Colemansmith Residence
2628 South Tioga
Las Vegas, NV 89117

The owner had recently purchased the residence on a ½ acre lot that included 6,000 s.f. of old fescue. Water bills in summertime were topping $600.00. The owner has no children or dogs and was willing to eradicate every blade of thirsty sod. Care had to be taken with the maturing Mondel Pines in the front yard. They provide the residence with shade from the scorching afternoon sun due to the western location relative to the house. 30 emitters were provided to each pine in order to deliver the adequate water requirements for such a large tree. Initially there was some needle loss, but the pines bounced back quickly considering the conversion was done in June.

The pines create a shaded garden area behind the front site wall that allow for a more lush plant palette than in the streetscape to the west. This palette includes Gaura, Miscanthus, Salvias, Cycads, Canna Lilies, Daylilies and others. Tioga runs north/south, and with no shade from across the street, the microclimate outside the front entry gate is highly exposed to the Las Vegas valley weather. The plant palette outside the contained front yard consists of Hesperaloes, Cercidium, Agacves, and other specimen that thrive in adverse conditions.

The water bills after the first year of installation have dropped to $150.00 peak in summer. Contrary to the expanse of sod, there is always something in bloom and neighbors have come over to meet the new residents to thank them for the welcome addition to the area.