Xeriscaping Design

Originating in Colorado, Xeriscaping is a water conservation concept that has spread throughout the west and becoming even more widespread in areas that now are experiencing more drought conditions. In essence it is a water efficient landscape design that includes naturalized plants in an attractive way.

The term xeriscape comes from "xeros" the Greek word for dry. Combined with scape which literally means a picture or a view of a type of scene, we have the term for a dry landscape. Many people have a negative association with this word, thinking that all xeriscapes are hot, hostile and very thorny. Some associate the term with minimal plant material and lots of rock. To some, the incorrect use of the word is xero-scape, which equates to nothing! Actually, xeriscaping can and often is very attractive, quite lush and extremely colorful.

Water-wise

Xeriscaping utilizes unique and water-wise landscape designs. The design should embrace the oasis concept. Cool, lush areas requiring the most water should be near areas where one lives. Further away from the oasis, strive for designs that use less water.

Limit turf areas

Next is the reduce grass areas. Use lawns in areas where it will be used for cooling the environment, play areas and recreation. Don’t forget the utilitarian need for animals. Putting turf-type grass where no one will use it should be avoided. Less water consumptive plants such as groundcovers or mulches may be used in place of water-hungry grasses. If you moved from the east where water is more plentiful, don't try to duplicate what worked there.

Irrigation techniques

Most modern irrigation systems are efficient, utilizing the latest in technology. Bubblers or drip emitters should be placed near trees and shrubs, allowing for low volume, deep soakings. The design for turf areas should allow for completely separate valves. The irrigation controllers should have independent scheduling for turf areas from those containing trees and shrubs.

The landscape should make use of amendments to improve the capacity of the soil to hold water and nutrients. Mulch covers help to reduce erosion, retain moisture and minimize the soil temperature changes.

Water-wise plants

Water efficient plants does not have to mean drab plants or just cactus. The "green industry" has spent a considerable time and money to introduce lush, colorful plants from all over. Many are well adapted to arid conditions.

Creating a water efficient design is easier for new landscapes where the soil can be amended and plants can be placed properly. Existing landscapes can be altered to become more efficient, but it will take time and persistence. Make a plan and implement in phases if you can't make a complete transformation at one time.

Consult a professional

Consult a professional to prepare a plan and to coordinate the installation. Accommodate the needs of your family and how the area will be used surrounding your home. Place the lushest flowers and shrubs of the greatest density near the play area. Turf areas should be easily accessible for entry and maintenance.

Avoid over planting

Too many landscapes are planted too dense in a belief that "more is better" and a desire to have a mature look at the time of planting. As the plants mature, the landscape takes on a cluttered appearance, with everything having a crammed look. Open space will allow for better appreciation of the individual plants.

Choose the right plant for the location

Trees and shrubs placed too near to structures or power lines can spell disaster or an untimely removal of the plant. Plants requiring pruning every 5 — 7 years to control growth are in the wrong location.

Designs should provide for ample shade near the residence to benefit from the cooling effect trees provide. If winter warmth is desired, the trees should be deciduous that permit sunlight to enter the home. Trees that block prevailing winds may be evergreen.

Contour the landscape if possible to provide for the capture of natural rainfall. Most urban conditions require homebuilders to work on the opposite principle, ensuring quick drainage away from the structure. If your landscaped area allows for retention, the deep soakings provided to your plants will be an extraordinary benefit.

Water conservatively

Once the landscape becomes established, water conservatively. New plantings require considerable amounts of water to survive the first year or two. Few if any plants can survive simply on the water provided by a drip emitter while in the establishment period. Once rooted in, start weaning your plants from watering and attempt to provide deep, infrequent soakings that encourage deep rooting. More plants are lost from being over-watered compared to being overly dry.

Check and adjust irrigation systems frequently. Turn the water off on rainy or cloudy days for even more savings. As temperatures change so should your irrigation practices. Don't set and forget.

No matter what you call it: desert landscaping, water efficient landscaping or xeriscaping, just remember: it is the right thing to do! Make the most of your landscape and you'll enjoy it for many years to come, save money and reduce pressure on our natural resources!


