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Backyard Landscape Tips by BrightView

10 Low Water Use Ideas for Your Backyard
As we face another drought in California, many of us are considering changes to our backyard land-
scape design. Low water use garden design can be easy. Contrary to popular belief, these landscape de-
signs do not have to showcase rocks and cacti. A well-designed landscape can still look like it belongs
in any popular home and garden magazine and still offer a great place to host outdoor gatherings.
In addition, a full landscape overhaul may not be necessary to achieve substantial water savings. Many
simple ideas can be incorporated into your existing backyard and with sound fundamental techniques
you can achieve beauty and water savings. To help you, here is a list of 10 basics to help achieve a low-
water use landscape design that is cost effective and attractive.
1 Install a controller that self-adjusts to the weather.
2 Use low volume irrigation.
3 Choose plants with a variety of colors and textures and appropriate for your climate.
4 Don’t choose plants that will out-grow their given environment.
5 Choose plants with a tighter, slower-growth habit.
6 Add a multi-trunk tree canopy to create vertical interest.
7 Pick a low-growing (turf substitute) groundcover for foreground planting.
8 Incorporate hardscape which ties to the naturalistic design.
9 Use natural looking groundcover textures, such as dry creeks, boulders, or decomposed granite to enhance the natural
look.
10. Add land grading or multiple elevations in your design to add interest on the ground.

March 2022 Page 28