Landscape Planning Division
Well-designed landscapes add value to your property, your project and to the community. Great outdoor spaces encourage people to interact, walk or just enjoy the benefits of being outdoors. Landscaping especially large trees contribute to energy efficiency, moderate climate, improve air quality, reduce stormwater runoff and create habitat for wildlife. Air conditioning and heating costs are lower in homes shaded by trees or when a home has a windbreak. Property values of landscaped homes are generally 5-20% higher than non-landscaped homes. Investing in quality landscape provides many aesthetic benefits to the property owner as well as the community.
For information regarding the landscape standards and design guidelines, please contact:
Planning Department
303 East "B" Street
Ontario, CA 91764
Phone: (909) 395-2036
Email: PlanningCounter@ontarioca.gov
Here are a few steps to saving water and a Water Wise Landscape Plan to get you started.
- Select ‘water wise’ plants adapted to our dry climate. This reduces the amount of water required and ensures long term survival in the harshest dry seasons.
- Plant trees on the south and west sides of your home to shade and cool your house and driveway and reduce air conditioning use and electricity costs.
- Reduce the lawn area. Lawns use the most water and reducing the lawn area or using a lawn substitute you will give your home a new look and avoid the maintenance of mowing, edging and fertilizing.
- Use water efficient irrigation systems. Less wasteful drip irrigation or rotary spray heads use less water and less waste by putting the water right to the root zone instead of running off into the street or sidewalk or to be picked up by the wind.
- Change your watering habits: Plants require more water when first planted in order to grow and spread their roots. After the first few seasons, you can reduce watering as the plants become established.
- Add mulch: Place a 2-3” layer of shredded bark mulch between plants to shade the soil and slow down evaporation. Wood mulch also nourishes the soil and feeds the plants.