Tricks & Treats for Your Fall Landscape

Fall is here, and with it comes cooler weather, changing leaves, and-especially here in Southern California-heightened wildfire risk. At Santa Margarita Water District, we want to help you make the most of this season with smart, simple ways to save water and protect your home from fire danger. Our fall landscape tricks will help you avoid waste, while our treats deliver real benefits for you and your property.

1. Trick: Adjust Your Irrigation
As temperatures drop, plants need less water. Lower your watering schedule to avoid waste-your water bill will thank you! Plus, regularly checking for leaks means you're not paying for water that's lost underground.

Treat: Less water during the cooler months helps plants to remain healthy and helps keep you within your monthly water budget.

2. Trick: Embrace Hardscaping
Replace thirsty turf or crowded shrubs with patios, gravel pathways, or stone features to create more defensible space.

Treat: Hardscaping reduces maintenance and water needs, increases your property's value and curb appeal, and creates a safer buffer against wildfire.

3. Trick: Prune for Protection
Trim dead or overgrown branches near your home to minimize fire fuel.

Treat: Healthy, well-pruned plants look better, grow stronger, and reduce your risk of costly fire damage-giving you peace of mind.

4. Trick: Choose Fire-Resistant Plants
Plant drought-tolerant, fire-safe species like succulents and California natives.

Treat: These plants not only save water but also create a lush, attractive landscape that's resilient to fires and local climate challenges.

5. Trick: Mulch Mindfully
Use non-flammable mulches such as gravel or decomposed granite instead of bark.

Treat: Mulch retains soil moisture for healthier plants while acting as a fire barrier-helping protect your home and saving you water and worry.

6. Trick: Clear the Clutter
Remove dry leaves, pine needles, and debris from gutters, roofs, and yards.

Treat: Keeping your property clean reduces fire risk and prevents costly damage, so your home stays safe and your insurance premiums stay lower.

Fall is the perfect season to prepare your yard for the months ahead-saving water, reducing fire risk, and enhancing your home's beauty and value.

Visit smwd.com/Watering for more tips, smwd.com/Rebates for the latest rebate resources information, and smwd.com/Events for free educational classes and events to help you turn these tricks into lasting treats for your home and community.

Make this fall your most rewarding season yet-no tricks, just treats!