Climate

Erin Alberty
May 25, 2023 - Climate

Tips for planning a xeriscape to replace your lawn

Orange, yellow and white flowers with grasses and a yucca near a cobblestone path in a garden along a sidewalk.

Erin flipped her strip. Photo: Erin Alberty/Axios

I've been experimenting with xeriscapes in Utah for about 15 years — I even won an award, looky looky! — so I'm well aware of the difficulties of planning.

Here are 4 tips to see your project to the finish line:

Erin Alberty
May 25, 2023 - Climate

How a plant shortage could flummox the West's drought response

A rosemary plant in a pot with a tag that says the plant is water-conserving.

A drought-tolerant rosemary plant on display in a California nursery. Photo: Dan Honda/MediaNews Group/The Mercury News via Getty Images

As western states expand cash incentives to eliminate thirsty grass lawns and switch to drought-friendly gardens, homeowners are running into a snag:

  • Many of the recommended native and desert-adapted plants are unavailable to buy.
Kim Bojórquez
May 25, 2023 - News

How to ditch your grass without breaking the bank

Illustration of a watering can pouring dollar bills.

Illustration: Gabriella Turrisi/Axios

Residents interested in trading in their lawns for water-efficient landscaping can apply for the state's new incentive program through Utah Water Savers.

Why it matters: The rebates can assist Utahns who want to conserve water to convert their lawns into drought-tolerant landscaping without breaking the bank.

Kim Bojórquez
May 22, 2023 - News

Utah expected to see hotter-than-average summer

Map showing seasonal temperature trends likely during summer 2023 across the U.S. Image: NOAA

A 40%-60% chance of higher-than-average temperatures is projected for most of Utah this summer.

Driving the news: The NOAA outlook, released last Thursday, shows the highest probability of above-average temperatures in New Mexico and Arizona, where there’s a 60% to 70% chance for a warmer-than-average summer.

Kim Bojórquez
Apr 28, 2023 - Sports

The case for Utah to host another Winter Games

Illustration of the Olympic rings behind a podium. The top 3 rings of the symbol are bronze, silver, and gold medals.

Illustration: Allie Carl/Axios

Utah is "favorably" positioned to host the 2030 or 2034 Winter Olympics, a report released yesterday suggests.

Driving the news: The 12-page report from the University of Utah's Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute outlines the environmental, social and demographic factors associated with Salt Lake City playing host to another Winter Games.

Erin Alberty
Apr 19, 2023 - News

Utah is paying lawn companies to trade in their noisy, gassy machines

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

As the grass turns green and flower buds unfurl, it's time to listen for the melodic songs of birds, the buzzing of bees and the gentle flutter of ...

... your neighbor's two-stroke leaf blower.

Kim Bojórquez
Apr 19, 2023 - Climate

Utah Capitol cherry trees expected to see peak bloom this weekend

Cherry trees at the Utah Capitol. Photo: Kim Bojórquez/Axios

As temperatures warm up, you won't have to wait much longer to see cherry blossom trees bloom at the Utah Capitol.

Driving the news: The picturesque trees are expected to see their peak bloom between this weekend and early next week, Alexis Koontz, visitor services manager for the Utah Capitol Preservation Board, told Axios.

Utah's EV registration rates outpaced nation in January

Data: S&P Global Mobility; Chart: Axios Visuals
Data: S&P Global Mobility; Chart: Axios Visuals

Electric vehicles accounted for 7.2% of monthly new vehicle registrations in the Salt Lake City area in January — up from nearly 3% in January 2022, Axios' Joann Muller reports.

Zoom out: Nationally, EVs accounted for 7% of new vehicle registrations in January, up from 4.1% the same month last year.

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