Water Wise Landscaping Best Practices for St. Louis Homeowners

From hot, humid summers to periods of drought and heavy spring rainfall, St. Louis landscapes need to be designed with water efficiency in mind. Water wise landscaping helps Missouri homeowners create beautiful, sustainable outdoor spaces that use less water, require less maintenance, and thrive in local growing conditions.

Key Takeaways

• Water wise landscaping reduces water use through strategic landscaping design, plant selection, and efficient irrigation.
• Planting native and drought-tolerant plants and flowers are compatible with Missouri's climate because they require less writing.
• Professional landscapers can help homeowners create appealing and sustainable landscapes that thrive year-round.

What is water wise landscaping?

Water wise landscaping is the practice of designing and maintaining landscapes that use water more efficiently. Sometimes referred to as xeriscaping, and similar to low water landscaping, this approach focuses on selecting water-efficient plants, improving soil conditions, and using irrigation methods that minimize waste.

Rather than relying on large areas of turf grass and frequent watering, water wise landscapes incorporate drought-tolerant plants, native species, efficient drainage, and thoughtful planning to reduce outdoor water use without sacrificing curb appeal.

Additional benefits include:

• Lower water bills
• Reduced maintenance
• Improved biodiversity
• Better stormwater management
• Healthier soils
• Increased support for natural pollinators

Are water wise gardens common in Missouri and St. Louis?

Yes. Water wise landscaping has become increasingly popular throughout the St. Louis region as homeowners look for sustainable ways to manage their landscapes.

Communities such as Chesterfield, Wildwood, Town and Country, and Des Peres often experience periods of summer heat, inconsistent rainfall, and clay-heavy soils that can make efficient water management especially important. Water wise landscapes help address these local conditions while creating attractive outdoor spaces that require less supplemental irrigation.

Many homeowners also take inspiration from the Missouri Botanical Garden, whose rainscaping demonstrations showcase how native plants, rain gardens, and permeable hardscapes can work together to create beautiful, environmentally responsible landscapes.

Tips and Best Practices for St. Louis and Missouri Water Wise Landscaping

Follow these local tips to keep your yard healthy year-round.

Improve Soil Conditions

Healthy soil is the foundation of every water-efficient landscape. Before planting, it's helpful to evaluate your soil through basic soil characterization or testing. Many Missouri landscapes contain dense clay soils that benefit from the addition of compost and organic matter to improve soil water holding capacity and drainage.

Healthier soil allows moisture to penetrate deeper into the root zone, reducing runoff and helping plants remain healthy during dry periods.

Plant Native and Drought-Tolerant Plants and Flowers

Choosing the right plants is one of the easiest ways to reduce outdoor water use.

Missouri and St. Louis native plants have adapted to Missouri's climate and typically require less supplemental irrigation once established. Deep root systems help many native and drought-tolerant plants access moisture below the soil surface, improving resilience during periods of limited rainfall.

Excellent choices for Missouri landscapes include:

• Purple coneflower
• Common milkweed
• Prairie blazing star
• Wild bergamot
• Little bluestem
• Prairie dropseed
• Spicebush
• Serviceberry

Flowering perennial plants, native shrubs, ornamental grasses, and ground covers also support pollinators while adding year-round color and texture.

Reducing weed pressure through proper mulching and plant spacing can further improve water efficiency by reducing competition for moisture.

Implement Rainwater Harvesting and Irrigation Systems

Using water wisely doesn't mean eliminating irrigation; it means applying water where and when it's needed most. Efficient irrigation practices include:

• Drip irrigation
• Irrigation system modification
• Soaker hoses
• Smart irrigation controllers
• Watering during cooler morning hours

Rainwater harvesting can further reduce reliance on municipal water supplies. Rain barrels and cisterns capture runoff from roofs and store it for later use in landscape beds.

Proper irrigation also helps reduce fertilizer runoff while improving moisture penetration into the soil.

Install Permeable Hardscape Elements

Water wise landscaping extends beyond plants. Permeable patios, walkways, and driveways allow rainwater to soak into the ground instead of running across impervious surfaces. These hardscape features help improve drainage while reducing stormwater runoff.

Popular water-efficient hardscape elements include:

• Permeable pavers
• Gravel pathways
• Natural stone patios
• Decorative rock beds

Combining hardscapes with tree canopies and thoughtfully placed planting beds creates attractive outdoor living spaces while supporting sustainable landscapes.

Use Local Resources and Guides for Help

Missouri homeowners have access to excellent local resources for learning about water wise landscaping. Using resources local to St. Louis and Missouri can be especially helpful when considering water wise landscaping best practices. Common resources include:

• The Missouri Botanical Garden's rainscaping resources, which are available online and cover plant selection, soil testing, composting, maintenance, rain harvesting, and even permeable pavers.
• The University of Missouri Extension's Water-Efficient Gardening and Landscaping publication, which provides helpful information on gardening, zoning, plant selection, and soil care.

These organizations provide trusted information specifically tailored to Missouri landscapes, making them excellent starting points before beginning a new project.

Hiring a Professional Landscaper

While many homeowners can complete smaller water wise landscaping projects themselves, larger landscape transformations often benefit from professional planning.

At Poynter Landscape, we help homeowners throughout the St. Louis area create custom landscapes that balance beauty, functionality, and sustainability. Whether you're installing native plantings, updating patios, improving drainage, or redesigning your entire yard, our team can develop a water wise landscape that fits your property and long-term goals.

Ready to create a more sustainable landscape? Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

FAQs

How do I know if I need a water wise garden?

If your landscape requires frequent watering, contains large areas of ornamental turf, experiences drainage problems, or includes plants that struggle during dry weather, a water wise landscape may be a good solution. It can reduce maintenance, lower water bills, and create a healthier outdoor environment.

How can I transition my lawn into a water wise garden?

Start by replacing non-functional turf grass with native plants, drought-tolerant shrubs, flowering perennials, ornamental grasses, ground covers, or permeable outdoor living spaces. Improving soil health and upgrading to a more efficient irrigation system can further reduce water use.

Can I do water wise landscaping on my own?

Many homeowners can install smaller water wise features such as native planting beds, rain barrels, or drip irrigation systems themselves. However, larger projects involving grading, drainage, irrigation design, or complete landscape renovations often benefit from professional planning to ensure long-term success.