Place modest quantities of turf in areas where it will be used for cooling the environment, for play and recreation. Don't forget the utilitarian need for animals. There is no sense in placing thousands of square feet of turf grass out where no one will use it. Often, less water consumptive landscape materials such as groundcovers or mulches may be utilized in place of thirsty grasses. Of equal importance is the irrigation system design.
Most modern systems are very efficient, utilizing the latest in technology.
Bubblers or drip emitters are placed accordingly for trees and shrubs, allowing for low volume, deep soakings. The design for turf areas should allow for completely separate valves. The irrigation controllers should have independent scheduling for turf areas and those which contain trees and shrubs. In addition to efficient irrigation design, the landscape should make use of some amendments to improve the capacity of the soil to hold water and nutrients. Mulch covers on the soil surface help to reduce erosion, retain moisture and minimize the fluctuation in soil temperature.