Water-saving landscapes can be beautiful and low-maintenance. When you choose slow-growing and Oklahoma-tough plants, your landscape needs much less water.
Sketch a simple map of your yard. Include fences, trees, buildings, and walkways. Identify sunny and shady areas and note how water drains. The Landscape Planning Leaflet can give you more details.
Check your soil to see if it can support the plants you want to grow. Improve your soil by adding compost to increase organic matter.
Use drought-tolerant or Oklahoma-adapted turf species. Limit turfgrass to areas where you need it for function or appearance.
Choose drought-resistant plants that are adapted to Oklahoma. These plants often have small, thick, glossy or fuzzy leaves. Group plants with similar water needs together to use water more efficiently.
Use mulch to help soil hold moisture, prevent erosion, and control weeds. Keep mulch 2 to 3 inches deep and add more when needed.
Avoid overwatering. Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation for better efficiency. A good rule of thumb is to water deeply and less often.
Control weeds by using mulch. Avoid mowing too low. Taller mowing heights help your lawn hold moisture.
Not sure where to start? Explore the free Water Saving Design Ideas for Oklahoma Landscapes. Look for the Water Smart label at local nurseries to find plants that need less water.