Whenever drought conditions exist, everyone scrambles to conserve water.

Using too much water can result in heavy fines, so homeowners are forced to water their lawns for limited periods of time on specific days each week, or not at all. Even when watered as allowed by law, a full yard covered in grass starts to look bad during a time of water conservation.

If your front yard has begun to look more like amber waves of grain than like a cool, grassy paradise, you have several options for reviving the overall appearance of your property.

Xeriscaping

Landscaping with drought-resistant materials is very popular in arid climates.

It involves the use of drought-tolerant plants and specific native plants which, although they may need some water, do not rely heavily on irrigation because they thrive in the region’s natural conditions.

Paving

Paving over a lawn area creates new opportunities for entertaining or playing sports.

This technique is often ornamented and complemented by areas of mulch, such as decorative bark. Placing landscaping plastic underneath the bark minimizes weeds and maintenance time. You could also pave only part of the yard, leaving a smaller lawn which would take less water to maintain.

Many residents combine this option with artificial grass, as it diversifies the space.

Those who have pets find this appealing because artificial grass is better for dogs during play.

Artificial Grass

If the term “artificial grass” makes you cringe, you are most likely thinking of an outdated stereotype.

Modern synthetic lawns are very natural-looking and require virtually no maintenance. Although the cost of an artificial lawn is likely to be higher than laying down a new natural lawn, the savings in water is remarkable.

If you you are rethinking landscaping due to the drought, just remember: with synthetic grass you will never have to remember on which days you are allowed to irrigate the lawn. You will also never have to mow, and can get rid of your lawn mower and the gas cans that you have on hand to refuel it. You never again have to devote entire afternoons to fertilizing or to attacking weeds.

The earth has only so much fresh water, and drought conditions are a good reminder that resources should be conserved all year long.

Switch away from a thirsty lawn to a more environmentally-friendly yard and you will not regret it, even when the drought is only a distant memory.