If you live in an area that’s prone to drought, you know how important it is to have a landscaping plan that can survive long periods without water. But just because your landscape needs to be drought-tolerant doesn’t mean it has to be boring. There are plenty of ways to create a beautiful, sustainable landscape, even in the driest conditions.
Below are five drought-tolerant landscaping ideas to keep your yard looking great without breaking a sweat.
Add Mulch
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Mulch reduces soil moisture loss, helping you keep your yard green for longer. And it doesn’t require much watering either! Mulching also helps maintain a consistent temperature around plant roots, which is vital for healthy growth.
The best time to add mulch is in late fall or early spring. If you’re adding mulch in summer, make sure it’s decayed and composted so it won’t compete with plants for nutrients and water. Another thing, don’t apply too much at once! Mulch spreads out as it decays, so you don’t want to add too much at once. You can always add more later.
Look for Trade Landscape Supplies stores in your area or online, and they’ll be able to tell you how much mulch is suitable for your project.
Replace Grass With Ground Cover Plant
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Grass will only wilt in hot weather and requires a lot of water. If you’re looking for a drought-tolerant landscaping alternative, consider replacing your grass with ground cover plants that require little watering.
Ground cover plants will cover or envelope your yard in beautiful greenery, giving you an elegant look without requiring much upkeep. Several ground cover plants are native to different regions, so check with your local nursery for recommendations based on where you live.
But some of the best drought-tolerant ground covers include:
- Cotoneaster
- Rock Rose
- Moss Phlox
- Hardy Ice Plant
- Angelina Sedum
- California Fuchsia
- Bearberry Cotoneaster
Once these beautiful ground cover plants are established, they will require little maintenance. You’ll only need to water them when they’re first planted and then once or twice a month throughout their growing season.
Use Decorative Hardscape Elements
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Since grass requires a significant amount of water, it’s important to use elements in your yard that don’t require as much upkeep. For example, hardscape elements, such as pavers and stepping stones, can be used to create paths throughout your yard. They’re also great for creating borders around gardens or flower beds and can be painted with decorative patterns or left plain.
Garden art like stone sculptures adds a unique touch of beauty, but they can also serve as focal points that draw attention to certain areas of your yard. For example, imagine a large orb stone sitting right in the center of your front lawn; it will make you want to walk over and take a closer look at it!
The key is choosing visually appealing elements while not requiring too much maintenance. You don’t want your hardscape elements to get out of hand—they should be understated rather than overstated! Consider using natural elements, such as rocks or wood, for an organic feel. Or go with bolder colors and patterns if you prefer something more vibrant. The choice is yours!
Consider An Artificial Turf
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Since natural grass will quickly die in drought conditions, artificial turf is an excellent option for keeping your yard looking green. You can find an artificial turf product that mimics natural grass and has a realistic texture.
This way, you’ll have a beautiful yard no matter the weather. Artificial turf also requires very little maintenance, so you won’t have to worry about watering or mowing—it can stay green all year long!
Still, it requires regular cleaning and can get damaged by pets and children. So if you’re interested in artificial turf, make sure you find a high-quality product that will last for years.
Create A Dry Stream Bed
A dry stream bed is an excellent way to add interest and beauty to your landscape. It’s usually lined with stones or pebbles and edged with plants to resemble a natural riparian area.
It gives you the look and feels of a natural stream bed without all that pesky water. And, best of all, it’s low maintenance! Ensure to use stones that are not too large or heavy for your yard. The idea is to create an illusion, not dig up your yard with heavy rocks.
Final Thoughts
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Gardening and landscaping are undoubtedly challenging when living in an arid, dry area. Why? Because plants need water to survive. That’s why drought-tolerant landscaping is essential for keeping your yard looking green all year long. Remember the five tips we discussed above, and you can make your yard look great while saving money on watering costs.
