3. Select Appropriate Plants
Choose trees, shrubs, grasses, and groundcover based on how adaptable they are to your region’s soil and climate. Consider selecting native Texas plants, which conserve water, provide a habitat for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife, and save money on fertilizers and pesticides. Some popular native plants that require little water are Texas sage, sedum, and desert willow. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildlife Center has a native plant database and a list of native, drought-tolerant plants to help you find the perfect plants for your garden.
4. Limit Turf Areas
Turf grasses use more water than anything else in the garden and require more maintenance. Grasses are best used for high-use areas where they can provide functional benefits. Consider swapping water-demanding turf grass for drought-tolerant native and adapted grasses, such as Bermuda grass, St. Augustine grass, and zoysia grass.
5. Irrigate Efficiently
Billions of gallons of water are wasted each day due to inefficient landscape irrigation. Develop a plan to meet your yard’s watering needs without wasting this precious resource. Keep in mind that newly established landscaping will require more water than an established area. Once established, plants should be watered less frequently so they will develop deep roots to help withstand drought.
The key to watering your yard efficiently is to water infrequently and thoroughly. This will allow the water to penetrate deeply into the soil, creating a drought-resistant landscape. Water conservation techniques such as drip irrigation systems, rainwater harvesting, and watering in the late evening and early morning can help reduce water waste by evaporation.
