By Kelly Weston, Native Landscapes, a printable PDF version is available here.

The seven principles of Xeriscape

6. Turf Alternatives
Traditionally, the landscape of choice has been a carpet of bluegrass turf. Bluegrass is lush and hardy, but in our semi-arid climate it requires a substantial amount of supplemental watering.

One way to reduce watering requirements is to reduce the amount of bluegrass turf in your landscape. Native or low water-use plantings, patios, decks or mulches can beautify your landscape while saving water. Choosing a turf that uses less water also serves the same purpose. Such choices can include buffalograss, blue grama grass, turf-type tall fescue and fine fescues.