The primary goal of installing a water-wise landscape is to reduce the need for supplemental irrigation while still maintaining a healthy and attractive landscape. The water needs of the landscape are determined by the local climate, plant type, the time of year, and the desired quality of the landscape. In many areas of North America, a well-designed water-wise landscape can thrive with little or no irrigation water once it has been established.

Good irrigation design and scheduling are essential for maximum water efficiency. Irrigation design consists of the type of sprinkler system (manual or automatic) and the layout of the sprinkler system. A properly designed and well-managed system will apply water only when it is needed and only the amount necessary to replenish the soil moisture that has been lost due to evaporation from the soil and transpiration from the plants.