The Steps to Drought Savvy Landscape

What is Xeriscaping?
Xeriscape is a special type of landscape design that involves the strategic use of native plants as a means conserving water. The term comes from a derivation of the Greek words ‘xeros’ and ‘scape’ which translate to ‘dry-scene.’ One of the most common misconceptions about drought-tolerant landscape designs is that they can only be achieved by planting ugly, monochromatic plants and using rocks as fillers. On the contrary, there are several native plants that are full of vibrant color and that require less water and maintenance than plants that are less-suited to a specific region.

By using plants that are naturally suited to a specific region, homeowners can dramatically reduce their water costs and xeriscape designs have become increasingly popular as as a result of public environmental concerns.

A study by horticulture specialists at Texas A&M shows that, while
“booming populations have increased the demand on the state’s already limited supply of high quality water…in urban areas of Texas about 25 percent of the water supply is used for landscape and garden watering.”

In fact, several local city chambers and water departments publicly endorse programs like Texas SmartScape for providing useful information on the use of xeriscape design as a means of popularizing public initiatives to conserve city water.

The 7 Principles of Xeriscape Design
Homeowners do not have only one option when it comes to creating a more water-wise landscape. They can either choose to construct an entirely new design or to simply adjust their existing design by replacing less-adapted plants with native, drought tolerant plants. Either way, homeowners should be aware of the 7 principles of Xeriscape design:

1. Utilize Strategic Planning and Design: Homeowners should understand the importance planning a xeriscape landscape by creating a well thought out and detailed design of the area. This includes sketching all existing structures, trees, shrubs, and turf areas so that budget, appearance, function, maintenance, and water requirements can be considered in an organized manner. A landscape architect or designer is often called in to help with this process.

2. Create Practical Turf Areas: Large turf grass areas are a large contributor to a yard’s total water consumption. Using grasses that require less water is a smart way to reduce any yard’s total water consumption. Homeowners can also replace a large turf-grass area with an outdoor kitchen, a swimming pool, or a new patio.

3. Use Soil Amendments: Organic matter like composts and manure can be used to help plants absorb and store water, thus reducing their watering needs.

4. Select Appropriate Plants: Homeowners should research plants (including vines and groundcovers, perennials, shrubs, and trees) that are native to their area to gain a reasonable knowledge of plants. Native plants are those that are well-adapted to a region’s climate and soil, they require less water and fertilizer, and they attract fewer pests. Some adaptive exotic plants may also be effectively used in a xeriscape design.

Note: The methodology of xeriscape design also involves grouping plants with similar water needs and using proper grading to minimize runoff.

5. Irrigate Efficiently: Plants prosper best with deep, in-frequent waterings. Most non-exotic plants require a deep soak once a week in dry summer. Once established, xeric, native plants typically require a deep soak every 2-3 weeks in dry summer.

6. Use Mulches: Mulch enables plants to lose less water through evapo-transpiration and helps plants retain water for longer, thus reducing their watering needs.

7. Maintain the Landscape Properly: Appropriate maintenance of any landscape design by pruning, weeding, and proper fertilization conserves water.

Written by Christina Gaona
www.onespecialty.com