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44. WATER WISELY When you live in a drought-prone area, it’s more important to water smartly than it is to water frequently, according to Katie Tamony, chief marketing officer at wholesale
nursery company Monrovia Plants. “When you think about it, a plant’s roots are down at its base. So let’s say you plant a 5-gallon shrub; when you water, you need the water to be getting all
the way down to the bottom of what you just planted,” she says. “For that reason, it makes sense to water more deeply and in short bursts of time — let’s say twice a week — than to water
frequently.” May agrees. “The goal of lawn irrigation is to get water to the root zone — simply watering your lawn may not be deep enough for many landscape plants during times of drought,”
he says. “Installing a soaker hose or a drip irrigation system is a convenient and efficient way to provide water to plants in landscape beds. Dragging a hose to a tree or shrub and letting
water slowly soak in for 20 to 30 minutes once a week is less convenient, but will keep your valuable trees and shrubs from undergoing drought stress.” 45. PROTECT EVERGREENS, TOO Even
evergreen trees and shrubs need water when it’s hot and dry. “The best way to keep these plants healthy is to never let them experience drought stress,” according to May, who says mulch is
key. “Provide 2 to 3 inches of mulch around the base of your plants. This will help reduce water loss from the soil and, in turn, reduce the watering needs of your plants.” 46. GROUP PLANTS
BY WATER NEEDS One especially smart strategy for water-conscious gardeners is hydrozoning, according to Tamony. “Hydrozoning is bundling your plants into areas of your garden based on their
water needs,” she explains. “For instance, if you have hydrangeas, those tend to be more thirsty. If you can put those in one area of your garden along with maybe some perennials and annuals
that also take a little bit more water, that’s going to be more efficient with your water. You might want to put some containers in that area, too, because containers tend to need more
water.” 47. EMBRACE XERISCAPE The king of water-wise landscaping in drought-prone areas is xeriscape, a style of landscaping that’s explicitly designed to require little or no irrigation.
“When it comes to xeriscaping, you’re really trying to lower your water use, and that starts with the design you’re choosing — selecting plants that can tolerate drought and thrive in low
water, making sure you have healthy soil that can hold water but also drain properly, and thinking about the right mix of plants and hardscapes so that you limit your lawn or get rid of it
entirely,” Tamony says. 48. CHOOSE THE RIGHT XERISCAPE TREES AND PLANTS Trees are an especially important ingredient in most xeriscapes, according to Tony McCammon, owner of Bloom
Horticulture in Saint George, Utah, and a member of the Southern Utah Home Builders Association (SUHBA). “The first and most important tip of xeriscaping is: Healthy trees provide healthy
shade, which cools the landscape and allows many natives to thrive,” McCammon says. “So choose your trees carefully. Palo verde, honey mesquite, chaste tree, Wilson olive, African sumac and
desert willow are trees that provide filtered shade, which many other xeriscape plants thrive under.” And many flowering plants and even edibles are perfectly suited to xeriscapes, according
to Tamony. She cites edibles like figs, persimmons, grapes and artichokes, not to mention herbs like rosemary, lavender and sweet bay. For flowering plants, she recommends specimens like
‘Gold Star’ esperanza, kangaroo paw and salvia. Tina Crespo/Stocksy SPROUT A SAFER SPACE 49. USE SLIP- AND TRIP-RESISTANT STONES If you use stepping stones in your landscape, make sure they
feature a thermal, or flamed, surface, Wolfe says. That means the stones have a natural instead of smooth texture, which creates traction when you step on them. You want a contiguous
surface, points out O’Rourke, who is a physician. Uneven cobblestones can be a tripping hazard, she points out, especially for people who use assistive devices such as walkers. 50. LOOK INTO
INSTALLING RAILINGS Railings are an important safety feature if your landscape includes stairs, according to O’Rourke, who says railings can be useful anywhere there is a change in
elevation or texture — along a sloping driveway or a garden path that transitions from concrete to mulch. 51. CREATE HOUSING FOR HOSES Hoses are major tripping hazards in yards and gardens,
says O’Rourke, who recommends retractable hose reels that keep them out of the way when they’re not in use. 52. TAKE A SEAT Working in the yard on a hot day can be exhausting — and
exhaustion can lead to falls. “A lot of people get really tired after ambulating for a short amount of time, especially as they get older. So I like to sprinkle random little spots to sit
around the yard — little garden benches and things around areas of interest in your yard,” Phillips says. 53. PROTECT YOUR PETS If you have pets, keep them in mind, says dog trainer Ali
