How to get the best of both worlds:

• Replace unused lawn with low-water plants.
  We've established that lawns certainly have a place in your yard, giving you recreational space and even providing environmental benefits compared to harsh rock landscaping. However, if you're only using a small portion of your lawn, replace the parts that aren't serving a purpose with trees, shrubs, and flowers that use less water than turf. Planting trees and other shade-providing plants can help keep the surface of your grassy areas cool, reducing the water needed and making the spaces more comfortable to spend time in.
• Choose grass varieties that are drought tolerant.
  There are more turf grass varieties available than ever. Do some research on which variety provides the best benefits for you. You can also increase the drought tolerance of your chosen grass by cutting it to the ideal length for that variety and ensuring your soil is healthy.
• Install drip irrigation where possible.
  Drip irrigation is one of the most water-efficient methods of keeping your plants hydrated. Drip systems deliver the water directly to the base of each plant, nearly eliminating evaporation between the pipe and the soil. It's an excellent option for vegetable gardens, shrubs, flowers, and even trees.
• Use a smart watering device
  B-hyve uses intelligent, real-time weather data along with your own lawn and garden's unique attributes to determine the exact amount of water your plants need and the best time to water them. From the slope of your lawn to the type of plants in your garden, B-hyve takes everything into account when calculating a watering schedule. This means you get great results while conserving water, too.