{"id":7645,"date":"2022-01-16T21:21:59","date_gmt":"2022-01-16T21:21:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/?p=7645"},"modified":"2024-02-10T21:07:20","modified_gmt":"2024-02-10T21:07:20","slug":"drought-resistant-landscaping-sacramento","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/drought-resistant-landscaping-sacramento\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Drought-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Sacramento"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your water bill has gone off the rails, let us help you get it back on track. You can have a beautiful lawn with four-season color <em>and<\/em> save money on your water bill. We\u2019ve got tips, tricks, and information to help you trim your water bill and maintain your curb appeal.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-421a6cc2-7fd0-48d0-815c-a71d3d89a8c0\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\">In this article:<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/drought-resistant-landscaping-sacramento\/#0-1-consider-your-approach\" style=\"\">1. Consider your approach<\/a><ul><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/drought-resistant-landscaping-sacramento\/#1-clarify-your-goals\" style=\"\">Clarify your goals<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/drought-resistant-landscaping-sacramento\/#2-do-your-research\" style=\"\">Do your research<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/drought-resistant-landscaping-sacramento\/#3-map-out-your-design\" style=\"\">Map out your design<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/drought-resistant-landscaping-sacramento\/#4-2-use-hardscapes-in-your-landscape\" style=\"\">2. Use hardscapes in your landscape<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/drought-resistant-landscaping-sacramento\/#5-3-install-native-plants\" style=\"\">3. Install native plants<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/drought-resistant-landscaping-sacramento\/#6-4-group-by-water-needs\" style=\"\">4. Group by water needs<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/drought-resistant-landscaping-sacramento\/#7-5-mulch-your-garden\" style=\"\">5. Mulch your garden<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/drought-resistant-landscaping-sacramento\/#8-6-reduce-the-grass\" style=\"\">6. Reduce the grass<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/drought-resistant-landscaping-sacramento\/#9-tips-to-manage-drought-in-your-sacramento-landscape\" style=\"\">Tips to manage drought in your Sacramento landscape<\/a><ul><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/drought-resistant-landscaping-sacramento\/#10-plan-ahead\" style=\"\">Plan ahead<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/drought-resistant-landscaping-sacramento\/#11-greywater-or-rain-barrel-system\" style=\"\">Greywater or rain barrel system<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/drought-resistant-landscaping-sacramento\/#12-go-lean-with-fertilizer\" style=\"\">Go lean with fertilizer<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/drought-resistant-landscaping-sacramento\/#13-irrigate-wisely\" style=\"\">Irrigate wisely<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/drought-resistant-landscaping-sacramento\/#14-local-resources-and-rebates\" style=\"\">Local resources and rebates<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/drought-resistant-landscaping-sacramento\/#15-faq-about-drought-resistant-landscaping\" style=\"\">FAQ about drought-resistant landscaping<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-1-consider-your-approach\"><span id=\"1-consider-your-approach\">1. Consider your approach<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Are you confused by all of the different terms that surround low-water landscaping? Here are a few you\u2019ve likely heard:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Climate-adapted<\/li>    <li>Drought-adapted<\/li>    <li>Drought-tolerant<\/li>    <li>Drought-resistant<\/li>    <li>Low-water<\/li>    <li>Mediterranean<\/li>    <li>Native plants<\/li>    <li>Summer-dry<\/li>    <li>Water-free (a misnomer)<\/li>    <li>Watershed Approach<\/li>    <li>Water smart<\/li>    <li>Water-wise<\/li>    <li>Xeriscape<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Overwhelmed yet? As you become more familiar with ways to save water in your landscape, you\u2019ll likely see these terms mentioned frequently. Delving into each of these is beyond the scope of this article, but it helps to know that there are different approaches and strategies to reduce water in your landscape.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>So, where should you start?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-clarify-your-goals\"><span id=\"clarify-your-goals\">Clarify your goals<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ask yourself a few questions:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>How much water do I want to use?<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the answer is, \u201cNo supplemental water once the plants are established,\u201d then your plant selection will look different from someone willing to water every week or two.&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>What other goals do I have for my landscape? <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Pollinator garden<\/li>    <li>Four-season color<\/li>    <li>Low-maintenance once established<\/li>    <li>Refund from the city\u2019s rebate programs<\/li>    <li>A particular color scheme or garden theme, etc.<\/li> <\/ul> <\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As you do more research (Step 2), your vision and goals may become more focused.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>What is my budget?<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Write down a budget. If you later see it is unrealistic, do the project in stages. With the rebates and DIY potential, though, it can be an affordable project for many homeowners.