Turf

Lush, green lawn adds a tidy aesthetic to a landscape with the added benefit of being a perfect surface for play and recreation. However, it is often underutilized— and in a semi-arid climate, it’s accompanied by high water and maintenance costs. Approaching turf with an open mind can yield significant benefits to you and your landscape, from increased functional space and cost savings to higher pollinator populations and wildlife habitat.

Limit traditional turf to areas where it both serves a purpose (like a play zone or pet run) and will thrive (like an area with appropriate sun exposure). Consider grass species that perform better in a semi-arid climate, like Buffalo Grass or Blue Grama. These require about a quarter of the water that conventional Kentucky Bluegrass uses. Better yet, consider a turf-alternative, like white clover or a mix of clover, yarrow, and fescue: these alternatives are very drought-tolerant, fix nitrogen in the soil, attract pollinators, and can even be mown to produce a similar tidy, green appearance as traditional lawn.