If you’re on the verge of ripping out your lawn and tossing out all your pool toys, consider these drought-resistant options to help you conserve water and still have a beautiful yard.
Changing a few things in your yard can save you money on your water bill, help you comply with mandatory water cutbacks, and give you a beautiful low-maintenance yard.
Drought-Resistant Water Options Can Equal A Low-Maintenance Yard
The grass is greener on the other side, especially when it’s artificial turf. Yes, artificial turf is becoming an increasingly popular option for homeowners who still want the lush look without having the maintenance of a real lawn. Plus, the potential of future water cutbacks makes having a real lawn a risk.
In Southern California, more than 170 million square feet of turf is being removed and replaced under a program that was funded by the state. Homeowners who replaced their lawn “with beautiful water-efficient landscape suited to our region’s semi-arid climate” were entitled to a rebate from the San Diego County Water Authority under the WaterSmart Turf Replacement program.
However, that program has run out of funds but there is a waiting list in case funds become available in the Fall; you can click here to get on it.
Beautiful flagstone flooring and potted plants as shown in this dream home remodel by Marrokal Design & Remodeling creates a gorgeous and easy-to-maintain yard.
Another option is tile inlay or accents for the backyard patio; couple it with a stone fire pit and you have an elegant outdoor entertainment area. This homeowner also opted for easy-to-maintain, drought-resistant plants on either side of the patio.
This Del Mar home was given a complete facelift and the new landscape also helped reduce the need for frequent watering.
A stunning new dream remodel with a flagstone entryway and beautiful drought-tolerant landscape created excellent curb appeal with minimal landscape maintenance. The homeowners wanted to enhance the look of this costal home. So, the standard vinyl windows were replaced with cottage style true divided lite wood windows. A carriage-style garage door, a charming blend of Santa Barbara smooth stucco and pre-finished Hardieplank lap siding, as well as a small trellis off the covered entry with decorative beam work above the garage were all added. Adding even more beauty, the gutters and downspouts are copper.
What about pools? How Can I conserve water?
In sunny California there are about 1.2 million residential pools. If you have one, it should be an area that you carefully look at it to make sure you’re conserving as much water as possible.
An average pool in California requires about 32,000 gallons of water in its first year, but much less than that in subsequent years, according to the California Pool and Spa Association. The association says it’s a myth that, during a drought, a pool is worse than a lawn. They point out that a 1,200-square-foot lawn can use up to 44,000 gallons of water a year.
Here are some tips to reduce water loss from your pool.
Use a pool cover. Without a pool cover your pool can lose more than half of its water through evaporation. Regularly covering your pool can help prevent evaporation buy 90-95 percent.
Inspect your pool for leaks. Leaks aren’t always easy to spot. Check for damp spots or water-saturated soil near the pool, this could indicate there is a leak.
Loose tiles and cracks may be another indication that you have a leak.
Lower the temperature of your pool so that less water evaporates during the hot summer months.
Only drain the pool when absolutely necessary.
Run the pool fountains only when entertaining.
Use drought-resistant landscape and fences to help protect the pool from wind. This will help reduce evaporation by having less wind travel across the pool.
You can learn more about water-efficient landscape at a free course put on by the San Diego County Water Authority and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California through the WarterSmart landscaping program, click here.
You can also learn about the latest remodeling trends for outdoor living at a free Marrokal Design & Remodeling seminar, click here to learn more.
