Hydrozoning is a landscape practice that groups plants with similar water requirements together in an effort to conserve water. For example, drought tolerant plants such as sages or cactus would not be planted in a bluegrass lawn, but would be separated, since bluegrass has a higher water requirement. Hydrozoning also seeks to take advantage of microclimates. Plants that tolerate more heat and wind might be planted near the street, while more sensitive plants might be planted in shade, under roof overhangs, or in fenced areas.

Hydrozoning can also refer to a design practice in irrigation in an effort to improve watering efficiency. The system is designed so that plants with similar requirements are watered together and treated differently from plants with different requirements. For example, one group of plants may need watering for 20 minutes, while another group of plants may need only 10 minutes.

See also: xeriscape