Saving Water Outoors - Mojave Water Agency

The Guide to High Desert Landscaping is a great resource if you are looking to start a new desert look in your yard or if you are re-inventing your current landscape.

Easy Water-Saving Tips

• Use drought-tolerant and native plants, which require less water and are often easier to maintain. Group plants with similar watering needs.
  

• Use a 2-3 inch thick layer of mulch such as rock, bark, gravel, wood chips, or compost around trees and plants.
  

• During warmer months, water at night or early morning to avoid evaporation.  Don't forget to change those watering hours during freezing temperatures.
  

• Avoid overwatering and irrigation runoff.  Shorter, more frequent watering is usually best.
  

• Limit turf because grass is the biggest water user of all - turf can use more water than your whole family every day! Set your lawnmower to cut higher.  The longer grass blades will shade and cool the roots.
  

• Adjust sprinklers to water plants only — not sidewalks, driveways, patios, or streets. Maintain your sprinkler heads and valves to avoid creating hazards on sidewalks and streets!
  

• Equip swimming pools, fountains, and ponds with recirculating pumps. Use a pool cover and check for leaks. Uncovered pools can lose up to 100 gallons per day to evaporation!
  

Looking for an attractive alternative to turf?

Pre-designed landscape prototypes with irrigation and planting pallettes are available in six versions to help you save money on designing or re-designing your desert-smart landscape.

Desert Ranch Garden
Lush and Efficient Garden
Mediterranean Garden
Native Plant and Wildlife Garden
Rock Garden
Thornless Garden



If you are interested in removing your high water using turf and replacing it with desert-smart plants, you may be eligible to participate in the Cash for Grass Program.