Maintain a drought-tolerant landscape by checking plants and irrigation, responding to weather, and keeping weeds and drainage problems under control. This page covers ongoing care. For plant layout and irrigation-zone planning, see our landscape-design principles guide.
Inspect Before Changing the Watering
Check root-zone moisture, plant condition, and the irrigation system. Wilt or discoloration can have causes other than dryness. Distinguish new transplants from established plants and adjust water accordingly. Follow local restrictions and avoid a single schedule for every planting.
Check the Irrigation System
Look for leaks, blocked emitters, misdirected spray, and water running onto paving. Adjust controls for rainfall and seasonal demand. A timer can still overwater; check that its settings match current conditions rather than treating automation as proof of efficiency.
Maintain Mulch and Remove Weeds
Replenish an appropriate mulch when needed without burying plant crowns or piling material against trunks. Remove weeds before they seed, taking care around shallow roots. Check local fire guidance when choosing and positioning combustible mulch near buildings.
Prune and Feed Selectively
Pruning requirements differ by species and flowering habit. Remove damaged material with suitable clean tools, but avoid universal cutback dates. Obtain qualified help for hazardous branches or work beyond your equipment and experience.
Use soil tests and plant-specific guidance for fertilizer or amendments. More fertilizer does not automatically improve drought resilience. Some dry-adapted plants perform poorly in overly rich or persistently wet soil.
Identify Pests Before Treating
Inspect affected plants and distinguish insects, disease, and environmental stress. Do not rely on companion flowers to prevent every pest problem. Use targeted management when needed; a natural product is not automatically harmless. Follow any pesticide label, including restrictions around people, pets, and waterways.
Keep a Seasonal Record
Note planting dates, irrigation changes, repairs, and recurring problems. Check after extreme weather, and compare water use over similar periods. Avoid major landscape redesign as a routine maintenance response until you understand the cause of a problem.
EPA WaterSense provides background on climate-appropriate plants, irrigation, and maintaining water-wise landscapes.
