How to Xeriscape Your Yard

If you are tired of trying to manage the hassle and cost of irrigation for your yard and garden, restyle your planting areas. Xeriscape instead of landscape.

Xeriscaping simply means landscaping with plants that need little or no irrigation to survive in the natural elements of your area. Native plants that grow in arid areas will survive, while hothouse tropicals will not. Simple in concept, simple in practice. The results can be as stunning as any high maintenance landscaping endeavor. While xeriscaping was developed for desert areas, you can use the principles anywhere to reduce irrigation needs and return your landscaping to a native habitat.

According to eartheasy.com, 50% or more of residential water use is for lawn and landscaping care. Xeriscaping with native plants that do not require this kind of maintenance can cut water use by an estimated 50% to 75%. These types of plants need minimal care; they are naturally drought-proof. Because xeriscaping lowers home maintenance costs, it raises property value.

To begin xeriscaping, sketch the lay of your land. Pay attention to the natural drainage and slope, and use this information to incorporate the right plants in the right areas. Soil improvement is essential to a good plan. A healthy root system in good soil with moisture retention properties will keep plants healthy on reduced water. Use mulch to help prevent moisture evaporation.

Reduce turf areas to minimize watering requirements. This also reduces the need for gasoline powered mowing equipment. A reel mower does a super job on small turf areas. Plant a grass that requires little water; native grasses usually grow best.

Plan your xeriscape with mature plants in mind. Many desert and drought-tolerant species are naturally small, which helps them survive. Keep plants with similar water requirements together. Remember that in the US, the north side of buildings does not receive direct sun; it is the best place to locate plants that need more water, because there will be less evaporation. Likewise, the east side receives morning sun and is in shadow during the drying heat of the afternoon and evening. Use trees on the south and west sides of the house to provide cooling shade. Trees also block winds that can speed evaporation.

Plan watering and irrigation times to reduce evaporation as much as possible. Soaker hoses or drip irrigation systems are the most efficient methods to deliver water directly to the plants' root systems.

Sources:
http://www.eartheasy.com/grow_xeriscape.htm
http://www.xeriscape.org/
http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/CoopExt/4DMG/Xeris/xeris1.htm