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-do-your-research\"><span id=\"do-your-research\">Do your research<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Take time in the summer to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kcra.com\/article\/california-drought-resistant-plants-sacramento-landscaping-irrigation-upgrades\/36355472#:~:text=%22That%20would%20be,actually%20look%20like.%22\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">do your research<\/a> and plan your project. Look at local plant lists online, visit the UC Davis Arboretum, and call or visit local plant centers. (See local resources and rebates section below.) If you want to re-do the entire front yard or backyard (or both), consider hiring a landscape design firm or landscape architect to take the brunt of the work off your shoulders.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Why not plant in the summer? Experts don\u2019t recommend planting in the summer since that is Sacramento\u2019s dry season. Instead, spend that time doing your research, and install new plants in the fall once the rains return. This will reduce or eliminate supplemental watering while the new plants become established, saving you time and money.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-map-out-your-design\"><span id=\"map-out-your-design\">Map out your design<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you hire out the work, you can leave this to the experts. If you DIY, grab a pen and paper or pull up the California Native Plant Society\u2019s (CNPS) <a href=\"https:\/\/gardenplanner.calscape.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Calscape Garden Planner<\/em><\/a> to get a basic sketch in four clicks.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Calscape\u2019s Garden Planner is an interactive guide that will ask for your city, preferred garden style, sun\/shade exposure, and gardening priorities. After these four simple questions, you\u2019ll get a few visual layouts and native plant recommendations for your garden. How easy is that?<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-2-use-hardscapes-in-your-landscape\"><span id=\"2-use-hardscapes-in-your-landscape\">2. Use hardscapes in your landscape<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before we focus on softscaping (plant life), let\u2019s mention another aspect of home landscapes: hardscaping. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnlove.com\/blog\/low-maintenance-landscaping-hartford\/#hardscaping\">Hardscaping<\/a> is simply the non-living elements in your lawn. Popular hardscaping elements include:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Driveways<\/li>    <li>Walkways<\/li>    <li>Stepping stones<\/li>    <li>Seating benches<\/li>    <li>Steps<\/li>    <li>Fences<\/li>    <li>Boulders<\/li>    <li>Outdoor kitchens, fire pits, eating areas<\/li>    <li>Walls, etc.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, how does hardscaping relate to drought-resistant landscaping? Well, it doesn\u2019t require any water, and hardscapes are essential for most lawns. Moreover, it\u2019s important to be smart about the hardscaping you install.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want to cover the ground with concrete, stones, or other materials, consider pavers or otherwise leave spaces in between bits of stone or concrete. This will allow water a place to sink into the ground rather than runoff into the stormwater system. These strategies are essentially one form of permeable hardscaping. Other options include decomposed granite for walkways and patios or manufactured permeable systems for home hardscaping, to name a few.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As proponents of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnps.org\/gardening\/the-watershed-approach-to-landscaping-7431\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Watershed Approach<\/a> explain it, try to <strong>keep the water that falls on your property on your property<\/strong>, either by water collection or by having the water go back into the soil. As the water permeates the soil, the microbes in the soil and plants clean the water before it is released back into the air via your plants or enters waterways. This reduces the pollution burden on your local stormwater system and provides natural rainwater for your plants.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, not only is hardscaping a key functional element in your lawn, if done well, it can help you retain more water on your property.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-3-install-native-plants\"><span id=\"3-install-native-plants\">3. Install native plants<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you live in California, you\u2019ve probably heard about native plants. Native plants are plants that have become acclimated to the area\u2019s climate and conditions and are touted to bring many benefits to local lawns including:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Use less water than most non-native plants<\/li>    <li>Invite beneficial insects (butterflies, bees) and wildlife<\/li>    <li>Require less or no fertilizer and chemicals<\/li>    <li>Require less maintenance than non-natives<\/li>    <li>Help maintain the balance of the local ecosystem<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What\u2019s not to love?&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One thing to note: <em>Native<\/em> doesn\u2019t always mean \u201dvery low water\u201d or \u201cno water once established.\u201d Even though they normally use much less water than grass or other thirsty plants, know a plant&#8217;s water requirements before you buy. If you want plants that survive on natural rainfall (or lack thereof), you won\u2019t want to buy a plant that prefers a good drench once per week in the summer.