THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO A NEW,
WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE
W W W . P L A N T N AT I V . C O M
ABOUT US
Plant Nativ is an experienced and licensed landscape contractor based in San Diego, CA.
Specializing in water conservation, our services include: drought tolerant landscaping, drip
irrigation, gutter installation, rainwater management, greywater systems and artificial turf.
To learn more about Plant Nativ, visit us online:
Plant Nativ Website I Yelp I Facebook
ABOUT THIS GUIDE
This landscaping guide covers the following topics:
1.Benefits of a drought tolerant landscape
2.Financing options
3.Choosing a contractor
4.Plant selection – our top 10 list to get you started
5.Care and maintenance of your new landscape
PLANT NATIV | THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO A NEW, WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE
PAGE 2
BENEFITS OF A DROUGHT TOLERANT LANDSCAPE
Weather in San Diego is close to perfect, according to the U.S. Weather Bureau. Although
San Diego County is massive, with many regional microclimates, residents and businesses
both inland and coastal can reap benefits from installing drought-tolerant landscapes. The
advantages of these landscapes are tremendous and go far beyond water conservation and
turning your brown yard into a flourishing beauty. Here’s a look at some of these perks.
Diverse choice of plants
To obtain a drought-tolerant landscape,
you don’t need to install a cactus garden.
Although succulents are a popular choice
and indeed flourish in desert conditions,
they can be complemented by a variety
of colorful native flowers and attractive
trees and grasses that do equally well.
Any plant, native or not, will need an
establishment period so its systems can
develop. Businesses such as Plant Nativ will work with you to implement irrigation
types such as drip irrigation and stream rotor pop-ups to ensure your landscape stays
lush. Luckily, a diverse range of intriguing plants are native to San Diego and do thrive
here. For example, the extremely drought-tolerant ephedra californica is nicknamed
“desert tea” and has medicinal properties.
Less Need for Pesticide
When you fill your landscape with native
and drought-tolerant plants, trees and
grasses, you expend less water, pesticide
and fertilizer keeping them alive. This is
because these plants have developed
natural defenses to combat pests as well
as weather conditions such as drought. Of
course, using fewer pesticides benefits the
PLANT NATIV | THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO A NEW, WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE
PAGE 3
environment as well, as pesticides have been connected to water pollution and health
hazards such as nerve damage and cancer. You’ll rest easy knowing your landscape is
as safe for people and pets as it is beautiful.
Fire Resistant
A drought-tolerant landscape is extra fire
resistance: many beautiful fire-resistant
plants are also drought-tolerant. Specimens
belonging to both categories include the
yellow iceplant, the California redbud and
the ornamental strawberry. Environmentally
minded landscaping companies can help you
design fire-safe zones and choose the best
fire-resistant plants.
Encourages Local Wildlife
Make your landscape in San Diego droughttolerant, and you help butterflies, bees,
birds, and insects thrive. Native plants and
animals have long-lasting relationships
that are mutually beneficial and promote a
balanced ecosystem. If you choose to import
a nonnative plant, you might also bring in
invasive pests that do not have predators
nearby. Instead try a colorful native flower like hibiscus or lantana -- you might find
your landscape a prized destination for hummingbirds!
Water Conservation
Drought-tolerant plants require less water.
Combine that with smart use of irrigation
systems and devices such as smart sprinklers,
and you could reduce your water bill by as
much as 60 percent. What’s more, you can
now control your landscaping through a phone
PLANT NATIV | THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO A NEW, WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE
PAGE 4
app when you are away from home.
As you can see, the benefits are enormous. When you convert to a drought tolerant
landscape, you save money, conserve water for local agriculture, and reduce pesticides in
water systems. Not to mention, you’re creating a beautiful natural environment customized
to your taste. If you give your landscape the special care it requires during its first year, you
will be in a great position to enjoy your plants for years to come.
FINANCING OPTIONS
In addition to traditional options – such as paying
cash or getting a home equity line of credit from
your local bank, what many homeowners don’t
know is that the may be eligible for clean energy
financing that have very low effective interest rates.
Through what is known as Property-Assessed Clean
Energy Programs (PACE), homeowners can have
their energy efficient renovation projects 100 percent financed, with $0 down.
The PACE Program
The largest obstacle homeowners face when considering energy efficient projects are
upfront costs. Studies show that over two-thirds of homeowners think their home’s
energy efficiency is an important consideration. However, upgrades like a solar
panel system or a drought-resistant front yard can be
prohibitively expensive.
