With the increasing demands of the population on existing water supplies, there has been a greater focus on water conservation. No longer is water considered a limitless resource. Water should be conserved year round, not only during dry seasons. Through water conservation efforts many are adopting the creative landscaping technique of xeriscaping.
What is it xeriscaping? The word xeriscaping comes from a combination of two words: "xeri" derived from the Greek word "xeros" for dry, and "scape" meaning a kind of view or scene.
Xeriscaping is a type of landscaping which uses drought tolerant plants instead of thirsty grasses. This type of landscaping creates a visually attractive landscape, while reducing outdoor water consumption by 25 to 75 percent. Not only does xeriscaping reduce outdoor water use, but also it requires less time and money to maintain than traditional turf landscapes. Overall, xeriscaping means landscaping with slow growing, drought-tolerant plants to conserve water and reduce yard trimmings, while aesthetically pleasing.
The types of plants used in xeriscaping are called xeric plants, also called xerophytes, which use little water. Xeric plants may be native to a certain area or they may be transported from a similar climate. Xerophytes may be trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, grasses, or bulbs.
When xeriscaping many consider ground covers as another attractive option. Some ground covers are herbaceous, perennials, ornamental grasses, or deciduous or coniferous shrubs. Mulches, such as bark chips, pine straw, wood grindings, composted cotton burrs, or gravel can provide landscape variety as well. Mulching also cools the soil in the summer and warms it in the winter while soaking up moisture preventing evaporation and soil erosion. This is just another added bonus to xeriscaping.
Zoning is a technique used when planning a xeriscape. The drought tolerant zone will contain the plants that only need water when it has not rained in 7-10 days. The natural zone will be farthest from the house and will be composed of those pants that can survive on rainwater only. Also, while zoning and planning the xeriscape be sure to take into consideration the amount of required light, shade, and soil requirements necessary for each plant.
A well-planned design is an essential when converting to a water-wise landscape. Several considerations before implementation are physical characteristics of the site, aesthetic preferences, and individual needs. Before planting, some xeric plants may require soil improvements or additives such as mixing peat moss or compost into the soil to increase water retention. Otherwise, the xeric plant may only need loosening of the soil in order to sink its roots.
Successful xeriscapes are a result of careful planning, designing, and establishing of plants in the beginning. As the xeric landscape matures less work is needed. Drip or water trickle systems my need to be installed for areas that need watering.
Remember, the benefits of
xeriscaping include saving time, money, and most importantly, water. Using
drought tolerant plants may significantly reduce water use outdoors. Xeriscaping
is a common sense approach, which replaces the need for thirsty plants consequently
reducing time spent watering, fertilizing, and mowing. By using the zoning
method water can be applied more efficiently. Not only will your water bill
be reduced, but also so will the cost of your maintenance because mowing will
not be as frequent. Finally, the attractive appearance of the different mulches
will add texture and color under trees and around shrubs. Mulches not only
add aesthetically to your landscape; they also keep soil moist while providing
weed control and erosion prevention. All in all, xeriscaping is an effective
and modern way of landscaping.
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