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Although living here in Santa Barbara is paradise, we do have a growing issue of a lack of water. With that lack of water comes the problem of trying to maintain our beautiful yards with beautiful landscapes. However, if you follow the tips below, you could still have a fantastic yard and not worry about wasting water.

Drought happens everywhere, not just in arid climates like Arizona. So how do you get to have a beautiful, lush, low-maintenance yards that doesn't need watering when the temps keep rising with no rain in sight? 

Take a cue from homeowners in those arid climates. They know how to survive heat waves. And they're experts on drought-resistant plants. You'd be surprised how well some of those low-water plants work in less dry conditions. Here's how to have a yard you need to water less.

Cacti and succulents — the camels of the plant world — are synonymous with Southwest gardening but turn out to be pretty hardy elsewhere as well. They can add color, flowers, and texture to lawns, while being super drought-friendly.

In the West and Southwest, despite the lack of natural water, yards are still full of color and texture. Each region has its own native or "adapted plants.” 

People waste water; plants do not. Plants are adapted to protect the water they have.

Native plants thrive because they are used to the natural state of the region.

OK, running barefoot on the lawn is nice, but what about the romantic evening around the fire pit, eating with family and friends in the outdoor kitchen, or soaking up rays on a patio lounge chair?

More hard scapes — stone walls, gravel paths, paved patios — mean less area that needs to be watered.

And (bonus!), according to the Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features from the National Association of Realtors, new patios, outdoor fireplace, and fire pits are among the top 10 projects for appealing to home buyers and adding value for resale.

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On average, expect to pay between $1,500 to $20,000 (or a national average of $3,000) for an outdoor fireplace.

But make sure hardscape areas drain into the right places. Be careful you don't create saturated areas where plants can't grow.

You may have to call in a professional to make sure hardscape and the adjacent landscape have proper drainage, either by the way the land is sloped or by installing drains in the ground.

Many horticulturists recommend limiting and taking special care with hardscape. Water that runs off of hardscape carries oils and toxins into the water supply, so permeable materials are a good choice. They advise using lighter material colors that will reduce heat absorption and radiation.

In addition, they caution about possible harm to tree roots, which are usually in the top foot of soil. When a homeowner adds a walkway or other hardscape feature and heavy equipment is used, the process can compact soil and cut roots, making the tree vulnerable to storm damage.

» Try the Newest Generation of Fake Grass

It's come a long way in how it looks. Many brands look and feel like natural grass. Research turf products that hold up well, look good over time, and have a good feel on your bare feet. Then find a contractor who knows how to install synthetic turf properly.

What's underneath it matters. There needs to be a deep sub-base that'll last like a concrete patio but allow natural water through.

» Replace Plants With (Surprise!) a Water Feature

While that may seem counterintuitive, it makes sense when you think about it. Especially when you consider the newest generation of water features: the pond-less water feature.

It's essentially a waterfall with a below-ground reservoir covered by rock or stone. The water circulates, so it isn't evaporating.

If you want to stay completely away from water, you can get a water feature look without the water by designing a dry creek bed with stones that can provide an aesthetic look and be functional in spots where there might otherwise be plants, and the need to irrigate.

Between the drought-tolerant plants and the hardscaping, you may hardly ever water again.

As always, it is a good idea to contact your local trusted Realtor for suggestions regarding contractors, etc. for great drought tolerant ideas.

Bob Walsmsith Jr. is the 2022 president of the Santa Barbara Association of Realtors (SBAOR). He is a California licensed real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties here in Santa Barbara. He has served on and chaired several committees within the SBAOR, and served on its board of directors for the past five years. Bob can be reached at 805.720.5362 and [email protected]

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