As drought conditions, water restrictions, and sustainable landscaping standards grow more common, the demand for water-saving landscaping materials is rising fast. Contractors, developers, and even municipalities are increasingly focused on reducing irrigation needs, preserving resources, and complying with local ordinances.
For distributors in the landscaping and building materials sector, this is a chance to lead. By promoting water-efficient solutions — and backing them with the right education, bundling strategies, and ERP-powered insights — you not only support greener construction but also drive smarter business.
Here’s how to effectively promote water-saving materials as part of your distribution strategy.
🌿 WHY WATER-SAVING LANDSCAPING MATERIALS MATTER NOW
Climate change and recurring droughts are forcing water-use limits across North America
Codes and standards (like CALGreen, LEED, or EPA’s WaterSense) are pushing for better water conservation practices
Builders and property owners want to reduce operating costs without sacrificing curb appeal
Public projects and green developments require sustainable material sourcing — often with proof
Distributors who offer both the products and the guidance to implement them are seen as valuable partners — not just suppliers.
💧 WHAT COUNTS AS A WATER-SAVING MATERIAL?
Your inventory may already include water-saving products — the key is labeling, education, and promotion. These include:
✅ Hardscape Products:
Permeable pavers: Reduce runoff and allow for natural water infiltration
Gravel, mulch, and stone: Replace turf and reduce evaporation
Porous concrete and resin-bound aggregate systems
✅ Irrigation-Efficient Components:
Drip irrigation systems
Smart controllers and weather-based sensors
Water pressure regulators
✅ Native and Xeriscape Plant Materials:
Drought-resistant species
Compost and soil amendments that reduce watering needs
📋 Tip: Use your ERP system to tag these products with attributes like “WaterSense compatible,” “Xeriscape-friendly,” or “Permeable.”
🧠 BEST PRACTICES TO PROMOTE WATER-SAVING MATERIALS
✅ 1. EDUCATE YOUR TEAM FIRST
Before your team can sell it, they need to understand it.
Train your counter and field reps on benefits (savings, compliance, aesthetics)
Provide product comparison guides
Add cheat sheets inside ERP product records for quick lookups
🧠 Pro tip: Include questions like “Are you working in a drought-restricted zone?” in your sales script.
✅ 2. CREATE READY-TO-QUOTE KITS AND BUNDLES
Make it easy for contractors to choose efficient solutions:
“Xeriscape Starter Kit”: native plants + mulch + compost
“Permeable Paver System”: sub-base + geotextile + pavers
“Smart Irrigation Kit”: controller + emitters + sensor
📦 Set these up as ERP bundles or preconfigured quotes — great for upsells and takeoffs.
✅ 3. PROMOTE CASE STUDIES AND SAVINGS DATA
Contractors and commercial landscapers respond to numbers:
“Save up to 60% on water bills”
“Avoid up to $10,000 in water violation fines per year”
Highlight rebate programs for irrigation equipment
📲 Share success stories via social, email campaigns, or digital line cards.
✅ 4. LABEL PRODUCTS IN YOUR DIGITAL AND PRINT CATALOG
Use icons or color-coded tags to flag:
Water-saving
Drought-tolerant
EPA-compliant
Eligible for rebates
🛠️ Make sure these labels show up in ERP-generated quotes, invoices, and pick slips.
✅ 5. SUPPORT POST-SALE
Help your customers succeed with:
Installation guides
Warranty details for drip systems
Links to municipal rebate programs
QR codes on packaging for quick access to resources
📈 WHAT TO TRACK IN YOUR ERP
% of water-saving products sold vs traditional alternatives
Water-efficient bundles quoted and sold
Top customers or regions adopting water-wise systems
Rebates redeemed or promoted through your sales process
🏁 FINAL THOUGHTS
Water-saving materials are no longer a niche — they’re an expectation. With the right products, a trained sales team, and a supportive ERP strategy, you can help customers lower costs, meet codes, and protect precious resources.
📞 Want to set up water-saving product tags, smart bundles, or rebate workflows in your ERP? Let’s make your catalog eco-smart and contractor-friendly.
