Map Hydrozones and Remove Thirsty Turf
1 dayIdentify high-water lawn areas to remove, group remaining plants by water need, and plan hardscape to reduce irrigated area.
Intermediate1 season
Drought Tolerant Landscape Guide
Complete guide for drought tolerant landscape — step-by-step workflow, tools, checklist, and expert tips to get started.
water-conscious ownersdesert gardeners
Workflow
Design Drip Irrigation and Mulch Depth
Half dayCalculate drip emitter spacing and GPM per zone, size mulch depth for evaporation suppression on all beds.
Select Trees and Shrubs for Mature Canopy Spread
2 daysChoose drought-tolerant species, space by mature canopy spread for shade coverage, install drip and mulch same week as planting.
Audit Water Use After First Season
2 hoursCompare water bill to pre-conversion baseline, adjust drip run times, add mulch where soil shows through.
Tools Used
- Mulch Volume CalculatorPrimary
Calculates mulch volume for 3-inch depth across all drought-tolerant beds.
- Tree Canopy SpreadPrimary
Spaces shade trees for maximum coverage without future crowding.
- Irrigation Sprinkler CoverageSupporting
Adapts to drip emitter layout and precipitation rate for xeric beds.
- Pipe Flow and Head Loss CalculatorReference
Sizes mainline for reduced GPM drip zones vs former spray system.
Checklist
0 / 6 completedLoading your checklist…
Compliance
Drainage
Materials
Planning
Execution
Documentation
Reference Materials
Water Use by Landscape TypeTable
Water Use by Landscape Type
| Type | Gal/sq ft/yr | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cool-season turf | 40–60 | Highest use |
| Drought-tolerant beds | 8–15 | With drip |
| Hardscape | 0 | Minimal maintenance |
Water SavingsFormula
Annual savings ≈ (turf area removed × turf rate) − (new bed area × drip rate).
Establishment PeriodStandard
Even drought-tolerant plants need supplemental water first 12–18 months after planting.
Dig Once
Combine trenching for irrigation, drainage, and low-voltage lighting in one pass when possible.
Right Plant Right Place
Match plant mature size to spacing calculators — overcrowding creates maintenance debt for years.
PPE for Hardscape
Wear eye and ear protection when cutting pavers, blocks, or running plate compactors.
Safety Notes
- Call 811 before any digging to locate underground utilities.
- Consider drainage and grading — water flowing toward the foundation causes damage.