5 Tips for Drought Tolerant Landscaping in California
5 tips for drought tolerant landscaping in California You have worked hard to improve the quality of your curb appeal. You know that a lush and beautiful yard is a key component of your home’s allure on the Pacific Palisades real estate market. At the same time, you find yourself worried about the future of your yard in the face of California’s harsh drought and wondering which steps you should take ahead of time to protect the integrity of your landscaping. Thankfully, there are several strategies to transform your garden into a more drought-friendly, water-saving landscape, which in turn helps the environment as well as your pocketbook. According to Sarina Klemes from Landscape Designer/Danison Designs, there are several ways to change your garden into a more drought friendly, water saving landscape, which in turn helps the environment as well as your pocketbook:
1) Convert your sprinkler irrigation to drip irrigation in your planter bed areas. The water will go directly into the soil, where its needed, and won’t waste water, spraying unwanted areas.
2) Reduce the size of your grassy areas by deepening the planter beds, filling them with less water thirsty plants. They don’t have to be succulents to be drought friendly.
3) Remove your grass and add decorative Pea Gravel, Decomposed Granite, Pavers, etc… You can then add a firepit and chairs, while creating a new area of entertaining. Sarina has been designing gardens professionally for 21 years! Here’s a closer look at Sarina’s tips for drought-tolerant landscaping.
1. CONVERT YOUR SPRINKLER IRRIGATION TO DRIP IRRIGATION
Many owners of Pacific Palisades real estate are turning away from traditional sprinkler irrigation and opting for drip irrigation instead. This can be especially advantageous in your planter bed areas, as this set-up will allow the water to go directly into the soil rather than being overly sprayed or wasted in areas where it isn’t truly needed. In some cases, you can purchase a kit that will convert an existing sprinkler head into a drip water system. You can convert sprinkler heads easily without having to dig at all. Many kits include pressure regulators along with filters and can be set to multiple flow settings to customize the amount of water used.
2. REDUCE THE SIZE OF YOUR GRASSY AREAS
It’s no secret that lawns guzzle water, but many homeowners are surprised at how much water it takes to keep a yard well-nourished. You can conserve water by replacing some of your grass with other plants that don’t require the same amount of water. The end result is a more drought-tolerant landscape that is positioned to thrive no matter what the climate is doing. Maybe you choose to plant some perennials near the sidewalk that freshen up your walkways without needing as much water as your grass. You may also want to deepen your planter beds. Your plants won’t go thirsty, and you won’t need to supply as much water.
Succulents are fantastic choices, as their waxy outer skin makes them less susceptible to water loss. However, it’s important to note that plants don’t have to be succulents to be truly drought-friendly. Many other varieties of plants possess fuzzy covering, shiny or thick skin, wider stems to store water, and extensive roots that withstand droughts.
Another trick is to add a firepit. You may be wondering how this idea is relevant. By removing some of your grass, covering it with pea gravel, and installing a firepit with chairs, you’ll have less grass to worry about losing, and you’ll also conserve water by applying it to less square footage. You’ll also have a designated space great for entertaining guests thanks to your new firepit.
Lastly, you can add decorative hard elements, such as sculptures or other permanent fixtures. Consider installing pavers around a designated point of interest so that you don’t have to supply water and nourishment for quite as much grass. There are many different types of garden art that can add beauty and intrigue to your yard in addition to making your landscape better prepared to withstand the climate.
3. MOW HIGH AND OFTEN
You want to ensure that any grassy areas stay towards the upper limit of the recommended mow height. That way, your roots will be more likely to grow strong and deep, and your yard will be less susceptible to damage that can result from the dry climate. Most grasses will function well with a mow height of two to four inches. This often varies based on species, and it may be wise to speak with a professional about what sort of grass you currently have and if there’s a better type that you should consider.
4. USE FERTILIZER AND MULCH TO YOUR ADVANTAGE
This may seem elementary, but it’s worth mentioning. Properly fertilizing your plants will equip them to better withstand stress and the harsh Mediterranean climate. However, over-feeding nitrogen to your plants will increase the amount of water that they need for lush growth, so you may want to look for other components in the fertilizer that you choose. The goal is to avoid a lot of overly leafy growth. Utilize organic fertilizers that have a lower nitrogen content. Also, remember that it’s best to plant in late fall, right before the start of the rainy season.
Composting is also a great way to nourish your plants, and you can start collecting compost simply by saving food waste from your kitchen. Make sure you have a solid pH tracker inside your soil to prevent the levels from getting too high or low. Mulch is also a vital tool for helping plants retain moisture and nutrients in the soil — there are plenty of types of mulch to choose from. Your professional landscaper or gardening expert will advise you on the most beneficial type. When mulching, make sure you don’t apply it so deep that you cover up your plants’ crowns.
5. WORK WITH A PROFESSIONAL GARDENER
For trusted guidance on setting up your yard for success, look no further than Danison Designs. Landscape designer Sarina Klemes has provided top-notch expertise in high-quality, gorgeous landscaping techniques and custom gardens for 21 years. The company produces impressively alluring landscapes and outdoor living spaces that are guaranteed to impress and withstand the climate of sunny California, from Pacific Palisades and Brentwood to Santa Monica landscaping. They work on various home sizes and styles and can customize their approach to fit your unique needs and preferences. They would love to help you make your yard more drought-proof. Reach out to Danison Designs today!
And, if you’re searching for a stunning new home or aiming to sell your property, contact the renowned team at Barnum & Citron Luxury Real Estate. With an in-depth, insightful understanding of the Pacific Palisades real estate market and other gorgeous areas of Southern California, the team will leverage their leading expertise to position you for success at every turn. Get started today.
