How to Minimize Landscape Water Consumption

SAN JOSE — Most people don’t realize that the average residential lawn consumes more water than the combined usage of the entire household. That’s why many Californians have decided to remove their thirsty lawns altogether and replace them with more water-wise options.

One such option is having your natural lawn replaced with a synthetic one. Synthetic lawns have come a long way since the days of AstroTurf, with superior manufacturing that makes grass fibers almost indistinguishable from the real thing. In most cases, passersby have to come up and touch a lawn before they’re able to tell it’s synthetic.

Another option is replacing your lawn with a drought-tolerant garden. By filling your yard with California native and drought-tolerant varieties (of which there’s a surprisingly wide and aesthetically pleasing assortment), you can substantially reduce its water consumption while retaining a wholly naturalistic environment. Also, many cities and counties now offer rebates to homeowners who remove their lawns, so check with your local municipal department to see what the requirements are. All in all, by replacing your thirsty lawn with a more drought-tolerant alternative, you can conserve water without diminishing the enjoyment of your outdoor living space.