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Water smart landscaping tipsWater-Smart Landscaping 
(14 pp, 2.3 MB, About PDF)

Are you interested in developing a water-smart landscape for your home or property? The WaterSense Water-Smart Landscapes guide (14 pp, 2.3 MB, About PDFcan get you started.  Choosing the right plants, supporting soil health, and proper maintenance are all keys to water-smart landscapes.  Consider the following suggestions to create a landscape that has curb appeal and is easy to maintain.


Plan ahead for a water-smart landscape.

If you're designing a new landscape or rethinking your current one, the WaterSense Water Budget Tool can help you plan your landscape for water efficiency and tell you if you have designed a landscape that will use an appropriate amount of water for your climate.

Use regionally appropriate, low water-using and native plants.


Recognize site conditions and plant appropriately.

Areas of the same site may vary significantly in soil type or exposure to sun and wind, as well as evaporation rates and moisture levels. Placing plants that prefer shade in open sun will affect their ability to thrive. Be mindful of a site's exposure to the elements and choose plants that will thrive in the site's conditions.

Group plants according to their water needs.


Place turfgrass strategically.

House in Langley WashingtonIn traditional landscapes, turfgrass receives the highest percentage of irrigation water. This is because the most commonly used varieties of turfgrass require more water than many other plants in the landscape and homeowners tend to overwater turfgrass. As a result, landscapes with large expanses of turfgrass generally use more water than those with a mixture of other plants. To reduce outdoor water use, consider planting turfgrass only where it has a practical function, such as a play area. Choose turfgrass types that don't use a lot of water, such as low water-using or native grasses and those that can withstand drought.

Minimize steep slopes.



Aerate your soil.


Use mulch around shrubs and garden plants.




Keep your soil healthy!



Raise your lawn mower cutting height.


Provide regular maintenance.


Minimize or eliminate fertilizer.
