Learn How to Save Money, Conserve Water and Beautify Your Yard

Nearly 30% of Prescott’s annual groundwater pumping is used for residential landscapes, a significant draw on declining aquifers that can be greatly reduced by using drought-tolerant plants and rainwater harvesting.

Jeff Schalau,  Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources and County Extension Director for the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension in Yavapai County, presented examples of native tree and shrub species that require little or no irrigation once established and explained how to plant, irrigate and tend to new plants to best ensure their successful growth. He also talked about how native landscapes can serve as suitable habitats for native wildlife beneficial to the ecosystem. 

Josh Crothers, owner of Prescott Landscape Professionals, provided homeowners with information about landscape design that uses rainwater for irrigation and discussed onsite storage methods for captured water. Mr. Crothers also talked about the practices and construction methods for rainwater harvesting and answered questions about how homeowners can install rainwater harvesting systems themselves or hire a professional.  Get information on the City of Prescott’s water rebate program for rainwater harvesting at www.prescott-az.gov/water-sewer/water-conservation/rebate-program. For the Prescott area, landscaping can account for half of summer water usage, much of which is lost to evaporation and not available for recharge or reuse.