Having a beautiful, lush green lawn in the front yard is the classic American dream. But maintaining that perfect swath of grass requires a lot of time, work, and most of all – water. As concerns about water conservation grow, many homeowners are looking for alternatives to the traditional thirsty lawn. Low water landscaping offers a way to reduce irrigation needs and create an attractive landscape with minimal maintenance. Converting a front yard to low water plants and hardscaping is a big project, but with the right planning and design, you can save water, money, and have a gorgeous yard that complements your home’s exterior.
From assessing your current lawn to choosing drought tolerant plants, hardscaping elements and drip irrigation, we’ll cover the full process of removing grass and installing xeriscape features. We’ll also provide tips on design, plant placement, and how to care for your new low maintenance landscape. Follow along as we demystify water-wise landscaping and show you how to create a beautiful front yard oasis.
Assessing Your Existing Front Yard
Before making any changes, take time to analyze your current lawn and landscape. Observe how the sunlight hits different areas throughout the day. Does the front have full sun or patches of shade? Areas with more sun exposure will need more drought tolerant plant selections. Also examine the soil type and drainage patterns. Plant choices and irrigation needs may vary for sandy versus clay soils. And make note of any soggy spots where water collects after rains.
Additionally, scrutinize the existing grass and lawn conditions. Is the turf healthy and dense or patchy with weeds and bare spots? Take a soil test to identify any nutrient deficiencies. Review your current watering schedule and system. How often are you running the sprinklers? An automated timer or smart controller? Understanding your yard’s unique characteristics will inform the conversion process.
Finally, define your goals and priorities for the project. Do you want to significantly reduce water usage? Lower maintenance with less mowing and pruning? Or are you seeking a complete xeriscape makeover? Decide on a budget and timeline as well. Converting a lawn takes work, so make sure your expectations align with the scope of the project.
Designing Your Low Water Landscape
Now comes the fun part – envisioning your converted landscape! Start by deciding on a style. Will you do a full xeriscape with cacti and succulents? Or incorporate a mix of ornamental grasses, native wildflowers and perennials? The options abound so browse photos online and in gardening books to find your perfect look.
Selecting Plants
Choose plants adapted to your region’s climate, soil and rainfall patterns. Seek out native species, as these will thrive in your area with minimal water. Talk to local nurseries and landscape designers to learn which varieties work best for your conditions and yard specifics. Select a variety of heights, textures and flowering seasons for interest.
Hardscaping Features
Incorporate hardscaping like pathways, patios and rock beds to reduce the amount of lawn. Stone or gravel walkways break up yard space and define planting areas. Consider adding benches or boulders to create inviting spots to relax outdoors. A paved seating area is great for entertaining. And mulch or pea gravel in beds provides drought tolerance.
Developing a Layout
Map out zones and beds for your selected plants according to sun exposure, drainage and watering needs. Group those with similar requirements together. Position taller specimens towards the back and center. Place plants with showy blooms or structure along the front yard curbside for maximum visual impact. Ensure good spacing for growth and airflow. Blend hardscapes and softscapes for aesthetic harmony.
Choosing a Drip System
Even drought tolerant plants need occasional irrigation. Drip systems deliver water to your plants’ roots without waste. Install drip tubing or convert existing sprinkler heads. The investment will pay off with significant water savings versus spraying.
Removing Your Lawn
Preparing the front yard for new low water plantings starts with removing the existing turfgrass. There are several techniques for doing this efficiently:
Solarizing
Mow the lawn short, water thoroughly, and cover with clear plastic for 4-6 weeks in sunny hot weather. This solar heat treatment will kill grass and weeds.
Sheet Mulching
Cut grass short and cover with 3-5 inches of newspaper or cardboard topped with compost and mulch. This smothers lawn over time.
Herbicide Application
Apply a glyphosate-based product to actively growing lawn. Wait 7-10 days and reapply if needed. Then till dead grass into soil.
Once grass is removed, prep the area for new plantings. Loosen and amend soil with compost to improve drainage. Address any low spots where water collects. Aeration and grading will facilitate healthy root growth.
Choosing Low Water Plants
One of the most exciting parts of converting to a xeriscape is selecting the plants! Let’s explore some top options for a low water landscape:
Succulents
These fleshy-leaved beauties include sedums, agaves and aloes. Most require well-drained soil and full sun exposure. Mix with ornamental grasses for contrast.
Cacti
Hardy cacti like prickly pear thrive with little water. Use columnar and barrel types as standout focal points. Place in unirrigated beds.
Ornamental Grasses
There are many drought-tolerant grasses like muhly and fountain grass. They add movement and texture paired with wildflowers or gravel mulch.
Perennials and Shrubs
Lavender, sage, rock rose, yarrow and other Mediterranean plants need minimal watering once established. Group with succulents and cacti for variety.
Visit native plant nurseries and botanic gardens to learn what’s suitable for your region. Shop for plants sourced close to home. Group plants according to sun and irrigation needs. Plant densely to reduce weeds. And don’t forget pollinator-friendly flowers!
