Being a homeowner in southern California means being familiar with drought and water-saving techniques. While some people may waste precious water to have a full green yard, it is unsustainable and wasteful if not used. As a responsible homeowner and protector of the earth, you want to make a difference, and we are here to help. Today, we will teach you about the best drought-tolerant landscaping materials you can employ in your backyard design.
What is Drought Tolerant Landscaping?
Drought tolerant landscaping is the design and implementation of landscaping that can withstand drought conditions without losing beauty and functionality. To learn more, check out our article on Drought Friendly Landscaping.
Drought Tolerant Landscaping Materials
Drought Resistant Plants
One of the best drought tolerant landscaping materials is drought-resistant plants. While, of course, they need some water (as all living things do), many species can withstand little water consumption or go extended periods with no water at all. To learn more, read our article on Southern California Drought Resistant Plants.
Soil Aid
If your soil is primarily made of sand or another element that isn’t water-friendly, you may want to consider adding soil or a soil aid. By improving the soil, you could increase water retention.
Irrigation Systems
While sprinklers are fun to run through when you are a kid, they are actually quite wasteful for water management. If you want to cut down on water costs and waste, we recommend implementing an irrigation system. Micro sprinklers and drip emitters attached to a timer are the best way to be drought-friendly.
Additionally, if you have the ability to create a water collection system, you could save a lot. It entails devising a method of collecting water when it rains, keeping it until the dry season, and dispersing.
Gravel & Stones
Gravel and stones are an excellent choice to replace traditional grass. It can be used in gardens, walkways, and more; plus, it requires zero watering! You can even use different sized and colored stones to create beautiful designs that require almost no maintenance!
Hardscaping Accents
Your landscape design does not need to be 100% grass or plant life. By employing hardscaping designs, you can accent your space with drought-resistant materials that take up a good amount of space, add functionality, and create a beautiful look. Whether you want to build a patio or pergola, add a large rock, or make layered garden beds is up to you. Need help with ideas? We suggest contacting your local hardscaping specialists to transform your design ideas into a cohesive, drought-resistant landscaping plan.