UTAH'S DROUGHT

Lawn, Garden Secrets To Withstand Drought

Jun 22, 2021, 2:59 PM

Lawn - watering - irrigation - How Water Conservation...

Photo: Adobe Stock

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Many people were immediately concerned about water restrictions and how their yard and garden could survive these searing temperatures during a relentless drought.

Maybe it doesn’t have to be that way. 

“The most important thing to understand is we don’t want your yard to die either,” said Sheriden Hansen, an assistant professor of Horticulture at Utah State University Extension. “We want your yard to be healthy.” 

Hansen said the goal during drought is survival. “We want your yard to basically weather the storm. So, understanding that we can reduce water but still keep our plants alive. They may not be thriving but they are going to be alive and they are going to make it through.” 

She said there are several plants you can add to your landscaping to bring it to life without all the water. 

Drought-resistant trees include crabapple, zelkova, hackberry, and junipers as well as shrubs like Oregon grapes, sumacs, and mock oranges. 

Water-wise perennials like catmints, asters, and Russian sage also help the bee population. 

Hansen added that it’s natural for grass to brown in the heat of summer and it doesn’t mean the lawn won’t come back. 

There are ways we can water more efficiently like doing it at night or in the early morning as opposed to during the heat of the day when more of the water will evaporate. Another strategy is watering longer twice a week instead of watering for a shorter amount of time four times a week. 

“They’re going to be able to access that water with deeper roots,” she said. “It also helps to create healthier plants. So, plants that have deep roots will weather the heat much better than plants that don’t.” 

Petunias and other flashy flowers that come and go every year are annuals that are not water efficient. 

Hansen said you can still have them but it might be better to put them in a container instead of all around the exterior of your house. 

KSL 5 TV Live

Utah's Drought

The Glen Canyon Dam holds back the waters of Lake Powell in Page, Arizona, on July 18, 2022. Lake P...

Carter Williams, KSL.com

Here’s how much Lake Powell is expected to rise this year

Lake Powell is expected to receive a decent bump in the coming months, but experts say it still has a "long way to go" after years of drought.

8 days ago

Jordanelle Reservoir. 12/19/2033 (Michael Jefferson)...

Eliza Pace

Utah’s water conditions, including snowpack, look ‘optimistic,’ experts say

Storms from January have increased snowpack levels and Utah's water supply shows signs of "resilience and abundance."

1 month ago

Utah Lake water release...

Alex Cabrero

Utah Lake release sends 300 million gallons of water a day into the Great Salt Lake

The Utah Lake control gates in Saratoga Springs opened Thursday morning to release water into the Great Salt Lake.

2 months ago

The snow northern Utah finally got the past few weeks put us in a comfortable spot, according to th...

Alex Cabrero

Snowpack totals are in a ‘comfortable spot’ for northern Utah

Northern Utah's snowpack is in a good spot, but state water officials are worried about southern part of the state.

2 months ago

Brock Peery and his daughter Berkley, 6, walk back to their car during a snowstorm in Salt Lake Cit...

Carter Williams, KSL.com

Utah research may change everything we know about snowfall

A new study led by University of Utah researchers offers new insight into how and why snowflakes fall the way they do.

3 months ago

During a possible drought in Southwest Utah, Washington County Water Conservatory said its infrastr...

Alex Cabrero

Washington County: Infrastructure will remedy possible drought in southwest Utah

During a possible drought in southwest Utah, Washington County Water Conservatory said its infrastructure ensures drinking water is safe, but conservation should still always be part of life in the desert.

3 months ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Lawn, Garden Secrets To Withstand Drought