Get a Gorgeous Yard with Less Water!
Beautiful, sunny spring days are just around the corner in the Savannah, GA area, and many homeowners are getting ready to refresh their yards for the upcoming warm-weather season. If you dream of a gorgeous lawn and colorful garden beds—but want to cut back on water usage—Ernest Homes has smart, sustainable landscaping tips to help you create a thriving yard while conserving water.
Go Local for the Best Results
Choosing native plants is one of the easiest ways to reduce water usage. Indigenous Georgia plants and grasses are naturally adapted to our climate, requiring less irrigation and specialized care. Because they’re accustomed to the local rainfall patterns, they often need significantly less supplemental watering than imported varieties. Your yard stays beautiful—and your water bill stays lower.
Plan Your Project with “Hydrozoning”
You can dramatically reduce water waste by grouping plants with similar watering needs together. This method, called hydrozoning, helps you avoid overwatering some plants while underwatering others. Your local garden shop can recommend which plants make the best neighbors. For example, shrubs typically require less moisture than thirsty perennials—so planting them together can lead to stunted growth.
If you're planning a full yard makeover or installing new turf, consider adding an irrigation system. Both above-ground and underground systems can distribute the perfect amount of water to each zone of your yard automatically. Professional installation is usually required, but simple above-ground kits are available for DIY homeowners.
Smart Sprinkling Techniques
Sprinklers are notorious water-wasters when not used correctly. By choosing the right sprinkler head for each area, you can water more efficiently and avoid runoff. Here’s a quick guide:
- Spray Heads: Release a large amount of water quickly. Best for small turf areas, shrubs, and flower beds.
- Rotor Heads: Ideal for large lawns. They provide slower, more even water distribution suitable for all soil types.
- Drip Irrigation: Perfect for gardens and beds. The emitters target water directly to plant roots, reducing waste.
Always check manufacturer instructions and adjust your system’s water pressure. Too much pressure can break sprinkler heads and damage plants. Too little pressure may not deliver enough water to keep plants healthy.
Water for the Season
Georgia summers are hot—and your plants will need more water during peak heat. To reduce evaporation, water your lawn and garden between 6 PM and 10 PM or overnight. Evening watering ensures moisture soaks into the soil instead of evaporating too quickly in the sun.
Create a Beautiful Yard the Smart Way
With thoughtful planning, native plants, smart irrigation, and efficient watering techniques, you can enjoy a lush and vibrant yard without using excess water. Whether you’re refreshing your landscaping or starting from scratch, Ernest Homes is here to help you make the most of outdoor living in coastal Georgia.
Explore new homes with beautiful outdoor spaces at ErnestHomes.com, or reach out to our team at (912) 756-4135. You can also send us a message online—we’d love to help you find the perfect home and yard to enjoy all year long.
