However, to stay lush, turfgrass in many regions requires irrigation. In a xeriscape, the turfgrass in moderate and low water-use areas is allowed to wilt and turn brown during low rainfall. Turfgrass that is irrigated is restricted to high-use areas, such as near the entrance to the home or a playing surface for a recreational area. Efficient Irrigation Proper irrigation saves water and helps plants establish healthy root systems. The characteristics of the site, type of water-use zone and specific plants determine the irrigation needs.
Some studies show that standard approaches to irrigation wastes over a third of the water.
Don't water sidewalks and other paved areas. Don't over-water certain areas of the landscape. In low-use zones, plants should not be watered once they have become established. In moderate and high water-use zones, outdoor watering can be accomplished either by hand or with a variety of irrigation systems. Hand watering and drip irrigation can use 50 percent less water than sprinklers.