If you’re like most homeowners, you probably took the time to review your expenses throughout last year in an effort to tighten your budget for next year. If live in an arid region, you may have discovered you spend a lot of money on outdoor irrigation. Keeping your property looking nice is an important aspect of owning a home, so we thought we’d take a moment to highlight some of the things you can do to cut back on irrigation without sacrificing the curb appeal of your property.
Here are a few ways you can cut back on irrigation at home.
Install Native Plants
Native plants don’t require as much water as others, helping you cut back on irrigation.
If you live in the southwest, you know the struggle to keep plants alive amidst warm weather and little rain.
Installing native plants avoid this struggle, as native plants tend to do well with very little water.
Here are a few native plants you should consider:
- Rocky Mountain
- Juniper Blue Paloverde
- Teddybear Cholla
- Skunkbush Sumac
- Greenleaf Manzanita
- Desert Marigold
- Blackfoot Daisy
- Desert Sand Verbena
- Scarlet Globe-mallow
These plants are great for adding a splash of native style to your yard and require little water, so you won’t have to worry about maintaining their health as with other non-native plants.
Cut Back On Irrigation with Synthetic Grass
Synthetic grass has proven successful as a drought-tolerant landscaping solution.
Synthetic grass is growing in popularity throughout the southwest, as water prices and restrictions increase due to the drought.
If you’re not familiar, synthetic grass has come a long way since its early days as sports turf back in the late 60s. Today, synthetic grass products offer range and style like never before. Its often used for luxury homes due to its uniformity and lack of maintenance needs.
Homeowners interested in cutting back on irrigation have been able to successfully reduce their water dependence and monthly water bill by replacing their natural lawn with synthetic grass and sometimes a combination of native plants or other drought-tolerant landscaping.
Of all the solutions available, installing synthetic grass may be one of the most cost-effective options.
It not only saves you water and money now, but it continues to save for years and years to come. That could add up to a lot of money you could use elsewhere.
Related: How to Install Synthetic Grass
Optimize Your Irrigation System
Look at your sprinkler system for leaks … they could cost you a lot of money.
Often overlooked, the irrigation system is one of the leading causes of wasted water and increased water bills.
Take the time to evaluate your entire irrigation system for leaks. One leak can result in gallons upon gallons of water lost daily, which not only goes to waste but also adds to your monthly expense.
In addition to leaks, look for places your irrigation isn’t effectively watering.
Just because you have a sprinkler system doesn’t mean it’s effectively watering your lawn and plants. In most cases, sprinkler systems miss areas of your landscape resulting in what seems like a costly uphill battle to maintain the landscape of your property. If you notice areas drying or browning throughout your yard, take the time to turn on your sprinklers and see where the water is actually going. You can also cut back your irrigation by reducing how often you actually water.
Another way you can cut back your irrigation is to replace the system with a drip system
Conclusion
You can cut back your irrigation by integrating any of these options, but combining them together is the best option.
Just because you replace your lawn with synthetic grass doesn’t mean your yard has to be bare. Add a splash of native style with native plants and replace your irrigation system with an eco-friendly drip system.
These options will save water, which your city may reward you for through a rebate program, and save you money.
Want to learn more about drought-tolerant landscaping?