PACE is an innovative energy efficiency funding model
that attempts to solve that problem. Through PACE, local
and state governments grant homeowners bonds, or
loans, to begin significant energy efficiency or renewable
energy projects on their properties. A PACE loan has no
upfront cost, and recipients can spread repayment over
PLANT NATIV | THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO A NEW, WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE
PAGE 5
terms of up to 20 years. Payments are simply added to the homeowner’s property tax.
A unique feature of a PACE loan is that it is tied to the property, not the homeowner.
This removes another drawback associated with traditional loans, as homeowners who
may choose to sell the house would be reluctant to take on such a debt. Instead, a
PACE loan can be transferred to the new homeowner in the event of a sale.
By reducing the hurdles to home improvement financing and streamlining the approval
process — some PACE lenders don’t even check your credit score — the PACE program
is making a noticeable impact, especially in a state like California where energy
efficiency and water conservation are now critical.
Helping Homeowners Across California and the Country
The PACE program used to be more restrictive for residential homeowners, but
beginning in August 2015, the Obama administration began making it more accessible
to single-family homeowners. For the past few years, the total value of PACE-funded
residential projects has skyrocketed, from around $60 million in 2013 to $500 million
in 2014.
This has translated into thousands of jobs in the renewable and energy efficiency
sector, in addition to billions of gallons of water saved and dozens of megawatts of
renewable electricity generated by ordinary homeowners. San Diego, Los Angeles and
a host of southern California counties have led the charge, introducing the largest
number of PACE projects in the state.
California’s drought may have been the spark that ignited a renewed interest in
conservation, but a new, greener way of thinking has taken root among many
homeowners. The true environmental impact of modern society has become more
evident, and from international climate accords like the recent Paris COP21 Agreement
to the thousands of homeowners approved for PACE loans, everyone is doing their part
to go green.
PACE and Drought-Resistant Landscaping
For many homeowners in water-starved California, verdant green lawns have had to
PLANT NATIV | THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO A NEW, WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE
PAGE 6
make way for more economical but equally alluring drought-resistant landscapes. A
quick glance at what is possible with a drought-resistant garden makes clear that they
can, in fact, accentuate your home even more than a regular grass lawn.
Often, less is more, and an inventive arrangement of desert plants such as cactus,
aloe, agave and even guava can add flourishes of color that reinvigorates your
property. Ground cover between these plants can be filled with efficient herbs like
germander or thyme, or even wood bark, which helps retain moisture.
Almost half of all residential water usage in California is spent watering lawns. When
you consider how many gallons of water are used to keep all that grass green, it is
clear that PACE loans for drought-resistant landscaping meet the designated mandate
of improving energy efficiency.
With a PACE-funded drought-resistant garden,
a drip irrigation system using rain water
may be a foolproof way to keep those plants
quenched without ever turning on a tap. And
artificial turf, once the butt of jokes, has
come a long way, looking great and remaining
durable all year round.
The most important step homeowners can take to reduce their water footprint is to
actively reuse rain water and water from household appliances and sinks. Coupled
with a drought-resistant garden that uses only a fraction of the water a typical grass
lawn uses, conserving and reusing water can be a critical component in weathering
the current drought.
Funding for residential energy efficient projects is now easily available to homeowners
across San Diego and California through the PACE program, and we encourage everyone
to look into how it can benefit them. Government at all levels has caught up to the
pressing need to upgrade homes across the country for the 21st century, benefiting
homeowners, the environment and the economy.
PLANT NATIV | THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO A NEW, WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE
PAGE 7
CHOOSING A CONTRACTOR
What do you need to Consider?
In California, any project valued at $500 or more in combined
material costs and labor requires a state contractor license.
Landscapers also need to hold a C-27 Landscaping license and
meet state standards. This is great for you because when you
hire a licensed landscaper, you know that they have passed a
trade exam by the Contractors State License Board and have at
least four years of on-the-job experience.
Your Contractor should be licensed
The Contractor’s license provides proof that he/she has met
certain industry training standards and is allowed to do work
in your area. Hiring an unlicensed Contractor can cost you a
lot of money, because unlicensed Contractor’s cannot pull
necessary permits - which means that when you go to sell
your property you will need to either redo the work to code,
remove the un-permitted structure, or disclose to the buyer
that you had un-permitted work done, most likely requiring you to lower your price.
What projects require a license?
