Smarter Landscaping. Thriving Landscapes. Picturesque Spaces.
Spring is coming – and so is planting season. So as plants go in, irrigation systems start up, and plants take root, this is your chance to shape a resilient Water Wise space. Why does this matter? Because our water supply depends on it. Choosing plants, upgrading irrigation systems, and rethinking water-intensive lawns will set the tone for the entire growing season.
What Drives Our Water Supply?
Our water supply is influenced by a variety of interdependent factors, shaped by the snowpack, seasonal weather, the land, and how we use it. In Big Sky, melting snowpack fills our rivers and groundwater, meaning we have a finite supply. Understanding these factors can help us make smarter landscaping choices and decrease unnecessary water use to protect our resources and create thriving landscapes.
- Climate Variability: Climate fluctuations such as temperature and precipitation influence rain and snowfall, which in turn contribute to the health of our water sources.
- Seasonal Snowpack: Snowpack is essential to Big Sky’s water supply. When snow melts, it fuels our rivers, lakes, and groundwater during the summer months. But while we had a great snowpack this year, that doesn’t mean we are fully out of the woods in terms of drought.
- Geographical Features: Mountains, valleys, and rivers directly influence how water flows and is stored. How these features interact with the current climate can increase or limit our water supply.
- Population Growth: More people means a higher demand for water. With residential and commercial developments going up to meet the parallel demand for housing, additional pressure is being put on our local water supply.
- Landscape Demand: Landscapes are a major consumer of water. Depending on the type of vegetation and irrigation techniques, the amount of water required varies greatly and impacts water availability.
Design Tips for Waterwise Landscapes
Water wise landscapes save water and support the delicate balance of our mountain environment. The choices you make in your landscape have a real impact on Big Sky’s water supply. By integrating these tips, you can create an efficient, low-maintenance, and environmentally responsible outdoor space to enjoy all year long.
- Minimize lawn areas – Lawns are incredibly water-intensive. Replace high-maintenance lawns with native, drought-tolerant plants.
- Add hardscape and inorganic mulch – Patios, walkways, gravel, and inorganic mulch (like pea gravel or decomposed granite) help retain moisture, reduce watering needs, and lower maintenance.
- Group plants by water needs – Create hydrozones by grouping plants with similar water requirements for efficient irrigation and healthier plants.
- Choose natives – Native species have adaptations that allow them to thrive in this climate. They are hardy, low-maintenance, and support our local ecosystem.
- Upgrade your irrigation – Use drip systems or smart controllers to automate your water schedule and deliver water where and when it’s needed to cut waste and save you time.
Alpenscapes Landscaping Guidelines
Have you used our Alpenscapes guidelines yet? Our team developed this essential resource to help residents, property owners, homeowners associations, and developers create landscapes that support Big Sky’s environmental needs and climate challenges. This guide gives you actionable steps to design fire-resistant, water-wise, and native-friendly outdoor spaces.
See if your homeowners association has incorporated these practices and use them to advocate for positive change in your community.
Did you miss out on scheduling your free site visit? You still have time! Book your complimentary site visit for the spring. Our team will evaluate your space and provide expert recommendations to keep your property fire-safe, water-wise, native-friendly, and aligned with Big Sky’s ecosystem.
Follow Alpenscapes on Facebook and Instagram for the latest projects, tips, and community stories. Share your Alpenscapes journey with us by tagging #Alpenscapes in your posts.
We value your feedback. Email us at info@alpenscapes.org or visit www.alpenscapes.org if you have questions, need more information, or want to schedule your free consultation.
