MENLO PARK — As California heads into its fourth year of drought, many residents are employing alternative landscaping methods in an effort to minimize water usage. While most would assume this includes giving up one’s front or backyard lawn, this isn’t necessarily the case. In fact, by incorporating the right technology and techniques, one can raise and maintain a lawn without the need for excessive amounts of water.
Raising a water-wise lawn involves a number of important elements, the foremost being an efficient irrigation method. While drip systems have been in use for a long time, only recently have they been applied to lawn irrigation in the form of subterranean drip emitter systems. Consisting of a series of rigid pipes, this drip system is installed a few inches below the ground to target grass roots, while minimizing evaporation.
Another vital consideration is your method of lawn installation, whether growing it from seed or laying down sod. In terms of water conservation, a seeded lawn is best, as it requires a lot less water than the alternative. Additionally, seeded lawns are more durable than sodded ones, and are available in a greater variety of species and blends.
Other factors involved in raising a water-wise lawn include proper soil preparation, fertilization and the application of soil polymers, which create tiny reservoirs within the soil. When all of the aforementioned components are used in conjunction, it results in a healthy, aesthetically-pleasing lawn that doesn’t require an exorbitant amount of water to maintain.