6 Things to Know! About Transforming Your Landscape
Transforming your yard into a water-smart oasis is a rewarding experience that boosts curb appeal, reduces maintenance, and helps the environment. Check out these six (6) simple steps to help you get started on your transformation:
- Plan for Success: Create a detailed design map of your outdoor space, mark areas designated for play, relaxation, and entertainment. Track sun and shade patterns to decide on irrigation, plant selection, and placement. Explore free landscape designs at mwdoc.com/freelandscapedesigns.
- Examine Your Soil: Assess your soil’s condition. Most native plants thrive in local soil without amendments. If the soil is compacted, mix in organic compost or shredded leaves to improve water flow, absorption, and retention.
- Pick Your Plants: California has thousands of drought-tolerant plants suited for its somewhat dry climate. Find your favorites at ocwatersmartgardens.com and make a plant list to before heading to your local nursery or garden center.
- Upgrade Irrigation: Make sure your watering system is appropriate for your landscape, water-efficient, and well-maintained. Upgrading to smart irrigation technology can save water, time, and money.
- Get Rebates: MWDOC offers rebates to help you with your water-smart landscape projects, including turf replacement and irrigation upgrades. Visit mwdoc.com/rebates to learn more about available incentives.
- Inspect and Maintain: Regularly check your plants and irrigation system for signs of over- or under-watering and promptly address any issues. Consider a smart irrigation timer that adjusts watering schedules based on weather conditions to further enhance efficiency. Learn more at mwdoc.com/timer.
By following these steps, you can create a beautiful, low-water, low-maintenance landscape that saves resources and supports local ecosystems. For more tools and tips, visit mwdoc.com/ociswatersmart.