How does effective plant selection influence water usage in landscaping?

Effective plant selection significantly influences water usage in landscaping by choosing plants that are well-suited to the local climate and soil conditions, particularly those that are drought-tolerant. Drought-tolerant plants are specifically adapted to survive with minimal water, which directly reduces the overall irrigation needs of a landscape. By incorporating these types of plants into a landscaping design, less supplemental watering is required, promoting water conservation and reducing landscape maintenance efforts.

In contrast, larger plants typically do require more water, and stating that all plants use the same amount of water overlooks the significant variability in water needs across different species. Additionally, claiming that water usage is unrelated to plant selection disregards the fundamental principle that choosing appropriate plants can lead to more sustainable landscaping practices, ultimately benefiting the environment and reducing costs associated with water use.