More homeowners say they are upgrading their sprinklers as part of outdoor upgrades this year, according to the 2016 Houzz Landscaping Study.
In fact, 40 percent of homeowners will renovate sprinkler systems as opposed to 29 percent last year.
Rainwater harvesting has also increased as a planned upgrade this year (18 percent vs. 17 percent last year).
Among the one in five renovating homeowners who are adding rainwater harvesting during their outdoor projects, the majority are choosing rain barrels over tanks or cisterns. The majority of homeowners aim to cushion the environmental impact of their gardens, yet many worry about erosion, water bills and groundwater levels.
Rainwater Harvesting Methods
- 78% – Rain barrels
- 14% – Above-ground tank/cistern
- 11% – Below-ground tank/cistern
Planned Uses for Harvested Rainwater
- 91% – Landscape irrigation
- 25% – Release into groundwater
- 15% – Replenish water features
- 11% – Green/living wall irrigation
Top Reasons for Harvesting Rainwater
- 70% Reduce environmental impact of home/garden
- 48% – Reduce runoff, erosion or flooding
- 40% – Reduce water bills
- 27% – Necessity due to limited water availability
- 25% – Recharge groundwater in dry months
- 19% – Preferred to public water for its lowmineral content
- 3% – Other
Source: 2016 Houzz Landscaping Study