Smith, founder of Rebarkable in Westminster, Maryland. A fenced yard is important to protect pets from predators. Likewise, you’ll want to avoid planting anything that’s severely toxic, such
as wild onions or garlic. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) maintains a full list of poisonous plants, but not all toxins are created equal. Although
azaleas can be harmful, for example, a dog would have to eat a lot of them to get sick, Smith says. 54. ADD PLACES FOR PETS TO PLAY Designing a pet-friendly yard isn’t just about removing
hazards. It’s also about adding play areas. “When you make your yard stimulating enough for your dog, it means you might not need to take them on walks as often, which is great on days when
you’re not feeling well or when you just can’t get out,” says Smith, who recommends adding dog-safe berry bushe such as blueberries, blackberries and raspberries for foraging; odiferous
plants such as lavender, chamomile and lemongrass for sniffing; forsythia bushes for tunneling; shade trees and shrubbery bushes to create shady areas; and water features for playing. If you
have a dog who likes to dig, creating a designated spot with loose sand or soil can be a good idea if you train them to use it. 55. SUPPORT WILDLIFE You can make your yard as safe for
wildlife as it is for people. The National Wildlife Federation offers a special program for homeowners who want their yard to be designated as a Certified Wildlife Habitat. To qualify, yards
must meet certain criteria such as providing adequate food, water and shelter for birds, butterflies or other critters (a $20 application fee is required). 56. ADD FEATURES FOR FEATHERED
FRIENDS Accommodating birds in your yard is easy, according to Megan Moriarty, communications manager for the National Audubon Society. “Growing native plants will attract birds and provide
food and shelter for them while making your space beautiful,” explains Moriarty, who says the National Audubon Society maintains a native plants database with information on the best plants
for birds in your area. Homeowners can reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides and fertilizers and install bird feeders or birdbaths. “If possible, make sure bird feeders and baths are
near, but not too close to, shrubs or trees that can provide them cover if they feel threatened,” Moriarty says. “To minimize the risk of colliding with windows, bird feeders should be
placed directly on windows or very close to windows, within 3 feet.” Shutterstock PREVENT PESTS 57. MAKE YOUR OWN HERBICIDE … You can control insects and weeds without harmful chemicals by
making your own organic solutions. For weeds, Stark recommends mixing a gallon of vinegar with a cup of table salt and two tablespoons of dishwashing liquid. “Mix it until it dissolves and
spray it to coat the weeds,” she says. “However, you do have to be very careful with this solution, as it will kill anything it comes into contact with, including the plants or flowers
nearby and the grass.” 58. … AND PESTICIDE For insects and fungus, Stark mixes a gallon of water with a tablespoon of cold-pressed, concentrated neem oil (available at garden stores, most
big-box stores and online) and a teaspoon of liquid dish soap. “Wear gloves and apply it in the later afternoon hours only to plants that are a few months old. Younger plants can burn with
this oil,” she says. “Only apply it once a week until you don’t see any more pests.” For soft-bodied insects such as aphids and spider mites, try soapy water before escalating to neem oil,
suggests Thomas, who makes and stores large batches with 2 gallons of water and 2 to 5 tablespoons of castile soap per gallon. 59. MINIMIZE MOSQUITOES Mosquitoes are not only a nuisance,
they can transmit illnesses such as Zika virus. Because mosquitoes are semiaquatic, the best thing you can do to prevent them is to eliminate standing water, explains Emma Grace Crumbley,
an entomologist at pest removal company Mosquito Squad. In mosquito-prone areas, that means avoiding water features, being careful not to overwater plants and lawns, and grading your
landscape to ensure proper drainage. Crumbley says professionals can spray your yard with an aromatic, all-natural mixture of water and essential oils that’s designed to repel mosquitoes.
That process typically costs about $500 for a half-acre lawn, according to Fixr, a home remodeling estimation platform. 60. PRACTICE TICK PREVENTION Ticks can spread illness such as Lyme
disease. To avoid hosting ticks in your yard, long grasses, heavily forested areas and wood piles are verboten. Because they often catch rides on deer, Crumbley says the best way to prevent
ticks is with daffodils, lavender and other flowering plants that deer avoid because of their toxicity to the animal. You can place tick tubes throughout your yard that kill ticks on rodents
without harming the animals. 61. KEEP NUISANCE ANIMALS AT BAY The best thing you can do to deter skunks, raccoons and other nuisance wildlife is to eliminate potential food sources from
your yard, says Brad Woods, district manager, Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, at Trutech Wildlife Service. “If you are growing fruits or vegetables, harvest your crops regularly,” he advises.
