A healthy yard does more than improve the appearance of a home. The way you care for your yard affects how rainwater moves across your property, how much water soaks into the soil, and what eventually reaches nearby streams, rivers, lakes, and groundwater.

Healthy soil, efficient irrigation, thoughtful plant choices, and responsible lawn care practices can help reduce runoff, conserve water, and create landscapes that are better prepared for Nebraska’s changing weather conditions.

Creating a water-friendly yard does not mean having a perfect lawn. It means working with nature to help water soak into the ground, support healthy plants, and protect Nebraska’s water resources. Small choices in how you care for soil, water, plants, and rainfall can make a difference over time.

This guide brings together practical ideas for building healthier soil, choosing water-wise plants, managing runoff, and solving common drainage problems—all while protecting Nebraska’s water resources.

Healthy soil is the foundation of a healthy landscape.

Soil that can absorb and hold water helps reduce runoff, supports stronger plant roots, and allows plants to better withstand dry periods. Improving soil health is one of the most effective ways homeowners can help rainfall soak into the ground.

Simple practices such as adding organic matter, reducing compaction, and supporting healthy plant growth can improve soil over time.

A healthy landscape does not require more water—it requires water used more effectively.

Watering at the right time, maintaining irrigation systems, and adjusting watering practices based on weather conditions can help conserve water while keeping landscapes healthy.

Small changes, such as fixing leaks, preventing overspray, and watering deeply instead of frequently, can reduce water waste and unnecessary runoff.

The plants around your home influence how much water your landscape needs and how well it manages rainfall.

Native plants, trees, shrubs, and drought-tolerant landscapes can provide beauty while supporting healthier soils, reducing water needs, and helping rain soak into the ground.

Choosing plants that fit Nebraska’s climate can create landscapes that are both attractive and resilient.

Rainfall is a resource.

When rain falls on rooftops, driveways, sidewalks, and other hard surfaces, it can quickly become runoff. Practices that capture and slow rainfall help keep water where it belongs and reduce the amount of runoff reaching streets and storm drains.

Rain gardens, rain barrels, and other stormwater practices can help homeowners manage rainfall while creating functional and attractive outdoor spaces.

Every yard is connected to the larger watershed.

When homeowners improve soil, use water wisely, choose plants thoughtfully, and manage rainfall where it lands, those small actions add up. Together, they help conserve water, reduce runoff, and protect Nebraska’s streams, rivers, and lakes.

A healthier yard helps create healthier waterways.

Our Water. Our Responsibility.

Continue Exploring

Stormwater management is connected. Explore another guide to learn about seasonal maintenance, pollution prevention, or to go back to the basics.