Here are some of the most common landscape projects that require a state license:
• Installing water features and drainage systems
• Drought tolerant landscaping
• Tree trimming
• Deck installation
• Patio construction
Your Contractor should carry two types of insurance
• Liability insurance will protect you in the event the contractor causes damage to your
home (in most cases your homeowner’s policy will NOT cover it).
• Worker’s compensation insurance: what if your contractor or his/her employees
PLANT NATIV | THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO A NEW, WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE
PAGE 8
are injured on the job? Your homeowner’s insurance policy may help cover the cost of
the worker’s claim but you will have to pay the deductible and your rates will likely
increase for the next few years, or even worse, make it difficult for you to secure a
policy in the future.
Your Contractor should be bonded
A bond acts as a guarantee that the person/company you have hired will perform
the work as agreed upon. Ask for proof of the bond and make sure you know what it
covers. Without a bond you have little recourse if something goes wrong.
How to make sure you hire a Licensed Landscape Contract
A great resource for home owners looking to hire a licensed
landscape contractor is the California Landscape Contractors
Association: http://clca.org/consumers/consumers_home.
php#. The CLCA has lots of great resources. You can also check the status of a
contractors license by visting: http://www.cslb.ca.gov/Consumers/
PLANT SELECTION – OUR TOP 10
Plants that are native to California help provide an environment in which local birds, insects
and wildlife can flourish. While you could take in a plant from a similar climate (like
Australia) and watch it thrive, it will not promote a healthy habitat for all native life in the
way a plant from California could. Fortunately, there are plenty of native California plants
that add spice and color to your drought-tolerant yard. Here’s a look at the top 10.
1. California Mountain Lilac
This lilac is always popular because it is versatile and can
thrive in a wide range of conditions. Its flowers bloom
a “showy cobalt,” and it does well in even heavy soils.
Homeowners can pair it with oaks or pines for a wellrounded look.
PLANT NATIV | THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO A NEW, WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE
PAGE 9
2. California Redbud
This plant, not content with the same constant look, puts
on new clothes depending on the time of year. It boasts
pea-shaped purplish-red flowers in the spring, with
leaves that are blue-green and heart-shaped. In the fall,
homeowners are greeted with red or yellow colors. It’s best
to plant this flower where it can get sun exposure.
3. California Buckeye
As Pacific Horticulture magazine explains, the flowers on
this uniquely California tree “shoot out long conical trusses
of lightly fragrant, frilly white, azalea-like flowers” as
they make the transition into summer. The details of each
individual flower are very special and sure to delight.
4. Lupine
Not only is this plant (pictured above) a lovely purple or
light blue, it has one of the longest blooming seasons
around: early fall to late spring. Homeowners whose yards
have dry slopes especially enjoy these plants.
5. California Poppy
California poppies add a vibrant layer of orange-yellow
flower power to any yard. Plant as many as possible in
large yards to get a mesmerizing effect. One word of
caution: these plants self-seed and spread quickly.
6. White Sage
This plant used to be important for Native American
ceremonies. Its flower stalks arch up to 6 feet, and it
boasts white foliage and an elegant structure. It does fine
in heavy soil and is especially friendly to bees.
PLANT NATIV | THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO A NEW, WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE
PAGE 10
7. Flannel Bush
This plant adds a tremendous touch of yellow and orange
to a yard. It requires full sun and does not need any
irrigation once it’s established. It grows very quickly, but
only lives about 10 years. Homeowners can choose from
varieties that include California Glory and Pacific Sunset.
8. California Yarrow
How about a perfumed smell to go with the beautiful
foliage? The California yarrow comes up tops as far as
looks and smell, with its fragrant scent and leaves that
grow up to 6 inches high. Its flowers grow as high as 2 feet
fall. Because different species of yarrows grow all over
North America, homeowners need to double check that
they are getting California yarrows.
9. Matilija Poppy
While all of the plants on this list are drought tolerant, this
one is especially so. Some people find it somewhat difficult
to establish, but once it is firmly in the ground, the rewards
are aplenty. In the spring and summer, homeowners enjoy
flowers that resemble egg yolks or tissue paper with bright
yellow centers.
10. Strawberry Tree
The strawberry tree thrives in dry and wet conditions alike.
Because it’s small, it’s great for patios and outdoor spaces,
and as the tree ages, its trunk twists for an intriguing look.
In the winter, the fruit provides a splash of color for your
yard. Some homeowners prefer to trim this tree down into
a shrub.