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are a few California native plants that fit the low-water bill:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/arboretum.ucdavis.edu\/plant\/bladderpod\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bladderpod<\/a> (<em>Isomeris arborea<\/em>)<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/calscape.org\/loc-38.5816,-121.4944%20(Sacramento)\/Ceanothus-cuneatus-(Buck-Brush)?srchcr=sc61d4703dc3dc9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Buck brush<\/a> (<em>Ceanothus cuneatus<\/em>)<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/calscape.org\/loc-38.5816,-121.4944%20(Sacramento)\/Pseudognaphalium-californicum-(California-Cudweed)?srchcr=sc61d4703dc3dc9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">California cudweed<\/a> (<em>Pseudognaphalium californicum<\/em>)<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/calscape.org\/loc-38.5129,-121.497%20(Sacramento)\/Epilobium-canum-(California-Fuchsia)?srchcr=sc61d4f6a2ec90b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">California fuchsia<\/a> (<em>Epilobium canum<\/em>)<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/calscape.org\/loc-38.5816,-121.4944%20(Sacramento)\/Lasthenia-californica-(California-Goldfields)?srchcr=sc61d4703dc3dc9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">California goldfields<\/a> (<em>Lasthenia californica<\/em>)<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/arboretum.ucdavis.edu\/plant\/California-white-sage\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">California white sage<\/a> (<em>Salvia apiana<\/em>)<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/arboretum.ucdavis.edu\/plant\/island-pink-yarrow\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Island pink yarrow<\/a> (<em>Achillea millefolium <\/em>\u2018Island Pink\u2019)<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/calscape.org\/loc-38.5816,-121.4944%20(Sacramento)\/Calochortus-luteus-(Yellow-Mariposa-Lily)?srchcr=sc61d4703dc3dc9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Yellow mariposa lily<\/a> (<em>Calochortus luteus<\/em>)<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-4-group-by-water-needs\"><span id=\"4-group-by-water-needs\">4. Group by water needs<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you use a sprinkler system or enjoy hand-watering your plants, this is smart garden advice. Design the landscape so that plants with high, medium, and low (or no) supplemental water needs are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rubyhome.com\/blog\/xeriscaping\/#:~:text=Understanding%20Water%20Zones,are%20typically%20used%3A\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">grouped together<\/a>. This is called <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-is-hydrozoning\/\">hydrozoning<\/a> and helps reduce or eliminate wasted water, time, and energy.&nbsp;<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-5-mulch-your-garden\"><span id=\"5-mulch-your-garden\">5. Mulch your garden<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mulch is anything that covers the soil surface. In desert gardens, this is usually rocks; in other climates, it is anything from newspaper, bark mulch, grass clippings, or pine straw, to name a few.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/types-of-mulch\/\">Mulch<\/a> is valuable in most climates, but especially in areas with drought. Why? Here are a few reasons mulch is a popular ground cover:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Reduces erosion<\/li>    <li>Moderates temperature swings<\/li>    <li>Reduces soil moisture loss<\/li>    <li>Reduces weeds<\/li>    <li>Feeds the soil as it breaks down<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Still aren\u2019t convinced? Think about the textural options you have. Bark, rocks, and straw each contribute a different aesthetic to your garden. And don\u2019t forget about the many color choices: black, brown, white, grey, and red. Rocks also come in different textures, sizes, and colors.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Consider your mulch to be the canvas upon which you\u2019ll build your drought-tolerant tapestry. Your creativity is your only limitation.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-6-reduce-the-grass\"><span id=\"6-reduce-the-grass\">6. Reduce the grass<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re nervous about removing your lawn, try <em>reducing<\/em> the lawn first. Then, if you like the results, you can always remove more grass. Start small, in other words.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are many reasons to reduce the amount of grass in your lawn.&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Less grass means less water use for your home<\/li>    <li>Lower water bill<\/li>    <li>Less mowing, maintenance, fertilizer, and chemicals<\/li>    <li>No more brown, crunchy lawn<\/li>    <li>Go from monochromatic to multi-chromatic<\/li>    <li>More opportunities to encourage pollinators, wildlife&nbsp;<\/li>    <li>Add four-season colors through shrubs, perennials, trees, and so forth<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to Sacramento sustainability program manager Roshini Das, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kcra.com\/article\/california-drought-resistant-plants-sacramento-landscaping-irrigation-upgrades\/36355472#:~:text=%22when%20you%20look%20at%20a%20typical%20household%2C%2060%25%20of%20your%20water%20use%20goes%20into%20your%20landscape%2C%22%20roshini%20das%2C%20sacramento%20sustainability%20program%20manager%2C%20said%20in%20a%20recent%20interview%20at%20the%20city's%20landscape%20demonstration%20garden.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">up to 60%<\/a> of a home\u2019s water use goes into the landscape. Reducing or eliminating the lawn and replacing it with plants that use no supplemental irrigation means you reduce your water use (and water bill) by that amount.