Xeriscaping

Whether old or new, your landscape can become more water efficient simply by utilizing the seven principles of Xeriscape. Each of these principles is a good gardening practice. However, the more of them you implement, the more water efficient your landscape becomes. With a little effort, you will be on your way to a beautiful Xeriscape. Not only will your yard look great, but Xeriscape improvements can increase the value and selling potential of your home.

The following is a brief introduction to each of the seven principles of Xeriscape:

  1. Good Planning and Design - Many people create their own designs with excellent results. Landscape professionals can also serve as helpful resources. They can provide advice, critique, or develop plans for you. Planning is the most important step to a successful Xeriscape because it allows you to install your landscape in phases, which minimizes initial expenses.


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  2. Efficient Irrigation - For efficient water use, plan to irrigate turf areas separately from other plantings, and always water according to plant needs. Landscape plantings should be grouped according to similar water needs.


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  3. Use of Mulches - Mulched planting beds are an ideal replacement for some turf areas. Mulches cool soil, minimize evaporation, reduce weed growth, slow erosion, and provide landscape interest. Organic mulches are typically bark chips and wood grindings. Inorganic mulches include rock and various gravel products. Place mulch directly on the soil or on breathable fabric. Avoid using sheet plastic in planting areas.

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  4. Good Maintenance - Regular maintenance preserves the intended beauty of your landscape and saves water. Because of their design, Xeriscapes can help reduce maintenance costs. Pruning, weeding, proper fertilization, pest control, and irrigation system adjustments provide additional water savings.

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  5. Practical Lawn Areas - Locate turf only in areas where it provides functional benefits. Turf is best separated from areas with trees, shrubs, ground covers, and flowering plants so that it may be irrigated separately. Often turf can be replaced with other less water demanding materials such as ground covers, low water demand plants, or mulches.

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  6. Soil Improvement - Improve the soil prior to the installation of any landscape. Soil improvement allows for better absorption of water and improved water-holding capacity of the soil. Soils that have organic matter also provide beneficial nutrients to plants.

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  7. Water Efficient Plants - A good Xeriscape can incorporate almost every plant, the key is to place them properly according to their water needs. There are numerous attractive trees, shrubs, garden flowers, ground covers and turfs available to complement your Xeriscape.