Use of Turf
Turf grass or yard grass is often the largest portion of a residential yard. There are many reasons for this. It is usually flexible enough to serve as recreation space. Turf is also a very effective ground cover. It reduces runoff, reduces erosion, and helps retain water in the soil. Turf is also cooling. Turf areas are cooler than asphalt or concrete and also cooler than bare ground.
The major problem with turf is that requires mowing and supplemental water in the form of irrigation to maintain it. By minimizing the amount of turf in the landscape to match the specific needs for recreation or for high-visibility areas, the amount of maintenance and supplemental irrigation can be reduced. Other types of plants use less supplemental water than turf.
Turf
areas should be grouped as much as possible so that water use zones are
maintained. This means that trees and other shrubs, which have
different water requirements, should not be mixed into the turf areas.
Another approach to this issue is to select varieties of turf to match
specific needs. For example, in a high-visibility area a more
decorative turf with high water needs may be used while a backyard
recreation space may be covered with turf that requires less water and
is more durable to withstand the recreational usage.
Turn areas should be practical. They should serve a function. A decorative front lawn area or a recreational play area serve specific needs. They are not just planted as turf to cover the ground. If they are of manageable size you reduce mowing requirements and watering needs.
If you already have an existing lawn, consider reducing these areas and replacing them with low water use planting beds, natural areas, or incorporating hardscape elements into the area with rock, boulders, or pavers. Other alternatives to turf include beds of wildflowers or low growing perennials.
Turf areas should also have a Soil Analysis & Improvement. Proper soil allows the turf to establish deep, strong root systems which mean less watering and higher tolerance to drought.
At this point your design is being implemented. Your water use zones are established and your turf areas are determined. You are not ready to consider the Efficient Irrigation principle to property provide water as needed to your landscape.
Continue exploring the seven principles: