Understanding Low Water Usage Landscapes
Conserving water has become a way of life for many Californians. One popular way to conserve water is having drought-tolerant plants and a low water usage landscape. However, many people have misconceptions about what low water usage landscapes should look like and the ongoing maintenance required to care for them. Whether you are interested in installing a low water usage landscape or if you already have one, here are some quick reminders of our Association’s Guidelines for Low Water Usage Landscapes, common misconceptions, and some important tips for healthy water-conserving landscape.
Association Guidelines to Remember - full guidelines can be found here.
Prior to modifying the landscape layout and design of the front yards of any Lot, the Owner must submit an architectural application to the Architectural Review Committee (“ARC”). (See more section 1.)
A minimum of 50% of the landscape on a Lot must be of plant materials of various types, height, sizes, and color. (See more section 2.B.)
For the non-plant areas, Owners shall utilize bark mulch and/or small rock materials. Rock color choices shall be black, grey or brown. (See more section 3.A.)
Any proposed landscape “decorative items” such as bird baths, statuary, or other similar non-vegetative items must be approved in advance and should be limited in size. (See more section 3.c.)
Common misconceptions about low water usage landscape
Myth One: Once installed, low water usage landscape requires no maintenance
Truth: All landscapes, even those without lawns, require some regular weekly maintenance. See tips below.
Myth Two: It’s all or nothing: Your yard is either water-friendly or it’s not.
Truth: Some water-conserving landscapes have overall low water use; however, it is ok to have part of the yard that’s moderate water use and another part that’s low water use.
Myth Three: Low-water usage landscapes are full of cacti and rocks
Truth: Your landscape can be full of colorful, fragrant plants, flowers and shrubs that are vibrant in appearance despite their minimal water requirements. Many drought-tolerant plants have long-lasting blooms and lush foliage. Look for plants that are native to our area.
How to keep your landscape healthy, even in a drought.
Keep up the weeding. Remove weeds and thatch as necessary so they do not compete with your desired plants for water.
Trim overgrown plant material. Maintaining control over the size of your plant material will help regulate your water usage. Overgrown plants require more water.
Healthy soil, healthy landscape. Keep soil healthy with fresh mulch to retain moisture. Healthy soils cycle nutrients effectively, minimize runoff, retain water, and absorb excess nutrients, sediments, and pollutants.
Minimize or eliminate fertilizers. Fertilizer encourages thirsty new growth, causing your landscape to require more water.
Sources:
Rachael Medina, 2020, A Beginners Guide to Drought-Tolerant Landscape in California, California.com, July 13, 2021, https://www.california.com/drought-tolerant-landscaping-california/
The United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2021, Landscaping Tips, EPA.gov, July 13, 2021, https://www.epa.gov/watersense/landscaping-tips
Julie Dugdale, 5 Xeriscape Myths Debunked, 5280.com, July 13, 2021, https://www.5280.com/2021/04/5-xeriscaping-myths-debunked/