What is a commonly recommended strategy for water-efficient landscaping?

Utilizing drip irrigation is a widely recommended strategy for water-efficient landscaping due to its targeted and efficient delivery of water directly to the plant roots. This method minimizes water wastage by reducing evaporation and runoff, which commonly occur with traditional sprinkler systems. Drip irrigation systems can be designed to provide precise amounts of water based on the specific needs of different plants, thus optimizing water usage throughout the landscape.

In contrast, using grass for all areas can lead to excessive water consumption, especially if the grass type is not well-suited to the local climate. Implementing artificial turf may seem water-efficient in terms of eliminating irrigation needs, but it does not support local plant ecosystems and can create issues related to heat absorption. Constructing water features, while aesthetically pleasing, often requires significant water resources to maintain, which may not align with water efficiency goals. Therefore, drip irrigation stands out as the most effective and sustainable option for promoting water conservation in landscaping.