After making an effort to conserve water and be environmentally friendly, did you have the unfortunate experience of losing your new drought tolerant, native plants? 

Here are five reasons why your drought tolerant, native plants likely died:

Fact: All Plants Need Some Water

Your plants may be drought tolerant, but unless they are petroleum based (plastic), silk, or preserved, they are still going to need some water.

Fact: All Plants Need More Water When They are First Planted

Established plants require less water than newly installed plants and irrigation systems are often “dialed back” for the established plants to conserve water. Since new plants are often added around the current plants, irrigation cycles for existing plants may not provide enough water for the new plants to establish themselves. Before you increase your irrigation, continue reading as too much water can be a problem as well. 

Fact: Too Much Water Will Kill a Drought Tolerant, Native Plant

Most people tend to overwater, especially when they see a plant wilting. Did you know a plant will also “wilt” when overwatered? The difference is in the leaf: a plant with insufficient water will be crispy while the leaf of a plant with too much water will be moist. Here are some other ways to find out if you are overwatering your plants.

Fact: Not All Native Plants are Meant to be Planted Wherever

As we say in the landscape business, “Right Plant, Right Place.” Before you place a new native plant, find out where the plant is found in nature. Does it like the sun or shade? Does it prefer moist conditions? Salt tolerance is important if you live near the coast or irrigate with reclaimed water (especially with drip irrigation). The soil type makes a difference as some plants like high organic content, which may not exist in your landscape if your topsoil was removed during construction in the last 10 to 15 years.

Fact: Sometimes Plants Die ― Even Drought Tolerant, Native Plants

Sometimes your plants die, but there is usually a  core reason. 

Your newly installed plants can have a higher mortality rate due to transplant shock, which is one reason why companies and nurseries have a warranty on their plants.

Once your new plant is established, Mother Nature takes over. Critters (insects, rodents, dogs, etc.) will suck, chew, or urinate on your plants, resulting in its death. Diseases require very specific conditions and can come and go, but when the micro climate is optimal, a disease can become a major problem. The good news is that only specific species are usually victimized.

Some plants will just die of old age. How many years does a plant live? It depends on the plant. As a general rule, trees live longer than shrubs, which live longer than perennials. Annuals are usually just for show or seasonal agriculture.

Often, a combination of reasons will result in your plant’s death. A primary issue may weaken your plant and cause a chain reaction with one problem leading to another.

Whether you're located in areas where drought has taken its toll or you're just looking to create a more sustainable landscape, replacing turf with less water-intensive alternatives is smart. To help jumpstart your thinking, we've gathered some water-wise options — from easy to more elaborate — for turf conversion projects.

Plant Xeriscape-Friendly Shrubs

Removing turf completely and replacing it with clusters of low-water-use shrubs, such as Abelia, Phormium, Coleonema, Nandina's, and Oleanders, can be an attractive option. Of course, when choosing among these drought-tolerant plants, consider how they'll blend in with your existing landscape and whether the finished look jibes with your long-term vision for your property. You don't want the area to look like an ill-planned patch job, so take the time to think about this.

Extend Existing Shrubbery to Replace Turf

If it works aesthetically with your landscape, you could remove the turf and simply extend surrounding or adjacent shrub beds with similar plantings. The only downside to this alternative is if the shrubbery you're extending isn't water wise. In that case, this might not gain you better water management or a very updated look.

Blend Xeriscape-Friendly Shrubs with Existing Shrubbery

Mixing it up is a smart transitional approach. Go ahead and remove the turf and extend the existing shrubbery while adding in some low water-use shrubs into the mix. This is an appealing option as it updates tired, worn-out shrubbery that has grown woody and scores points for smart water management.

Convert the Space by Adding Hardscape

Finally, one of the smartest moves in terms of water management is to think long-term and incorporate decomposed granite, cobblestone, or some kind of decorative paver or stone, as well as drought-tolerant plantings, into the area you're rehabbing.

Obviously you'll want to consider the surroundings, traffic patterns, and your overall landscape before doing this. But if this move is simpatico with your landscape, it's a water efficient and attractive choice. It's also the costliest, but money spent on this project could be savings gained in terms of water use and increased property value.

Consider Changing to Drip Irrigation

While you’re converting your turf, you might also consider removing overhead spray or rotor sprinklers and replacing them with drip irrigation. Depending on the area you're renovating and the existing configuration for your landscape and irrigation system, this could be challenging. But if your budget allows it and the change will work, the water cost savings could be worth it.

Help Fund Your Project with Rebates

When undertaking turf conversion projects, it pays to check with your local water authority to see if your project qualifies for any of the cash-for-grass rebate programs. Typically these programs require that you replace grass with qualified low water-use plants and xeriscaping. Every rebate program differs, so check in with your local water authority before undertaking any extensive turf replacement work.

The Right Thing for Your Budget and the Planet

Replacing green lawn with low water-use plants and/or hardscaping doesn't have to be an aesthetic sacrifice. As noted above, there are lots of ways to go about it and the results can help to modernize your landscape, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and, done well, increase your property value.