Green landscapes aren’t necessarily a drain on our water resources; well-adapted turfgrass and plants play a crucial role as tools for water conservation and climate resilience.

As World Water Day approaches on March 22 , we explored what makes green spaces great for water with three experts: Dr. Kelly Kopp, professor and director of the Center for Water Efficient Landscaping at Utah State University; Dr. Lakshmy Gopinath, a turfgrass scientist at ScottsMiracle-Gro; and Debby Dunn, a senior water resources specialist for the San Diego County Water Authority and a master gardener.

Kelly and Debby are members of the Healthy Green Spaces Coalition, an organization dedicated to promoting a world where water is used responsibly and efficiently, and green spaces are valued and understood for their vital role in environmental sustainability. We are one of the founding partners of the coalition.

One message that all of these water-wise women shared? Healthy landscapes do more than just look good – they manage water.

"Densely planted landscapes especially can actually keep stormwater on site, rather than running off into stormwater systems,” notes Kelly.

One key to capturing water? Long roots.

“Long rooted, drought resistant grasses are going to improve water infiltration into the soil and help recharge the groundwater reserves,” says Lakshmy. And during a drought, those same roots will help the grass reach the stored groundwater to survive.

“Any landscape where you've got grass, trees or other plants – it creates a healthy environment with healthy soil. That soil is like a sponge and it can absorb that water,” explains Debby. “If you've got nothing in the soil, you've got dead dirt.”

Kelly highlights the “urban cooling” effect plants can have in the immediate environment. 

“Good soil coverage prevents evaporation of moisture directly from the ground,” says Kelly. “Instead, moisture is released in a process of evapotranspiration, which cools the air around the plants.”

Lakshmy explains that certain drought resistant varieties can help. “They stay greener longer, which allows evapotranspiration to continue later into a dry season,” she says. “This cools down the surface, and that’s going to reduce urban heat island effects.”

All of the women preferred lush landscapes over hardscapes.

“A lush looking grass landscape can use less water than a neighbor with a “drought tolerant” garden,” says Debby. While rock and gravel may seem less maintenance than organic mulch, they often lead to soil compaction and increased heat around the home.

“We need more plants, not fewer,” Kelly insists. The goal is to choose plants adapted to the local climate, rainfall and temperature to build long-term climate resilience.

Get to know the varieties of plants in your landscape, and don't panic if your lawn turns brown during a peak dry spell. Lakshmy explains this is often “dormancy,” a survival mechanism that causes the plant to shut down to protect itself until rain returns.

All the women encourage homeowners to reach out to their local university extension or water municipality, which can provide suggestions for appropriate plants and water calculators.

“Look at your neighbors,” says Debby, “See who has a nice plant-filled landscape. Ask who planted it and who maintains it.”

As a bonus, neighborly connections can spark a great discussion about how to save water and money with a water-wise landscape. Let’s spread the word!