Plan and design: First, you’ll want to come up with a plan and design. You’ll want to identify sunny/dry areas in your landscape, then decide whether to remove the lawn completely or partially.

When planning your new landscape design, consider arranging your garden to be more efficient with water use. You can create a hydrozone, which is a grouping of plants with similar water needs. By grouping plants with similar water needs together, you can avoid overwatering.

Remove turf: There are several ways to remove turf.

• Sod cutting: Sod cutting requires you to remove the top layer of grass. It’s physically and labor-intensive.
• Sheet mulching: This method is often considered the best practice because it is less labor-intensive than sod cutting. Sheet mulching involves covering the grass with cardboard, then adding 4-6 inches of compost/mulch. Then, allow it to decompose over a 2–3-month period.

Improve the soil: With turf removed, amend the existing soil with organic compost. By doing this, you’ll improve the structure and moisture retention.

Convert the irrigation system: When you remove your lawn, you won’t need your overhead sprinklers. So, with that said, replace the overhead sprinkler system with a drip irrigation system or bubblers. Drip and bubble systems deliver water directly to the root zones.

Select plants: Part of your planning should include choosing drought-tolerant plants. Fortunately, San Diego County has no shortage of beautiful, native, drought-tolerant plants. From succulents to lavender and ornamental grasses, we have many options that are well-adapted to our local climate.

Mulching: Applying a 2–3-inch layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips, can suppress weeds and help the soil retain moisture. You can also lay gravel/rock.