Xeriscaping

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Xeriscape symbol
Xeriscape symbol

Xeriscaping refers to landscaping in ways that do not require supplemental irrigation. It is promoted in areas that do not have easily accessible supplies of fresh water, and is catching on in other areas as climate patterns shift.

The word xeriscaping was coined by combining xeros (Greek for "dry") with landscape.

Plants whose natural requirements are appropriate to the local climate are emphasized, and care is taken to avoid losing water to evaporation and run-off. XeriscapeTM and the xeriscape logo are registered trademarks of Denver Water, the water department of Denver, Colorado.[1] They were created by the Front Range Xeriscape Task Force of Denver Department in 1978.[1]

The specific plants used in xeriscaping depend upon the climate. Some common plants used in Western xeriscaping are agave, cactus, lavender, juniper, sedum and thyme.

In some areas, terms such as water-conserving landscapes, drought-tolerant landscaping, zeroscaping, and smart scaping are used instead.

Contents

[edit] Implementation

A collection of xeriscaping flowers
A collection of xeriscaping flowers

There are seven basic principles of xeriscaping:

1) Water-wise planning and design

Also termed hydrozoning, this involves grouping plants with similar watering requirements together. Plants that require more water (for example, vegetables, fruits, and certain flowers) are located together. These less water-efficient plants may also be sheltered from the wind and/or sun by planting them in the shade (under trees, beside a house etc.) to decrease the amount of water they need. High water using plants may be placed nearer the home in an "oasis" area where they are more fully enjoyed.

2) Drought tolerant plants

Where possible, plants that are native to the area or to similar climates are used, as well as other plants that tolerate or avoid water stress (succulents, xeriphytes, halophytes, summer or winter dormant bulbs, very deeply rooted plants) as ornamentals.

3) Appropriate size turf areas

Lawns are kept small, to the size needed for actual use. Drought-tolerant turf-grass species are used where turf is needed at all (e.g., children's play areas, pet use areas, etc.). The remaining landscape can be filled in with borders and islands of more water-efficient ornamental plants.

4) Harvest water where possible

Water harvesting techniques should be incorporated into the landscaping design. Channel runoff water to planted areas or contain it for later use. Mounds or berms at the edge of the property can help retain the water on the land. Locate high water using plants where they can take advantage of the extra water.

5) Efficient irrigation equipment and design

Water should be applied efficiently, such as by drip irrigation or soaker hoses, where possible. Overhead irrigation (never ideal) can be applied in the morning or evening, when it is less likely to be blown away by wind or lost by evaporation. Drought-tolerant plants get no more water than they need to look good, and of course water is prevented from splashing onto concrete walkways or other areas where it is not needed.

6) Mulch & soil amendments

A layer of mulch aids in conservation of water in the soil as it cools the soil surface and hinders evaporation. Adding amendments to the soil when planting improves the soil. Soil with improved structure retains water better.

7) Proper maintenance practices

Proper maintenance practices will reduce water use:

  • In general, prune minimally. Topiary pruning is to be avoided at all costs as it increases water use and stresses plants.
  • Fertilize only enough for plant health, and ideally use a slow release fertilizer.
  • Aerate and de-thatch your lawn once a year to improve infiltration and reduce runoff.
  • Remove weeds, as they use valuable water.
  • Maintain the irrigation system in good working order, and change water cycles with the season.

[edit] Advantages

  • Lower water bills
  • More water available for other uses and other people (such as showers, sinks, hoses etc.)
  • Less time and work needed for maintenance, making gardening more simple and stress-free
  • Little or no lawnmowing (saves energy)
  • Xeriscape plants along with proper bed design tends to take full advantage of rainfall
  • When water restrictions are implemented, xeriscape plants will tend to survive, while more traditional plants may not
  • Increased habitat for native bees, butterflies, and other fauna
  • Can live in more habitats than most other plants

[edit] Disadvantages

  • May require more start-up work to prepare beds for planting than simply laying sod
  • Some homeowners' associations may object to non-traditional plants. However, some states, such as Florida, include law, as it pertains to Homeowner's Associations, that make it unlawful to include a clause prohibiting "property owner from implementing Xeriscape or Florida-friendly landscape, as defined in s. 373.185(1), on his or her land." in Homeowner Association documents, (Ref: 720.3075.4 Prohibited clauses in association documents). In 2007, Arizona enacted similar laws.
  • Requires that people moving from water-abundant to water-scarce areas change their mindset as to what types of plants they are able to practically and economically maintain
  • Xeriscape beds require periodic maintenance which is more involved than simply mowing and edging, especially to maintain color
  • Weeds and trash may also be more of a problem than in a traditional lawn.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  • University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Bulletin AZ1048
  • Landscape Plants for the Desert Climate, 2004, AMWUA
 This article needs additional citations for verification.
Please help improve this article by adding reliable references. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (December 2007)
  1. ^ a b Elizabeth Caldwell. "With xeriscaping, grass needn't always be greener", USA Today, 2007-07-15. 

[edit] External links

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