Installing Hardscapes
Hardscaping makes a big impact while requiring zero irrigation. Let’s look at some fantastic options to include:
Stone and Gravel Pathways
Loose stone or gravel walkways are easy to install. Dig a trench, fill with crushed gravel, and top with your stone material. Use landscape edging to define the route.
A tight pathway with pavers takes more work but provides a firm surface. Compact the soil and lay leveling sand before installing the pavers.
Mulch and Pea Gravel
Cover bare areas between plantings with a deep 3-4 inch layer of shredded bark mulch or pea gravel. This inhibits weeds and retains soil moisture. Refresh mulch yearly.
Sitting Areas
Install a paver or flagstone patio, or build a simple bench seating area with boulders or timbers surrounded by low water plants. This invites you to enjoy the landscape you’ve created!
Planting and Mulching
The real transformation begins when it’s time to get your new plants into the ground! Here are some tips for planting success:
Dig holes twice as wide as the root ball of container plants. For better establishment, amend the soil removed from holes with compost. Set plants at the same level they were growing in pots. Water thoroughly after planting.
Scatter low water wildflower seeds in bare areas. Rake lightly and water gently to protect seeds. Consider planting low-growing native groundcovers as an eco-friendly lawn alternative.
Apply 3-4 inches of shredded bark mulch around plantings. Mulch insulates soil, reducing evaporation. Replenish as needed, pulling it away from plant crowns.
Build berms and swales to passively direct water flow to plants. Berms are mounded rows of soil that act as barriers. Swales are channels that collect rainwater runoff.
Caring for Your Low Water Landscape
While low water landscapes require less maintenance once established, some care is still required:
Water plants weekly until roots take hold, then gradually reduce frequency. Established natives only need supplemental water during prolonged drought. Adjust irrigation schedules seasonally, using less in cool months.
Weed weekly when plants are young. As they fill in, mulching and dense planting helps keep weeds at bay. Hand pull emerging weeds, taking care to get the roots.
Prune and trim plants like lavender and sage in spring to shape and renew growth. Remove dead leaves and flower heads to promote more blooms.
Watch for pests like aphids and diseases. Treat problems promptly to prevent spreading. Check soil pH and amend if needed. Most xeriscape plants thrive in neutral to slightly alkaline conditions.
Achieving Curb Appeal
A low water landscape should be as lovely and inviting as any traditional lawn. Here are tips for boosting aesthetic appeal:
Repeat plant groupings for a cohesive look. Use masses of grasses and perennials for impact. Vary heights for multi-layered interest.
Frame the entryway with eye-catching specimens like ornamental grasses or succulents in blue and green shades.
Add pops of color with blooming plants like sedum, blanket flower and agastache. Include white and silver foliage plants for brightness.
Define the hardscape areas with borders of stone or pavers. Keep pathways swept clean. Use decorative gravel and river rock.
Add artistic touches like ceramic garden art, rustic wood benches or wind spinners. Accent with glass gazing balls, empty frames and container plantings.
Expanding Low Water Techniques
Once you’ve converted your front yard, it’s easy to expand water savings across your entire landscape. Here are ways to remove more lawn:
Replace the grass in backyard areas with low water plants where play space isn’t needed. Expand flower and shrub beds already in place.
Remove strips of lawn along driveways and pathways. Plant water-wise groundcovers or install gravel mulch instead.
Eliminate leftover grass islands and fragmented lawn patches. Infill with hardscape or drought tolerant plants.
By following the steps we’ve outlined, you can successfully convert your front yard into a low maintenance oasis! We hope this guide gives you the confidence to move forward. Soon you’ll be enjoying an environmentally friendly landscape that saves time, money and water.
Install a Rain Barrel
Collecting rainwater in a barrel is an easy way to reduce reliance on sprinkler systems and municipal water for irrigation. The stored water can be used to hand water plants. Look for rain barrels at home and garden stores. Place under a downspout to capture roof runoff.
Group Plants by Water Needs
When planning your layout, organize plants into zones based on their water requirements. Drought tolerant species can be grouped in unirrigated beds. Moderate water use plants in drip irrigated beds, while more thirsty specimens go in zones with spray heads. This allows you to target watering to where it’s needed most.
Choose Native, Drought Tolerant Plants
Selecting plants naturally adapted to the climate, soil and rainfall in your region is key for a low water landscape. Native species will thrive with minimal irrigation once established. Do your research to find the best options for your specific environment.
Use Mulch
Applying 3-4 inches of organic mulch around plants is one of the best things you can do when converting to low water landscaping. Mulch prevents evaporation and inhibits weed growth. It also helps soil retain moisture and insulates plants’ roots.
Install Drip Irrigation
Traditional spray sprinklers are inefficient because much of the water is lost to runoff and evaporation. Converting heads to low volume drip irrigation targets water right to the plant roots where it’s needed. Drip systems save significant water compared to sprinklers.
Smart irrigation controllers adjust watering time and frequency based on weather and soil moisture data. These systems prevent overwatering when rains occur. Smart controllers save both water and time spent adjusting traditional timers.
