Nebraska weather can be unpredictable. One week may bring heavy rain, while the next brings hot, dry conditions.

A drought-tolerant landscape is designed to handle both.

By choosing the right plants, improving your soil, and watering wisely, you can create a yard that stays healthier during dry weather while helping protect local water resources.

Best of all, drought-tolerant landscaping doesn’t have to mean replacing your yard with rocks or giving up colorful plants. It simply means working with nature instead of against it.

What is drought-tolerant landscaping?

Drought-tolerant landscaping is the practice of designing and maintaining landscapes that need less supplemental water once established.

The goal isn’t to eliminate watering completely. Instead, it’s to help your landscape make better use of natural rainfall.

A drought-tolerant yard often includes:

• • Plants suited to local growing conditions
  • Healthy soil rich in organic matter
  • Mulch to help retain moisture
  • Efficient watering practices
  • Landscapes that allow rainwater to soak into the ground

These features work together to create a yard that is more resilient during both dry spells and heavy rain.

Start with healthy soil

Healthy soil is one of the best tools for conserving water.

Soil enriched with compost and organic matter acts like a sponge, holding moisture longer while allowing rainwater to soak into the ground.

Healthy soil can help:

• • Reduce runoff
  • Improve drainage
  • Support stronger root systems
  • Reduce the need for frequent watering

Improving your soil is often one of the simplest and most effective ways to make your landscape more drought tolerant.

Choose the right plants

Plants that are well suited to Nebraska’s climate generally require less water once they become established.

Native plants are often a great choice because they have adapted to local weather conditions and support pollinators and wildlife.

A sunny, dry area of your yard may thrive with drought-tolerant plants, while a low spot that stays wet might be a better location for a rain garden.

Grouping plants with similar water needs can also make irrigation more efficient.

Water deeply, not frequently

Frequent, shallow watering encourages shallow roots.

Instead, water deeply and less often to encourage roots to grow farther into the soil, where moisture remains available longer.

Early morning is usually the best time to water because less moisture is lost to evaporation.

Use mulch to retain moisture

A layer of mulch helps keep soil cooler and slows evaporation.

Mulch also reduces erosion, suppresses weeds, and helps protect the soil surface from heavy rainfall.

Organic mulches gradually break down over time, adding organic matter back into the soil.

Reduce areas that need constant watering

Not every part of your yard needs to be traditional turfgrass.

Consider replacing difficult-to-maintain areas with:

• • Native plants
  • Rain gardens
  • Groundcovers
  • Shrubs
  • Pollinator gardens

Even small changes can reduce water use while adding color and habitat to your landscape.

Every yard is different

A drought-tolerant landscape doesn’t have to happen all at once.

Many homeowners begin by improving one garden bed, planting a few native species, or adding compost to their soil.

Over time, these small changes create a landscape that requires less maintenance, uses water more efficiently, and is better prepared for changing weather conditions.

Healthy landscapes protect water

A landscape that holds water where it falls benefits more than just your yard.

Healthy soil, deep-rooted plants, and thoughtful landscaping help reduce runoff, filter pollutants, and allow more rainwater to soak into the ground.

These simple practices help protect Nebraska’s streams, rivers, lakes, and groundwater while creating attractive landscapes that can thrive through changing seasons.

From improving soil to capturing rainfall, every yard can play a role in protecting water quality. Visit Healthy Lawns, Healthy Waterways to discover simple practices for creating a healthier, more water-friendly landscape.