Scaling back grassy lawns, using native plants and installing drip irrigation can save on water bills and add value to a home

By Carrie Dahle

As spring approaches, many Ashland homeowners are thinking about landscaping. Warmer weather brings renewed energy to refresh outdoor spaces, and sustainability is becoming a top priority for many. My husband and I are currently revamping our front yard to create a more water-efficient and low-maintenance landscape. The goal is to design something beautiful while being practical, conserving resources and requiring less upkeep over time.

Sustainable landscaping is more than just a passing trend — it’s a smart way to work with the natural environment rather than against it. In a climate like ours, where summers can be dry and water conservation is always a concern, making intentional choices about outdoor spaces can have a big impact. One way to start is by incorporating more native plants, which are naturally adapted to the region and require far less water than traditional lawns or high-maintenance greenery. Plants like Oregon grape, lavender and manzanita thrive with minimal irrigation while supporting local pollinators.

Rethinking lawn spaces is another step toward sustainability. Large, grassy yards require significant watering and maintenance, which can be time-consuming and costly. Many homeowners are choosing to scale back on traditional lawns in favor of mulched garden beds, rock features, or ground covers like clover that provide greenery without frequent watering. Reducing its size and switching to drought-tolerant grass varieties can make a difference for those who still want a lawn.

Water use is another key factor in sustainable landscaping. Installing a drip irrigation system ensures that water is delivered directly to plant roots rather than being lost to evaporation. Collecting rainwater for irrigation can further reduce reliance on city water, and grouping plants with similar water needs together allows for more efficient watering. Adding mulch around plants helps retain moisture in the soil, suppress weeds and regulate temperature, all of which contribute to a healthier, lower-maintenance yard.

Beyond the practical benefits, sustainable landscaping is also an investment in property value. Homes with well-designed, eco-friendly outdoor spaces stand out in the market, offering buyers an attractive combination of beauty and efficiency. With Ashland’s real estate market shifting, paying attention to curb appeal and long-term sustainability can make a difference when it’s time to sell.

Currently, the local real estate market is seeing some notable changes. Over the last few months, 48 homes have sold in Ashland, down slightly from 54 sales in the same period last year. However, home prices continue to rise, with the median price now at $567,450 — a 14.1% increase from last year’s $497,500. Homes are also taking longer to sell, with an average of 57 days on the market compared with 41 days last year. Meanwhile, the number of available homes has increased by 7%, with 76 active listings compared to 71 a year ago. These trends suggest that while buyers have more choices, sellers must be strategic in preparing their homes for the market.

For those looking to enhance their landscaping with sustainability in mind, the city of Ashland offers a Water-Wise Landscaping program with plant selection guides, virtual garden tours and rebate opportunities for water-efficient upgrades. The Ashland Garden Club is another great resource, offering seasonal tips and local gardening insights tailored to our region.

As homeowners consider how to improve their properties this spring, focusing on sustainability is not just a responsible choice — it’s a practical one. Thoughtful landscaping can create an outdoor space that’s easier to maintain, more resilient to changing weather, and ultimately more enjoyable for years to come.

Ashland resident Carrie Dahle is president of the Rogue Valley Association of Realtors and principal broker at John L. Scott, Ashland. Email her at carrie@scottlewisgroup.com.