Also, try to match high water-use areas with the characteristics of the site, such as shady areas or in soils that retain moisture. In moderate water-use zones, plants are only watered when they show signs of stress. The low water-use zone should comprise as much of the landscape as possible. Many shrubs, herbaceous perennials, and even some annuals grow well in low water-use zones. Dewees Island near Charleston, S.C. has incorporated a number of water conservation techniques into its development.
Care is taken in the construction of new homes to preserve existing trees and plants.
The island's roads and paths use only sand or mulch to allow 100 percent restoration of the island's underground aquifer. The characteristics of the native soil, the type of plants to be grown and the time of year when planting affect soil preparation. Each soil has its own structure and texture, drainage pattern, pH, nutrient content and need for amendments. The best course is to have the physical and chemical characteristics of the soil tested. Many states offer free, or inexpensive soil testing.