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	>>Home > Xeriscaping Design Originating in Colorado, Xeriscaping is a water conservation concept that has spread throughout the west and becoming even more widespread in areas that now are experiencing more drought conditions. In essence it is a water efficient landscape design that includes naturalized plants in an attractive way. The term xeriscape comes from "xeros" the Greek word for dry. Combined with scape which literally means a picture or a view of a type of scene, we have the term for a dry landscape. Many people have a negative association with this word, thinking that all xeriscapes are hot, hostile and very thorny. Some associate the term with minimal plant material and lots of rock. To some, the incorrect use of the word is xero-scape, which equates to nothing! Actually, xeriscaping can and often is very attractive, quite lush and extremely colorful. Water-wise Xeriscaping utilizes unique and water-wise landscape designs. The design should embrace the oasis concept. Cool, lush areas requiring the most water should be near areas where one lives. Further away from the oasis, strive for designs that use less water. Limit turf areas Next is the reduce grass areas. Use lawns in areas where it will be used for cooling the environment, play areas and recreation. Don’t forget the utilitarian need for animals. Putting turf-type grass where no one will use it should be avoided. Less water consumptive plants such as groundcovers or mulches may be used in place of water-hungry grasses. If you moved from the east where water is more plentiful, don't try to duplicate what worked there. Irrigation techniques Most modern irrigation systems are efficient, utilizing the latest in technology. Bubblers or drip emitters should be placed near trees and shrubs, allowing for low volume, deep soakings. The design for turf areas should allow for completely separate valves. The irrigation controllers should have independent scheduling for turf areas from those containing trees and shrubs. The landscape should make use of amendments to improve the capacity of the soil to hold water and nutrients. Mulch covers help to reduce erosion, retain moisture and minimize the soil temperature changes. Water-wise plants Water efficient plants does not have to mean drab plants or just cactus. The "green industry" has spent a considerable time and money to introduce lush, colorful plants from all over. Many are well adapted to arid conditions. Creating a water efficient design is easier for new landscapes where the soil can be amended and plants can be placed properly. Existing landscapes can be altered to become more efficient, but it will take time and persistence. Make a plan and implement in phases if you can't make a complete transformation at one time. Consult a professional Consult a professional to prepare a plan and to coordinate the installation. Accommodate the needs of your family and how the area will be used surrounding your home. Place the lushest flowers and shrubs of the greatest density near the play area. Turf areas should be easily accessible for entry and maintenance. Avoid over planting Too many landscapes are planted too dense in a belief that "more is better" and a desire to have a mature look at the time of planting. As the plants mature, the landscape takes on a cluttered appearance, with everything having a crammed look. Open space will allow for better appreciation of the individual plants. Choose the right plant for the location Trees and shrubs placed too near to structures or power lines can spell disaster or an untimely removal of the plant. Plants requiring pruning every 5 — 7 years to control growth are in the wrong location. Designs should provide for ample shade near the residence to benefit from the cooling effect trees provide. If winter warmth is desired, the trees should be deciduous that permit sunlight to enter the home. Trees that block prevailing winds may be evergreen. Contour the landscape if possible to provide for the capture of natural rainfall. Most urban conditions require homebuilders to work on the opposite principle, ensuring quick drainage away from the structure. If your landscaped area allows for retention, the deep soakings provided to your plants will be an extraordinary benefit. Water conservatively Once the landscape becomes established, water conservatively. New plantings require considerable amounts of water to survive the first year or two. Few if any plants can survive simply on the water provided by a drip emitter while in the establishment period. Once rooted in, start weaning your plants from watering and attempt to provide deep, infrequent soakings that encourage deep rooting. More plants are lost from being over-watered compared to being overly dry. Check and adjust irrigation systems frequently. Turn the water off on rainy or cloudy days for even more savings. As temperatures change so should your irrigation practices. Don't set and forget. No matter what you call it: desert landscaping, water efficient landscaping or xeriscaping, just remember: it is the right thing to do! Make the most of your landscape and you'll enjoy it for many years to come, save money and reduce pressure on our natural resources!

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