“Raccoons and skunks are very adept climbers.… Collecting ripe fruits and vegetables is the best way to keep them from coming around.” If you have bird feeders, clean up spilled seeds
promptly. Firmly secure trash cans and keep pet food inside. “Also, clear any debris piles to limit potential areas for shelter,” continues Woods, who says animal-specific barriers can be
effective. “To keep skunks out, the fence needs to be at least 4 feet high with a 1-foot overhang to prevent climbing. Then the fence needs to be buried at least a foot deep and bent at a
90-degree angle so the critter can’t dig under it.” 62. INVITE NATURAL PREDATORS FOR PESTS Predators are nature’s solution to pests. In his own landscape, Hanson installs owl boxes to
attract birds of prey that are natural deterrents to rodents, including mice, rats and gophers. Crumbley recommends growing native flowering plants that attract spiders, praying mantises and
ladybugs, all of which can help control pests naturally. Although you can purchase beneficial garden insects online, be careful not to trade one pest problem for another, she says. Getty
Images KICK THINGS UP A NOTCH 63. SOAK UP THE SHADE A shade structure can make your yard a comfortable place no matter the time of day or year — even a good old-fashioned patio umbrella can
do the trick. For a decorative accent to walkways or gates or to shade a small seating area or bench, an arbor with an arched top is a classic choice. If you’ve got ample space and budget, a
covered pavilion or gazebo could be an outdoor oasis away from the house. If you’ve got an exposed patio, consider an awning — it can be stationary, manually retractable or even motorized.
And because they’re flexible, functional and affordable, pergolas are also popular. 64. LET THERE BE LIGHT Landscape lighting can make a big impact. You can use garden lights to illuminate
paths, wash lights to brighten fences, uplights to spotlight trees, plants and architectural features, and downlights to light up your lawn. Although you can save on energy and installation
by using solar options, a hardwired system usually casts a stronger glow. “[Lighting] adds a whole 12 more hours to your garden,” Angelov says. 65. COOK UP AN OUTDOOR KITCHEN For home chefs,
an outdoor kitchen is the ultimate upgrade. Depending on your interests and budget, you can add features such as a wet bar or pizza oven. “Keep outdoor dining near outdoor kitchens, and
provide some kind of social space near the kitchen so that the person cooking can still socialize with the group as they cook,” Lenhart suggests. “L-shaped kitchens are great for this, as
you can run bar stools along the outer edge of counter space, allowing friends to have a drink and chat while someone runs the grill.” 66. TAKE THE PLUNGE WITH A POOL If you’re planning a
major landscaping upgrade, it might be the perfect opportunity to install the pool you’ve always wanted. If space and budget aren’t an issue, “the sky’s the limit,” says Shaun Hurley,
director of renovation and construction at America’s Swimming Pool Co. Fun upgrades include deck jets and laminar jets that create arcs of water from the pool deck into the pool, colored
lights, tanning ledges, zero-entry pools that gradually slope from land to water, bubblers that create a fountain-like effect, raised water features, swim-up bars and integrated spas, just
to name a few. If you have limited space and budget, you can still get your swim on, according to Hurley, who says a plunge or lap pool can be as small as 5 feet by 15 feet. Check the law
for your municipality to see whether pools are required to be fenced — and include any associated cost in your budget. 67. GO BOLD WITH BOULDERS You can use large stones and boulders for
form and function, according to Wolfe. You can arrange them in a sculptural fashion so they look almost like art, or you can use them as a property marker instead of a fence. You can even
use them to cover up eyesores, such as an unsightly tree stump or a stubborn patch of lawn where the grass won’t grow. “Because they’re all unique, [boulders are] a great way to make your
property stand out,” Wolfe says. “There’s an eye-catching curb-appeal element to having something like that.” 68. RELAX WITH A WATER FEATURE Water features — anything from a simple plug-in
fountain to elaborate ponds, streams and waterfalls — can bring a touch of zen to your yard. “A lot of times, we add water features near patio areas,” Phillips says. “Other than it being
really charming and relaxing, it drowns out a lot of noise if you don’t want to listen to nearby traffic or to your neighbor’s dog.” 69. TURN UP THE HEAT With cold-weather accessories, your
