 is to have healthy, living soil using organic fertilizers and composts, with no chemical fertilizers
- Acclimating the soil with the proper compost where needed
- Depleted soils in areas of new construction need the most attention
Practical Turf Areas
Related to Step 1, proper planning is critical. Landscaping based on xeriscape principles can incorporate grass areas. Main key point is to limit the lawn area to what you need for the activities you want in your yard.
- Plan practical grass/lawn areas so that they fit the need of the homeowner’s use
- Don’t incorporate grass areas where they are not needed/used and don’t have high foot traffic ( not on hot hills, near concrete, etc)
- High-traffic areas are best left to turf grasses (ex. bluegrass, that can take the wear)
- Properly placed turf will minimize water and chemical use in the landscape
Every plant within the xeriscape landscape may have different and specific watering requirements
- Some plants require more water than other plants, which means to have a regulated/adjustable efficient irrigation system
- Use a drip irrigation system for most non-turf beds; higher water plants will efficiently use less water on a drip system
- Allocating the appropriate amount of water to each plant and each area will make your landscape as water-efficient as possible
- Incorporate rainwater harvesting to recycle natural water and less water use!
Appropriate Plant Selection
The main focus of installing xeriscape on your property is for water conservation. This includes emphasizing plants that are drought-resistant. As your landscaper, we can help you choose plants that fit your yards needs.
- Use of native plants that may be heat tolerant and don’t have high water demands
- Still offers beautiful blooms, shade, and other great-looking features
- Provides food sources for local pollinators, birds and other wildlife
Mulch can help keep roots of plants in the landscape cooler because it holds moisture.
- Mulch is most beneficial when it is applied directly around plants because it holds moisture and releases organic nutrients back into the soil
- Different size rock, pebble, boulders, and mulch to provide depth, warmth, and interest to the xeriscape
- helps save water, reduce weeding, and improve the transplanting and re-seeding process
- Be cautious of few plants that might not like bark and/or mulch
No landscape will thrive with no maintenance. Monitoring and care of the landscape is an important part of the success.
- Organic and natural products used whenever possible
- Winter weather preparation of grass can improve hardiness and beauty in the long run
- Regularly check and repair irrigation systems each spring