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-tips-to-manage-drought-in-your-sacramento-landscape\"><span id=\"tips-to-manage-drought-in-your-sacramento-landscape\">Tips to manage drought in your Sacramento landscape<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Drought in California\u2019s Central Valley is nothing new. Whether you live in Folsom or Fair Oaks, Rocklin or Roseville, Granite Bay or Eldorado Hills, drought-tolerant landscaping is not a fad. Here are a few tips to help your landscape thrive in these challenging times.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"10-plan-ahead\"><span id=\"plan-ahead\">Plan ahead<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since you know your plants won\u2019t get rainfall for about six months of the year, plan for that. If you want to install plants that will need water every week or every few weeks, plan to install a greywater or rain collection system. If you want to do zero supplemental watering, only install plants that will survive in your area on fall and winter rains.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even with the best planning, sometimes plants will die. Don\u2019t sweat it. Instead, use that as an opportunity to experiment with a different plant (or the same plant in a different microclimate in your lawn). Or, plant more of the ones that are successful in that spot.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"11-greywater-or-rain-barrel-system\"><span id=\"greywater-or-rain-barrel-system\">Greywater or rain barrel system<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Greywater systems not only qualify for a city rebate, they are a great water-saving way to reuse this natural resource. You\u2019ll have to use a biodegradable, low-salt detergent and a few other details, but it\u2019s a great option to consider, especially for ornamental plants. Vegetable gardens get a bit trickier, but for ornamentals, it\u2019s fine. If you use <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/drought-resistant-landscaping-phoenix\/#7-4-collect-your-own-rainwater\">rain barrels<\/a>, those can be used on veggie and ornamental plants.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"12-go-lean-with-fertilizer\"><span id=\"go-lean-with-fertilizer\">Go lean with fertilizer<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most native plants need very little if any <a href=\"https:\/\/marinmg.ucanr.edu\/PROBLEMS\/EXTREME_CONDITIONS\/Drought\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">fertilizer<\/a>. In addition, that extra growth will mean higher water needs. To keep things low-water and low-maintenance, focus on plants that don\u2019t need this kind of intervention to thrive.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"13-irrigate-wisely\"><span id=\"irrigate-wisely\">Irrigate wisely<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you have plants that need irrigation every so often, make sure your irrigation system is not wasting any of this precious resource.&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Plant and water in zones<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Install plants with similar water needs together. Set your irrigation system to give just enough water to each zone.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Maintain your system<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Have your irrigation company do regular maintenance on your irrigation system. Make sure you\u2019re not watering the sidewalks, and use tuna cans to measure each zone before the dry season. This will ensure you use the right amount of water without waste or excess.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"14-local-resources-and-rebates\"><span id=\"local-resources-and-rebates\">Local resources and rebates<\/span><\/h2>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/arboretum.ucdavis.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">UC Davis Arboretum<\/a> and Arboretum All-Stars <a href=\"https:\/\/arboretum.ucdavis.edu\/plant-database\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">plant database<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/arboretum.ucdavis.edu\/sites\/g\/files\/dgvnsk1546\/files\/inline-files\/AllStarsBook_201415_final-reduced.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PDF<\/a><\/li>    <li>City of Sacramento Department of Utilities <a href=\"https:\/\/storymaps.arcgis.com\/stories\/08dfc4ca4aa641189bdcc970cb1a6cae\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">demonstration garden<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cityofsacramento.org\/Utilities\/Water\/Conservation\/Residents\/Residential-Rebates\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">City of Sacramento Rebates<\/a> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Turf conversion<\/li>    <li>Irrigation upgrades<\/li>    <li>Irrigation controller upgrades<\/li>    <li>Rain barrel rebates<\/li>    <li>Laundry to landscape (greywater harvesting)<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cityofsacramento.org\/Utilities\/Water\/Conservation\/Residents\/Residential-Rebates\/Landscape-Design-Assitance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Landscape design rebates<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <\/li>    <li>Sacramento Department of Utilities <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Free house calls by city <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cityofsacramento.org\/Utilities\/Water\/Conservation\/Residents\/Residential-Water-Wise-Services#:~:text=to%20get%20saving.-,Water%20Wise%20House%20Calls,Water%20Wise%20House%20Call.,-A%20City%20Water\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Water Conservation Specialists<\/a> to help you eliminate water waste in your lawn and home.