Jack Karin

How much water can a yard use?
A: They can use quite a bit. Outdoor water use accounts for as much as fifty percent of a households summertime water use. In California, that’s almost two hundred gallons daily.

Why not get rid of all the high-water using plants?
A: Not all plants are plants are equal. Trees, for instance, are frequently high water-use components of a landscape. It is important to balance the water savings potential with the cost to residents and the environment.

Why worry about water efficient landscapes if I don’t live in the West?
A: Drought conditions affect roughly 20% of the entire United States every year. Beyond drought preparedness, water efficient landscapes serve as sponges during high precipitation events, reducing runoff and improving post-storm water quality.

What is the right amount of grass in a landscape?
A: The right amount of grass varies by use and location. Instead, focus on optimizing the area for water efficiency through design, plant selection, and maintenance practices. These universal principles increase the water efficiency of any landscape regardless of composition.

What is non-functional turf?
A: This is a bit of a misnomer. Non-functional turf is the term describing turfgrass not intended for direct interaction. Living landscapes, including grassy patches, function to increase livability and moderate some impacts of urbanization.

What is the best way to get a water efficient landscape on a budget?
A: An irrigation audit is a great first step. Fixing leaks, breaks and damaged or misaligned heads can provide instant water-savings.