Water Efficient Landscape Guide
Welcome to the Seven Horticultural Principles of Landscape Planning
1: Landscape Design and Proper Planning
Welcome to the Landscape Design and Proper Planning section of our Water-Efficient Landscape Guide. This section addresses the first of the seven horticultural principles for a successful, water-efficient landscape. Whether you are redesigning an existing yard, or starting from scratch, good planning and water-efficiency are vital to a healthy and sustainable landscape in our high-desert climate. During the summer months, we use four times the amount of water than we do during winter due to outside irrigation. With an average annual rainfall of seven inches, we encourage responsible water use at all times.
2: Planning an Efficient Irrigation System
An irrigation system can be tricky to design and install, even with experience. Many local nurseries and building supply centers offer design services or classes to help you design your own. In a water-efficient yard, sprinklers are used to irrigate turf areas, which are potentially the most water-intensive part of your landscape, while drip irrigation systems are recommended for trees, shrubs and flowers. Be sure to plan your irrigation system based on water zones.
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