Many places in the world are known for being dry at certain times of the year. Here in the United States, there are also places that have been known to be dry at times. Many of the states that are considered part of the American West are prone to drought conditions and flash flooding as well.
During the hot months of the year, it's necessary to water plants to keep them alive, but you may only be able to do so when you are allowed to. In Denver, sprinkler systems may be regulated to certain days of the week or not allowed at all if the conditions get so dry that the water table becomes low.
Plants That Use Less Water
If you live in one of these areas, it makes sense to choose plants that won't require much water to survive. If you choose plants that use a great deal of water, you run the risk of replacing them frequently because they won't survive harsh, dry summers. This can become expensive and both you and your neighbors will get tired of looking at dead plants in your yard.
Hiring a professional company that knows the area and understands the water needs in your area is a great idea. Unless you've got a degree in horticulture, they are likely going to know more about your local plant life than you ever will.
Some plants are capable of storing water inside of themselves and surviving through the months without rainfall just fine. These are succulents that do well in the desert. Cacti and things like aloe vera plants do not have very high water requirements because they store their own water and use it gradually. Other plants aren't capable of storing water for another day and when the water table starts to dry up, their roots won't reach far enough to bring them the life-preserving water that they need.
Many homeowners get crazed by dandelions that persist when their expensive plants are dying. This is because the dandelion has evolved to have a very long taproot that can reach deeply into the ground and bring water up when it needs it. You need to choose plants that are capable of doing this and storing their own water so they need very little watering from you.
When You Can Water
When you are able to water your plants, you should do so with a system that is designed to work on a timer and is very efficiently designed so that it waters only the parts of your yard that need the water and the plants that need it the most.
Timers help to ensure that water isn't wasted. Using mulches or rocks around the base of plants will help to retain moisture longer so that your plants can use the water over the next several hours before it is dried up completely.
Setting your sprinkler system up so that it kicks on in the evening after the heat of the day is also beneficial. Watering plants during the heat of the day is only wasting water and can literally kill the plants by roasting them in the sunshine. Water magnifies the heat of the sun and watering plants in the heat of the day can wither them.
Professional sprinkler installation companies will be able to install the timers and instruct you on how to use them. The can perform maintenance on your system and replace the sprinkler heads if they are damaged. They will position your sprinklers to be exactly where you need them and you won't be watering the things you don't need to. Choosing plants that use less water, combined with the right sprinkler system will help you lower costs while still having better home value in curb appeal.