Xeriscape
Xeriscape Basics
Xeriscape does not mean "Zeroscape." There are many ways to beautify your home or business with native plants that will maintain a nice appearance while providing color.
Listed below are some tips to help you:
- Conserve Water: Water deep, less often. This encourages your plant's roots to send roots deeper into the soil and provide extra protection from drought conditions.
- Mulch: Adding mulch reduces water evaporation. A 2” layer of mulch (cypress mulch, bark mulch, compost, weed barrier, straw, grass clippings, etc) is ideal to keep roots cool and moisture in the ground. Don’t forget to mulch vegetables, trees, shrubs, annuals, and perennials.
- Install drip system: A drip system provides water to the plant and encourages deep rooting while not watering an area where there may be no plants.
- Water Responsibly: Water early in the day or early evening. Evaporation of water occurs when watering during the heat of the day. In our area, it is ideal to water from 5 am to 8 am, or from 7 pm to 9 pm. Please don’t water from 8 am to 6 pm as this is wasting water and your money. When you do water, again, water deeply and less often.
- Lawn Mowing: In spring, gradually let your lawn reach a height of 3-4”. Longer blades means shading of the ground, water retention and greener lawns. As always, keep weeds out of grass and flower beds. They zap needed moisture.
As for grass for your lawn, we recommend Turffalo.
We are always available to answer questions or give advice on saving water in any situation. We are committed to helping reduce water use and maintaining healthy landscapes.