yard can be as enjoyable in winter as it is in summer. “Incorporating heat sources like firepits or mounted infrared heaters, insulating the ground with outdoor rugs and providing attractive
storage for outdoor blankets all help to create a ready-made infrastructure for cold weather,” Lenhart says. There are several types of firepits, according to Eric Tamminga, founder of
firepit maker Iron Embers. “Wood-burning firepits offer a traditional, rustic feel, while gas-powered firepits offer ease of use and convenience. Propane firepits offer portability and
versatility,” he says, adding that the most important firepit decision is location. “The best place to put a firepit is in an open area, away from flammable structures and materials and
close to a source of water.… Depending on your firepit type, you should check for roots under the burn area, as these can ignite and cause the fire to spread underground. Putting your
firepit over gravel or patio stones is always best.” 70. REIMAGINE YOUR FRONT YARD Front yards traditionally have been all about curb appeal, but homeowners have also turned to their front
yards to maximize their outdoor space. “Our clients continue to request front yard seating areas, firepits, play spaces, veggie gardens and other welcoming, functional design areas,” says
Lenhart. Creating a comfortable and accommodating outdoor space allows you to use the area to host friends and family. Invite your neighbor over for tea, host a garden or pool party, or just
enjoy a simple meal with a friend under the stars. 71. TRY NEW HIGH-TECH HELPERS New technology solutions can help with plant health and make chores easier. Though they cost more than push
mowers — coming in at $600 to over $5,000 — robotic lawn mowers use artificial intelligence and computer vision to distinguish grass from nongrass. Popular brands include Husqvarna, Yarbo,
Gardena, Mammotion, Kress and Worx, to name just a few. Robotic weeders from companies like Tertill and Dandy work much the same way. High-tech weather stations and soil sensors from
companies such as The Connected Shop, Ambient Weather, Ecowitt and Zynect can provide real-time insights on soil moisture, fertilizer, ambient temperature and light intensity, and send
alerts if your plants need attention. They cost $110 to $450. There are even smart watering systems. For example, check out OtO and the Rachio Smart Hose Timer. Starting at $470, the former
is a solar-powered, Wi-Fi-connected sprinkler that intelligently irrigates your lawn based on size, shape and weather conditions. For $100, the latter connects to your garden hose and
smartphone to automate hose-based watering. Getty Images AND FINALLY, ENJOY THE FRESH AIR 72. EXERCISE WITHOUT WORKING OUT Tending to your outdoor space can help improve your health by
increasing your activity level. “The garden and the outdoor environment provide the motivation to get outside and walk around,” O’Rourke says. “When you’re out in your yard, you might be
navigating uneven ground, picking up sticks and pine cones or tending your garden. You might not even realize that you’re exercising, but you’re using your body in so many ways that are
helpful for it.” 73. SAVOR THE FRUITS OF YOUR LABOR We all know the heart-healthy benefits of a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, and research shows that people with access to fresh
produce will eat more of it. Plus, vegetables that ripen in your garden will probably contain more nutrients than grocery-store options. Commercially grown produce often has to be harvested
earlier than peak ripeness for resell and transport purposes, and the nutritional content degrades. But you can pick your produce at its ripest, ensuring peak flavor and nutritional value.
In a home garden, you also control the fertilizers and pesticides used to grow them. 74. BECOME A BIRDER A new yard can be the perfect excuse to learn a new hobby such as birding. “Birds are
found in every neighborhood and habitat, and people of all ages, skill levels and abilities can benefit from spending time bird-watching. Bird-watching and time spent in nature is shown to
have health benefits through relaxation, lowering stress and sharpening mental acuity,” Moriarty says. 75. SIT BACK AND RELAX The best part about planting a garden or designing a landscape
is enjoying it when it’s done, Angelov says. For some people, that means working in the garden and tending it. For others, it could be as simple as sitting quietly and listening to nature.
“For clients who don’t like to work in the garden or can’t physically work in the garden, I [install] a bench or a couple of chairs or a swing so they can sit and enjoy it,” he says. “Those
moments are enhanced with a running water feature or some chimes or a little table where you can set your wine down. Just stopping and enjoying is a huge part of gardening.”