Landscapes That Conserve Water
Drought-tolerant trees and shrubs differ from those that naturally conserve water in several important ways. Use these unique qualities to save water and irrigate your landscape less frequently.
Planting with Water-Conserving Species
When planning a landscape with an eye towards water conservation, look first to plantings naturally evolved to arid landscapes.
Many trees and shrubs know how to survive long periods without water. They are native to naturally arid regions.
Others, the ones classified as “drought tolerant,” have water-conserving qualities that save them during short- to long-term natural dry spells. These trees and shrubs typically use more water during times of plenty than the drylands species or even regular species.
Most, when mature, have deep roots that tap underground water long after the surface has dried. They also have small, leathery, smooth leaves or water-saving needles.
Many arid-region trees and shrubs are deciduous, sacrificing their foliage when water is scarce. An example is the buckeye, first in late summer to lose its leaves. Others, such as Australian gums and eucalyptus coat their leaves with waxy barriers to slow evaporation.
Many drylands trees and shrubs skip a year or two between blooms when it hasn’t rained that year. Others drop unnecessary fruit.
Features of Water-Conserving Species
Save water in your landscape—whether so-called xeriscape or other low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plantings—by choosing trees and shrubs that are well adapted to arid conditions.
Among trees, seek those with deep-rooted habits. Avoid any species noted to require wet or continually moist conditions. Select trees you know to be native to desert or arid regions, or noted as such.
Ask garden store staff or university cooperative extension agents for recommendations of trees that tolerate infrequent and limited irrigation. Ask them to disqualify species that gorge on water when it is available.
All shrubs require more water than deep-rooted trees. Again, seek out those with modest size and small, tough leaves. Select desert and drylands shrubs over those from forest or woodlands.
Best Trees and Shrubs for Dry Landscapes
Nationally, fifty percent of the water used by homeowners is consumed by landscape irrigation and other yard watering. Of that amount, nearly half typically is wasted.
With careful planning and planting, you can still have a lush and beautiful yard of trees and shrubs that uses less water.
The key is to eliminate turf-grass lawns and divide your landscape into watering zones.
Drylands and drought-tolerant zones should contain tough plants that, once established, can thrive on the rainfall provided by nature alone. Also consider ornamental grasses, low-water-use champions.
Mid-level water zones should hold shrubs that require occasional supplemental watering during dry spells.
If you must, splurge on one or two “oasis” zones with favorite specimen trees, colorful plants, and a few shrubs that need more consistent moisture.
Best Trees for Conserving Water
Here is a list of trees, shrubs, cacti, and succulents known for their ability to conserve water and prosper in dry conditions:
Best Shrubs for Conserving Water
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- Barberry (Berberis sp.)
- Bottlebrush (Callistemon sp.)
- Broom (Cytisus sp.)
- Bush Cinquefoil (Potentilla sp.)
- Manzanita (Arctostaphylos sp.)
- Oleander (Nerium sp.)
- Pyracantha (Pyracantha sp.)
- Rock Rose (Cistus sp.)
Best Cacti and Succulents for Conserving Water
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- Agave (Agave sp.)
- Apple Cactus (Cereus peruvianus)
- Barrel (Fishhook) Cactus (Ferocactus sp.)
- Barrel (Golden Ball) Cactus (Echinocactus grusonii)
- Chin Cactus (Gymnocalycium saglione)
- Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii)
- Fox-tail Cactus (Coryphantha vivipara)
- Hedgehog Cactus (Echinocereus sp.)
- Old-man Cactus (Cephalocereus senilis)
- Organ-pipe Cactus (Stenocereus thurberi)
- Prickly-pear Cactus (Opuntia sp.)
- Saguaro Cactus (Carnegiea gigantea)
- Smoke Tree (Cotinus coggygria)
- Snowball Cactus (Mammillaria bocasana)
- Spurge (Euphorbia sp.)
- Texas sage (Leucophyllum frutescens)
- Yucca (Yucca filamentosa)