Water Wise Landscaping

Water supply restrictions and our region's unpredictable cycle of wet and dry years make water conservation a long-term need rather than a short- term option. With 30 to 70 percent of all household water used outside the home, (with homeowners typically using twice the amount of water needed to keep plants healthy), cutting back on our outdoor watering is the surest solution to reduce residential water consumption.

Landscaping that uses little water also helps us achieve conservation goals without sacrificing the splendor of our gardens. Water-wise landscaping does not have to be just rocks and cactus. With the use of non-thirsty plants, gardens can still look lush and colorful and be more environmentally friendly.

Water Wise Landscaping Basic Principles

  • Keep turf to a minimum, grass is the thirstiest plant of all! Have turf only where you need it and water only when needed
  • When using turf, use warm-season types (Bermuda, Saint Augustine, Zoysia De Anza)
  • Set lawn mower blades one notch higher, longer grass means less evaporation
  • Use native plants that are well suited to regional and local conditions
  • Group plants that use the same amount of water
  • Plant trees, they help to lower air and soil temperatures
  • Group container plants with similar needs
  • Improve the soil, cultivate routinely, incorporating organic material, such as compost
  • Aerate heavy or compacted soil around trees
  • Use a two- to four-inch layer of mulch around trees and plants to even out extreme temperatures and to retain moisture
  • Water plants only when needed
  • Water early in the morning when evaporation is low and air is calmer
  • Avoid runoff and over spray of automatic sprinklers
Backyard with Water Wise Landscaping
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Customers who wish to convert their lawns to water efficient landscaping have a tremendous number of resources available to assist in the process.

Water Wise Garden Classes

The District hosts two Water Wise Garden Classes a year, one in the Spring and one in the Fall. The classes, taught by local experts, provide practical information on water efficient plants, soils and fertilizers, landscape design, and irrigation.

Chino Basin Water Conservation District Drought-Tolerant Demonstration GardenChino Basin Water Conservation District

The Chino Basin Water Conservation District is a local public district dedicated to conserving the local water resources of the Chino Basin. The Conservation District provides water-wise landscape services available to Monte Vista Water District customers, including free landscape irrigation evaluations and a drought-tolerant demonstration garden.

Other Demonstration Gardens & Resources

Visit these other local water-efficient demonstration gardens for ideas on how you can transform your landscape:

Visit the Water Wise website and click on "Gardening with California Natives" section to view more resources, including where to buy, California Friendly plants, groundcovers, grasses and trees.