A Homeowner's Guide to a WaterSmart Landscape

plant selection
From your WaterSmart landscape goal identified in
Step 1, select plants that fit within that plant water use
category to ensure you meet your WaterSmart water
conservation goals.
WaterSmart plant selection. See Appendix F for
a list of plants that have been classified as “very
low” to “moderate” water use and other resources
included in this guide to choose regionally-appropriate
plants.
Minimize turf. Limit the amount of turf in
your design as much as possible. If you decide to
incorporate turf, consider varieties that use less
water than traditional cool season turf. Other less
thirsty grasses to consider are mow-free blends or
UC Verde Buffalo Grass. Visit www.cesacramento.
ucanr.edu to learn more about alternative turf
varieties.
Group plants according to water use
requirements. If you choose to include plants that
are not classified as “very low” or “low” water use, be
sure to group these “moderate” or “high” water use
plants together. Grouping plants with similar water
use requirements together, known as planting in
hydrozones, makes it easier to irrigate efficiently by
applying additional water only where it is needed.
Provide appropriate spacing. Select plants that
will have room to grow to their full size to avoid
overcrowding and the need for excessive pruning.
| step 4
Ceanothus species/California Lilac (low water use)
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