting plants that reflect their personality and lifestyle, and you can still achieve that with drought-tolerant landscaping while potentially saving money. However, before you begin planting, it's crucial to develop a plan and complete the necessary preparatory work.
Prepare your soil: Enhance your soil's fertility and self-sustainability by incorporating organic matter like compost, manure, or peat moss. This enriches the soil, increases moisture retention, and aids rainwater capture. Consider using landscape fabric to prevent the growth of weeds or erosion during heavy rainfall.
Cover bare ground: Covering hard-packed soil is vital, as it discourages plant growth and detracts from the overall aesthetic. Use mulch or drought-tolerant groundcovers like sedum, a sun-loving perennial, to maintain coverage. Be mindful of the type of mulch you choose; organic mulches may retain excess moisture, which can be detrimental to drought-tolerant plants. In such cases, stones or pebbles are often more suitable.
Embrace texture and natural curves: Create visual interest by incorporating natural curves through the use of edging and filling those spaces with various rock chips, adding color and diversity. If installing a new walkway, consider using natural stones and opt for curved designs to achieve a more organic aesthetic.
Group plantings and utilize natural accents: Instead of traditional neat rows, create small clusters of water-wise plants with similar requirements. Accentuate these clusters with rocks or other elements that align with your personal preferences.
Collect rainwater: To utilize rainwater efficiently, connect rain barrels to your gutter spouts, enabling the capture of rainwater for plant irrigation. However, consider the location of the rain barrels to ensure convenience and practicality. Be mindful of any local regulations or safety guidelines regarding water barrel usage.
Additional Strategies to Reduce Lawn Maintenance
Besides drought-tolerant landscaping, there are other ways to conserve water and minimize lawn maintenance, potentially reducing the portion of your yard that requires attention by at least 25%. Before implementing any changes, consider how you currently use your yard. If you need a large grassy area for recreational activities, such as volleyball or children's games, it may not be suitable to reduce its size. Check for homeowner's association rules or local ordinances that may restrict your plans.
Eliminate areas where grass struggles: Identify areas in your yard where grass doesn't thrive, such as shaded spots under trees, sections prone to excessive moisture, or rocky areas.
Incorporate flower beds: Enhance your yard's appeal with colorful flower beds that complement the corners and edges of your lawn. Choose locations that receive ample sunlight and offer high visibility. Prepare the ground by removing grass, tilling the soil, and creating a sloped mound of compost-enriched soil before planting your favorite flowers.
Utilize hardscape features: Replace living landscaping elements with hardscape features, such as concrete, bricks, or stones, to significantly reduce water usage and increase property value. Hardscapes can provide shade, erosion control, and aesthetic appeal. Consider options like pergolas, gazebos, retaining walls, gravel or paving stone patios, decks, outdoor kitchens, or fire pits.
Opt for groundcovers: Select low-maintenance groundcovers that require minimal attention but create a uniform appearance across larger areas. Customize your choice based on sunlight and moisture levels in your yard.
If you're seeking more ways to reduce your carbon footprint and enhance your home's curb appeal this summer, reach out to your local Mortgage Advisor at Crosscountry Mortgage for additional resources. Alternatively, visit our blog for more home maintenance tips and inspiration.
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