<\/li> <\/ul> <\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/sacvalleycnps.org\/\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CNPS Sacramento Valley Chapter<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Check out their numerous <a href=\"https:\/\/sacvalleycnps.org\/gardening-resources\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">resources<\/a>, including:<\/strong><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8211;Helpful plant lists&nbsp;<br>&#8211;Local plant sales&nbsp;<br>&#8211;Local nurseries<br>&#8211;Webinar recordings<br>&#8211;And much more<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/cnga.org\/resources\/Documents\/NFY%20Booklets\/CNGAhandbook%202015%20sacramento%20final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">California\u2019s New Front Yard<\/a>: Creating a Low-Water Landscape \u2014 Sacramento County<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"15-faq-about-drought-resistant-landscaping\"><span id=\"faq-about-drought-resistant-landscaping\">FAQ about drought-resistant landscaping<\/span><\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1642182013077\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">1. How long until my plants become established? <br\/><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">It depends. Some say a full year for perennials (<a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umn.edu\/planting-and-growing-guides\/watering-newly-planted-trees-and-shrubs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">trees and shrubs<\/a> take longer), but it depends on the plant and how quickly it will establish roots. If you\u2019re planting in the fall, it will likely need regular watering (rainfall or supplemental) in the fall and spring. Once summer arrives, keep an eye on it. If you see signs of distress, it likely still needs supplemental water. <\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1642182026248\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">2. Are there other benefits of drought-tolerant landscaping? <br\/><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">You\u2019ll not only conserve water resources (and money) when you install water-wise landscaping. Here are a few other perks you may enjoy: <br\/><br\/>&#8212;<span style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\">Less outdoor maintenance<\/span> <br\/>&#8212;<span style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\">More enjoyment from your landscape<\/span> <br\/>&#8212;<span style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\">More aesthetic interest and color (not a cookie-cutter lawn)<\/span> <br\/>&#8212;<span style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\">Customize landscape to complement your home (curb appeal)<\/span> <br\/>&#8212;<span style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\">Low-water landscapes are a selling point for homebuyers<\/span> <br\/>&#8212;<span style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\">Wel-maintained and well-designed landscapes add long-term value\u00a0<\/span> <\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1642182083193\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">3. Are succulents low-water plants? <br\/><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-low-maintenance-outdoor-succulents\/\">Succulents<\/a> are usually considered low-water-use plants and are often used in <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-is-xeriscaping\/\">xeriscaping<\/a> and other low-water landscaping. However, <em>most<\/em> do require watering periodically, more often in the summer, and usually much less or no supplemental irrigation in the winter.\u00a0<br\/><br\/>There are some that, once established, don\u2019t need water just south in Southern California, including some <a href=\"https:\/\/debraleebaldwin.com\/succulent-plants\/no-water-succulents-for-your-garden\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cacti, agave, dasylirion, and yucca<\/a>. Since the Sacramento area is north of there, you may be able to try these to see if they\u2019ll work with zero watering in your area.  <\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>If you\u2019re still hanging on to a part of your lawn, contact one of our <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/california\/sacramento-lawn-care\"><em>Sacramento lawn care pros<\/em><\/a><em> to mow (or <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-is-lawn-spray-painting\/\"><em>paint) the lawn<\/em><\/a><em> and keep it looking lush year-round.<\/em><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Main Photo Credit: Thayne Tuason | <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Penstemon_eriantherus_var._whitedii_6.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wikimedia Commons<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If your water bill has gone off the rails, let us help you get it back on track. You can [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":39,"featured_media":7650,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[174],"tags":[399],"class_list":["post-7645","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-california","tag-lawn-care-sacramento-ca"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/1280px-Penstemon_eriantherus_var._whitedii_6.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Sarah Bahr","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/sarah-bahr\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7645","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/39"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7645"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7645\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7650"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7645"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7645"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7645"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}