Last week we discussed the benefits of xeriscaping portions of your community. From saving water to reducing pollution, it can be a cost-effective way to beautify the neighborhood, especially in drier regions. Xeriscaping was coined by Denver Water in the early 80’s by combining the word “landscapewith the Greek prefix “xeromeaning dry. It’s no surprise that this concept came to life in Colorado, as we live in a very dry region that does not have access to fresh water, making irrigation far more expensive and wasteful than in other regions.
Denver Water not only coined the term but developed a list of principles to help others around the world adopt xeriscaping. Here are these main principles of xeriscaping:
1). Plan and design for smart water use
Before you plant anything, determine the water resources for your landscape and how to use them properly. You’ll also want to take into consider budget, function, aesthetics, and expected maintenance.
2). Improve soil quality
Quality soil retains moisture, which encourages plant growth. Incorporating organic matter into your soil can help improve its quality. However, you must understand the type of soil that will help plants in your region thrive. Some native plants don’t require much organic matter, while other can drown in soil that retains too much moisture.
3). Reduce turf and other water-wasting plants
The main goal of xeriscaping it to reduce water waste, which means reducing the size of lawns. Look to replace lawns with drought-tolerant grass that’s best suited for your region. You can also replace all or part of your lawn with low-water groundcovers that are drought-tolerant and require little to no fertilizer.
4). Choose the right plants
Pick plants that are drought-tolerant, but also have aesthetic appeal. Select plants that are native to your region or thrive in your type of climate. It’s recommended that you select a good mix of plants at various heights that bloom throughout the year. Don’t forget that different plants require different amounts of sunlight, so plant accordingly.
5). Water efficiently
No, xeriscaping does not mean you’ll never have to water again. However, it does aim to ensure you water wisely and never overwater. Choose drip irrigation systems that directly water the roots and avoid wasteful sprinklers that leave excess water on the sidewalk or street. Aim to water plants deeply at their roots and do so infrequently to help them develop long, healthy drought-tolerant root systems.
6). Mulch
It’s recommended that you use two to three inches of natural mulch. Mulch helps prevent evaporation and prevents weed growth. It’s also a way to improve the aesthetics of your landscape.
7). Maintain your landscape
When you do the right amount of planning and research, you’ll end up with an attractive, low maintenance yard. But even xeriscaped landscapes still require some maintenance. Pull weeds, prune shrubs and trees, rake, and replace mulch as needed.
Maintaining a beautiful community is one way to improve resident experience. Download our free six-step guide for more tips!
