Published: Jan 16, 2017 | 10:51 AM

Happy New Yard

You say you have been thinking about re-landscaping your yard to drought-tolerant plants in order to save water and money? Did you know that January is the best time to begin the process?

Start small by replacing water-guzzling grass at the curbside and driveway strip areas. This is also a good time to convert existing sprinkler spray heads to drip irrigation in these areas.

The next step is to consider replacing the remainder of your front yard grass with water-efficient, climate-appropriate landscaping. If 40 percent of your landscape is drought-friendly, you should be able to stay within your monthly water budget. When your neighbors see what a colorful, drought-tolerant landscape looks like, they may be inspired to follow your example.

Ideas for a drought-friendly landscape:

• Low water-use plants – drought-friendly and/or California native varieties
• Drip irrigation – puts water where it’s needed the most – at the roots of the plants
• Permeable hardscape – lets water percolate on-side, reducing runoff
• Mulch, both organic and inorganic – helps retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth

Check out RightScapeNow.com to help you get started.