PLANT NATIV | THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO A NEW, WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE
PAGE 11
This list of 10 plants is really just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. It’s fun to experiment
with various combinations to see just how much beauty a drought-tolerant yard is capable
of.
Another great resource is the Nifty Fifty Guide. One of the
region’s most popular WaterSmart plant guides, Nifty 50 has
been updated and distributed to local water agencies and
conservation gardens by the San Diego County Water Authority
as part of the agency’s long-running efforts to promote
water-use efficiency. It includes 50 plants selected because
they are attractive, readily available in retail nurseries, non-invasive and easy to maintain.
Highlighted plants typically last for years, fit the scale of residential landscapes and – once
established – tolerate drought. To learn more visit: http://www.watersmartsd.org/content/
nifty-50-plants-watersmart-landscapes
CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF YOUR NEW LANDSCAPE
Below we’ve included some of the most frequent questions we receive from customers and
the answers.
How often do I water or irrigate my drought tolerant plants?
The duration and interval you will need to irrigate your drought tolerant plants vary due
to several factors. You will need to consider the following: plant’s transpiration rate,
regional micro-climate, soil type, existing irrigation type, and the month of the year.
The establishment period is the time it takes for the plant’s roots to grow deep into
the ground and get established. During this time, your plants need additional water in
quantity and frequency. The establishment period can last 12 to 18 months depending
on the season at the time of planting and how quickly the plants take root and grow.
(Please note: your plants are not drought tolerant until they are established).
PLANT NATIV | THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO A NEW, WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE
PAGE 12
Your seasonal micro-climate affects the Evapotranspiration rate (ET). The ET is the
amount of water transpired from the plants and evaporated form the soil. It is the key
factor in determining how much water your plants need throughout the various months
of the year. During the winter months when rainfall is greater and the micro-climate
is cooler, less water will need to be applied. During the summer months when the
micro-climate is warmer and rainfall is less, more water will need to be applied.
It is better to water deeply and less frequently rather than lightly and very often. After
plants are established, water once every other week during the winter months, once
per week during spring and fall, and twice per week during the summer months.
During the establishment period maintenance is dependent on the season.
Maintenance is less frequent as plants mature and after the first winter season
• Summer: 3 times/week
• Spring or Fall: 2 times/week
• Winter: 1/week
How do I know if my drought tolerant plants are getting the right amount of
water?
You do not want the root ball (area directly beneath your plant) to dry out during the
first 2-3 months of the establishment period. Or drowned in water. Drought tolerant
plants prefer moist, not soggy soil.
Standing water or soggy soils can breed diseases and bacteria that harm drought
tolerant plants. To avoid over watering, let the first few inches of soil dry out between
watering. Adjust your irrigation and water schedule as needed to account for the rain
or wetter soil conditions.
Do I need to prune or fertilize my drought tolerant plants?
Plants are spaced at installation to allow for future mature growth that will not
interfere with other adjacent plants or structures. Plants that achieve their full and
PLANT NATIV | THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO A NEW, WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE
PAGE 13
mature width will provide shade, which discourages weed growth. Prune or trim plants
only if an obstruction stops plants from achieving their natural shape, height, and
mature width. Watch out for:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Sidewalks
Roads
Adjacent Buildings
Utility Boxes
Windows
Electrical Equipment
Power Lines
Other reasons for pruning or trimming plants are so that it will germinate and new
Drought Tolerant plants do not typically require the application of artificial fertilizers. It
is strongly recommended that an all purpose fertilizer is only applied as recommended
by a professional who is knowledgeable of your specific plant.
Do I need to add mulch?
Mulch is critical for conserving soil moisture and suppressing weed growth. Upon
installation, a 2” deep layer of composted mulch will be provided to help ensure initial
plant success. It is recommended that you use a composted mulch product that helps
restore essential soil nutrients. When adding mulch, keep mulch layer 3” clear from
the base of any shrub trunk.
What about weeds?
Weeds add competition for water and soil nutrients that may negatively affect the
establishment of your drought tolerant plants. It is important that emerging weeds are
pulled quickly and frequently to prevent their establishment from negative impacts.
While maintaining a 2” deep layer of mulch, it will drastically reduce the presence of
weeds, but minimal weeding will still be required.
PLANT NATIV | THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO A NEW, WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE
PAGE 14
Book an Appointment
With Us Today!
Plant Nativ Website I Yelp I Facebook