If you'd like a low maintenance grass in your yard, and live in the high plains, consider planting Kentucky bluegrass and clover. In the dry southwest, try Bermuda grass; in the Pacific Northwest, try bent grass.
In arid environments, only water at night, water shady parts of your lawn less than sunny parts, and if it does rain heavily, don't water the next day.
If you live in an arid area, consider xeriscaping your yard instead of planting grass. A xeriscape is a low-water yard that might contain shrubs, flowers, rocks, and cacti.
Consider installing an automatic water sprinkler system instead of hand-watering your lawn. Sprinkler systems make watering convenient, as well as making it easier to observe water conservation practices, such as watering only at night.
If you live in an area susceptible to wild fires, clear a 30 feet safety zone between your home and wild vegetation, and make sure tree limbs are trimmed away from your home.
Painting tips
If you are remodeling a historic home, avoid removing original exterior paint. Removing the paint can damage fragile wood and expose you to toxic lead vapors.
Temperature and weather control
If you are building a home in a sunny area, consider adobe. Adobe homes stay warm in winter and cool in summer.
If you live in the Pacific Northwest, you'll find that shingle or wood roofing materials are susceptible to mildew. Metal or cement-tile roofs hold up better in the rain.
Earthquake protection
Adobe homes can be dangerous during an earthquake. To make an adobe home earthquake-ready, reinforce it with steel and concrete, and brace it to the foundation.
Pest control
If you live in the Southwest, and have problems with scorpions, you can find them at night using a strong black light--the scorpions glow.
