The simplest and most economical way to save water is to let the land stay natural and native. Allowing the existing ecosystem to flourish provides the healthiest yard. A new tree takes more water to grow than an old tree with deep roots. If you prefer to re-landscape your yard, use the resources below to find out what kind of non-invasive, drought tolerant vegetation to select and where to plant, ways to save water to help your yard flourish, and how to conserve water.

1. Planning And Design

The first step to a successful Water Wise landscape is to have a plan. Important elements to consider include:

Site Analysis – Soils, Climate, Topography, Drainage, Existing Vegetation, Views, Utilities Landscape Goals & Objectives - Outdoor Activities, Service Needs, Landscape Style

• Books and Field Guides
• How to Plant a Tree - TreeUtah
• Principles of Water Wise Landscaping
• Protector of Urban Pollinators
• Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper
• Tree Browser - Utah State University
• Trout Friendly Landscaping
• Xeriscaping: Creative Landscaping - Colorado State University

2. Soil Analysis

Soils will vary from site to site. Find out if soils are primarily clay, silt, or sand. Determine soil water-holding capacity. Soil analysis may affect irrigation scheduling. Soils may be improved if needed with organic matter to enhance drainage and moisture retention. Check Park City's Soils Ordinance Boundary for additional requirements.

• Graywater System Permitting Information - Summit County
• Greywater Design Manual - San Francisco
• Soil Testing

3. Appropriate Plant Selection & Hydrozoning the Landscape

Use healthy, well adapted plants and zone the landscape by grouping plants together according to their water requirements. It is important to place the right plant in the right place. Avoid planting a high water-use plant next to a low water-use plant. Many beautiful trees, shrubs, perennials, and groundcovers are available for use in a water-wise landscape.

• Native Utah Plant List
• Park City Water Wise Plant List
• Salt Lake Plant List & Hydrozone Schedule
• Water Wise Plant Finder - Colorado Springs Utilities
• Water-Wise Plants for Utah Landscapes
• Water Wise Plant Search - Conservation Garden Park
• Xeriscaping Information - Red Butte Garden
• Xeriscaping: Trees and Shrubs - Colorado State University
• UNPS Native Plant and Seed Sources
• USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

4. Practical Lawn/Turf Areas

Plant turf in areas of manageable sizes and shapes. Limit turf to areas where it provides a functional benefit. Select appropriate turf varieties for your site. Excess turf may be replaced with a variety of other low water-use plants.

• Park City's Landscaping Incentive Program
• Park City Water Impact Fee Refund Request for New Construction
• Park City Water Smart
• Selecting Turf Options - Colorado State University
• Turfgrass Water Conservation Alliance - Qualified Cultivars

5. Efficient Irrigation

Irrigate efficiently – not excessively. Use properly designed systems and apply the right amount of water at the right time. Irrigate turf areas separately from other plantings. Do not rely solely on an automatic irrigation timer. Water efficiently and only when needed.

Areas using Park City water will be restricted to every other day from May 1 to September 30. Outside watering at even-numbered street addresses shall be limited to even-numbered days of the month and outside watering at odd-numbered addresses shall be limited to odd-numbered days of the month. Hours of outside watering shall be restricted to between 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m.

• Center for Water-Efficient Landscaping
• EPA WaterSense Labeled Controllers
• Millcreek Gardens Water Wise Plant Watering Recommendations
• Rainwater Harvesting Information
• Rainwater Harvesting Registration
• Slow the Flow
• Utah Rivers Council RainHarvest
• Utah Division Of Water Resources
• Utah Water Savers
• Water Footprint Calculator

6. Mulching

Use mulches in tree, shrub and perennial borders to conserve soil moisture. Mulch applied at the right depth will reduce weed growth and slow erosion. A gravel mulch works best in the very low and low water-use zones. Organic mulch such as bark will work well in moderate water-use zones.

• Water Wise Landscaping/ Xeriscaping - Colorado State University
• Mulches for Home Grounds - Colorado State University

7. Appropriate Maintenance

Water-wise landscaping will reduce maintenance, not eliminate it. Low water-use landscapes are simply maintained differently than the average lawn. Maintain the landscape by pruning, fertilizing, watering, weeding, mowing, and deadheading properly.

• Noxious Weed List - State of Utah
• Noxious Weed ID - Summit County
• Park City Library Sustainability Resource Center**

**Gardening tools and additional resources are available for landscaping.