Water Efficient Landscapes

Introduction to Water Efficient Landscaping and Native Plants
Trying alternative practices to landscape management help reduce the amount of water used outside the home as well as prevent additional runoff. Fertilizers and pesticides applied to a lawn can be washed off during watering and flow into local storm drains or waterways. Plants native to Georgia not only survive the extreme conditions of our climate, but also prevent water pollution by not requiring additional fertilizer and pesticide.

STEP 1: PLANNING AND DESIGN
Whether you are developing a new landscape or renovating an existing landscape, proper planning and design are important. Draw a base map of the property drawn to scale on graph paper showing the location of the house, its orientation to the sun and the drainage area. (Learn More)

STEP 2: SOIL ANALYSIS
A thorough analysis of both the physical and chemical characteristics of the soil is important when developing a water-wise landscape. Georgia has a wide variety of soil types, ranging from well-drained coastal sands to poorly drained clays. Each soil has its own unique structure and texture, drainage pattern, pH, nutrient content and need for amendments and fertilizer. To complicate matters, an individual landscape may have several different soil types, or the soil may consist of fill dirt brought onto the site. Soils are seldom perfect; most of them can be improved in some way to ensure best plant growth. (Learn More)

STEP 3: APPROPRIATE PLANT SELECTION
Appropriate plant selection means selecting plants that not only are compatible with the design but also are well suited to the planting site and local environment. It involves selecting plants (click here for a list of plant selections). according to the soil type and light level of the site. (Learn More)

STEP 4: PRACTICAL TURF AREAS
Turfgrass is one of the most versatile and functional plants in the landscape. It provides one of the best recreational surfaces for outdoor activities. From a water management standpoint, turf is recognized as one of the most effective plant covers to reduce runoff and erosion while recharging the ground water, which results in more efficient use of rainfall. Turf also absorbs dust and other air pollutants and produces oxygen. (Learn More)

STEP 5: EFFICIENT IRRIGATION
A water-wise landscape requires a minimal amount of supplemental water from irrigation. When irrigation is used, water is applied efficiently and effectively to make every drop count. Just as we zone plants in the landscape according to their different water needs, zone the irrigation system so that plants with different water needs are irrigated separately. Water turfgrass, for instance, separately from shrubs and flowers. Using irrigation water efficiently also requires us to select the appropriate type of irrigation for the plants and for each area of the landscape. (Learn More)

STEP 6: USE OF MULCHES
Mulching is one of the most beneficial landscape practices. Mulches conserve moisture by preventing evaporative water loss from the soil surface and reducing the need for supplemental irrigation during periods of limited rainfall. By maintaining an even moisture supply in the soil, mulches prevent fluctuations in soil moisture that can damage roots. Mulches also prevent crusting of the soil surface and allow water to penetrate readily to plant roots. They insulate the roots of plants from summer heat and winter cold and help control weeds that compete with plants for moisture. By serving as a barrier between the plant and soil, mulches help discourage soilborne diseases that stress plants and cause them to have a higher demand for water. (Learn More)

STEP 7: APPROPRIATE MAINTENANCE
By following the six previous steps toward water conservation in the landscape, you will have a beautiful landscape that not only saves water and money but also requires minimal maintenance. (Learn More)

SUMMARY
A concise summary of the seven principles of water efficient landscaping can be found by clicking here.