Use a professional landscaper to design any landscaping that will include multiple plant species or cover relatively large areas. Use native and drought-tolerant plants when possible. Group plant species according to their water needs. Avoid planting turf or ground covers in long narrow plots. To the extent possible, avoid plantings that are near heat sources and sinks. Protect landscaped area from the wind. Minimize the use of turf, which is more difficult to irrigate efficiently, and, for many species, has high water needs. Use artificial turf instead of real turf. Consider designing xeriscape or hardscape areas that use little to no vegetation. Apply mulch to help retain water in areas with trees or shrubs. Avoid plantings on slopes.
Use rotary sprinkler heads instead of stationary sprinkler heads. Use a professional to design and install any complex irrigation system. Use an automated system with timers that can be adjusted according to the seasonal and local conditions. Design the irrigation system to deliver only what plants need and not more. Use micro-irrigation systems to irrigate shrubs, trees, and plants other than turf. Use sprinklers to irrigate areas planted with turf. Use rotary head sprinklers instead of stationary head sprinklers. Minimize overspray of landscaped areas (e.g., sprinklers or sprayers deliver water outside area of vegetation). Cover plastic irrigation tubes and piping to minimize exposure to sun, which can degrade the plastic and shorten its lifetime. Keep a sketch of the irrigation system layout on file to aid in locating lines and other components that are covered. Install separate water meter(s) for irrigation systems that use potable water.
Flush all irrigation lines with clean water to remove debris prior to putting the system into operation. Irrigate in the morning or evening when evaporation rates are lower. Adjust the duration and/or frequency of irrigation cycles according to the season (i.e., longer duration or more frequent cycles in hot season, shorter duration or fewer cycles in cool season). Operate irrigation systems with fewer cycles of longer duration rather than more frequent cycles of shorter duration. Check irrigation systems regularly for leakage. Check systems regularly for clogging and flush with clean water, particularly for drip irrigation systems. Check that irrigation lines, particularly those made of plastic, are not exposed to direct sunlight, and cover the lines when necessary.
