While water conservation is critical, that doesn't mean your lawn has to suffer. With these few smart adjustments, you can maintain a healthy yard while using water more responsibly.
Utah homeowners know that a beautiful lawn is something to take pride in—but during drought conditions, keeping your yard healthy can feel like a challenge.
In May, Governor Spencer Cox (opens in new tab)issued a statewide drought emergency and urged Utahns to conserve water as the state faces one of its driest years on record. While water conservation is critical, that doesn't mean your lawn has to suffer. With a few smart adjustments, you can maintain a healthy yard while using water more responsibly.
Here are five simple ways to keep your lawn looking its best during a Stage 2 drought in Utah.
1. Water Deeply, Not Daily
Many homeowners make the mistake of watering lightly every day. Instead, water less frequently but for longer periods.
Deep watering encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil, making your lawn more drought-resistant and less dependent on frequent irrigation. Early morning watering is best, as it minimizes evaporation and allows moisture to soak into the ground.
2. Raise Your Mower Blade
A slightly taller lawn is a healthier lawn during hot summer months.
Keeping your grass around 3–4 inches tall helps shade the soil, reduce water loss, and protect roots from Utah's intense summer heat. Avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass height at a time to reduce stress on the lawn.
3. Check Your Irrigation System
A leaking sprinkler head or misaligned spray pattern can waste hundreds of gallons of water over time.
Walk your yard regularly and look for overspray onto sidewalks, driveways, or streets. Small repairs can significantly improve efficiency and help you stay within local watering guidelines.
4. Feed Your Lawn Carefully
A drought-stressed lawn doesn't need excessive fertilizer.
Instead, focus on maintaining healthy soil and apply fertilizer only as recommended for your grass type. Too much fertilizer can actually increase water demands and place additional stress on your lawn during hot weather.
5. Embrace Water-Wise Landscaping
You don't have to remove your lawn to conserve water.
Consider adding drought-tolerant plants, decorative rock, mulch beds, or native Utah landscaping around the perimeter of your yard. These additions reduce overall water use while creating visual interest and curb appeal.
A Beautiful Yard Starts with Smart Planning
The good news is that maintaining a healthy lawn during drought conditions is possible. Small changes in watering habits, mowing practices, and landscaping choices can make a big difference while helping conserve one of Utah's most valuable resources.
At UpDwell Homes, we're always looking for ways to build smarter and live more sustainably. From our GreenLean™ building process, which focuses on reducing waste and improving efficiency (opens in new tab), to thoughtfully designed homes that help homeowners conserve energy and resources, environmental responsibility is part of our approach. We believe that sustainability doesn't have to come at the expense of comfort. Whether it's building high-performance homes or encouraging water-wise landscaping practices that work well in Utah's climate, we're committed to helping homeowners enjoy a beautiful home while making responsible choices for the future.
With a little planning today, you can enjoy a greener lawn, lower water bills, and a yard that's ready for whatever Utah's weather brings next.
Key Takeaway
Whether you're building your first home or upgrading to a forever home, choosing a builder with a proven track record of quality, transparency, and energy efficiency makes all the difference. UpDwell Homes has helped hundreds of Utah families find their perfect home — and we'd love to help you too.
