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Xeriscaping is an excellent choice for landscaping in areas with arid climates that don’t have readily-accessible water sources. This type of landscaping incorporates rock features, succulents, and perennials to reduce maintenance, conserve water, and reduce costs, all while ensuring you have the artistic capacity to express yourself in your landscaping. Originally coined in Denver discussing the modification of Colorado landscape designs in response to a severe drought, xeriscaping is more popular than ever.

In this article, we’re discussing some of the advantages of xeriscaping and how you can incorporate these elements into your lawn to accomplish the design of your dreams. If you’re looking for effective ways to add some beauty to your landscape design, you’ve come to the right place. Continue reading to learn more about how xeriscaping can improve your lawn while reducing your impact on the environment and reducing your water consumption.

What Is Xeriscaping?

Xeriscaping describes a landscaping technique designed to significantly reduce the usage of water in areas that may not have ready access to water sources. In arid climates, xeriscaping is not only cost effective. It can also drastically reduce the amount of water an entire population consumes. There are several guiding principles to xeriscaping all of which aim to replace lawns with drought-resistant native plants that have low water requirements, and rocks, soil, and mulch. Homeowners in the western United States frequently use xeriscaping techniques to reduce their water use, maintenance costs, and use fewer pesticides and other harmful chemicals. The term”xeriscaping” was coined by the Denver Water Department

What Are the Guiding Principles of Xeriscaping?

Planning

The first step and principle of xeriscaping is the planning stage;.In this stage, you can either consult a designer or create the design yourself. TO do so, you will have to draw the house outline, sidewalks, walls, fences, and driveways. You will also need to plan your lawn, trees, garden, and flower bed spaces.

Soil

The content of your soil will determine the types of plants you can select for your xeriscape garden as well as your water needs. Sandy soil holds less water and it may cause plants to dry out. Clay soil retains water. Soil amendments made from organic materials, such as compost or manure will hold and release water. These are particularly useful for non-native plants but they won’t aid native plants as much. These types of plants require inorganic materials for drainage and aeration.

Irrigation Efficiency

The primary principle of xeriscaping is reducing water usage. You should be able to water all of the plants you use in your xeriscaping plot by hand or an automatic irrigation system. Infrequent watering will help your plants develop deep roots but you should also water turf areas like grassy lawns and plants or flowers based on their condition. Using the correct irrigation method for different plants is critical. Drip irrigation is the best method t for trees, flowers, and groundcover and low pressure, low-angle sprinklers work best for grass.

Plant Choices

There are many xeric plants to choose from that are drought-resistant. You should not feel limited to succulents and cacti. Plants such as Russian sage, the Californian poppy tree, and aloe can all be used in a xeriscaping environment. You can also consult the USDA website or local garden centers to uncover the plants native to your region.

Mulch

Mulching has many benefits for your xeriscape plot. It can reduce heat, eliminate weed growth, and prevent water evaporation. You can also use organic material for new gardens. Simply apply the organic matter directly to the soil at a depth of four inches. For inorganic mulch, such as rocks or gravel, you can apply it at two inches.

Lawn Alternatives

Turf areas use a substantial amount of water and you should consider devoting your yard space to decks, flagstone pavers, rock gardens, or mulch. Ornamental grasses, such as blue fescue or buffalo grass typically use very little water.

Maintenance

Xeriscaped yards require less maintenance than other yards but they still need your constant care. Aerating and fertilizing your lawn every six weeks is critical to the look and health you can accomplish. You should also consider mowing your lawn to a height of three inches so you can keep the soil cool and limit your water usage. To promote blooming and control growth, dispose of your lawn waste, including lawn clippings and compost piles.

3 Advantages of Xeriscaping

Xeriscaping has several advantages that you should be aware of when designing your xeriscape space. The most important advantage that xeriscaping provides is the reduced impact your area will have on the environment. Xeriscaping has reduced both the daytime and nighttime temperatures in dry regions. Less lawn space also requires less maintenance, which reduces emissions from gas-powered vehicles. Because less maintenance is required for xeriscaping, homeowners can save money on their landscaping and water costs. Less lawn space reduces water bills and the cost of maintenance on lawns and trees. Lawns in the United States consume 30-60 percent of freshwater in urban areas. In desert regions such as the Southwest, landscape irrigation accounts for 60-90% of the household’s water usage.

3 Disadvantages of Xeriscaping

There are several disadvantages of xeriscaping you should be aware of, such as design limitations, functionality issues, and the cost. Xeriscaping reduces the selection of plants you can use in your yard. It also reduces the square footage you can devote to plants. The lack of lush, green lawns can be a detractor for some. You may also not be able to use your yard for other purposes, such as playing in the yard with children or pets. Lastly, xeriscaping can be costly and time-consuming, especially when you are just beginning the practice. Installing new irrigation systems and uprooting and removing plants and trees will eat into your costs.

3 Tips for Xeriscaping Your Yard

To take advantage of xeriscaping in your yard, you can check for rebates in California, New Mexico, and Nevada. These states offer rebates for public utilities or cash incentives. You can contact your water or power company, city hall, or state government for additional information. You should also try to reduce your water pressure. Lastly, you should think outside the box when xeriscaping. You can incorporate a wide range of plant life into your garden using xeriscaping techniques, including wildflowers, ornamental grasses, trees, and shrubs.

Conclusion- How to Take Advantage of Xeriscaping

Xeriscaping affords people many benefits and you should consider incorporating it into your yard if you would like to reduce your water consumption. It does not have to be a stress for you to incorporate xeriscaping into your yard, either. You should be able to be creative with your xeriscaping features so you don’t feel pigeon-holed into a design you don’t like.