Xeriscape Benefits

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS FROM XERISCAPING

In addition to water conservation and aesthetic benefits, Xeriscape landscapes demonstrate best management practices for agriculture, pollution and soil erosion. Bruce Adams, as Water Conservation Coordinator, for the South Florida Managaement District, has listed basic benefits of applying the Xeriscape concept:

PRINCIPLE 1 - PLANNING AND DESIGN

To control/channel runoff-reduce erosion
For maintenance to reduce labor cost and resource inputs of chemicals, fuel and water
For plant layout to reduce vegetative growth and competition
For landscape to serve as a living pollution filter
By placing plants in their proper micro-climate reduces stress
To group plants by water zone for efficient irrigation

Principle 2 - SOIL ANALYSIS

Leads to more efficient soil structure
To determine amending, if necessary
Leads to better benthos (earthworm) activity
Lets nature do its work to enrich and aerate the soil
Provides for more water holding capacity/less leaching
For less erosion
For new housing on marginal lands
To include testing for proper PH balance and fertilizer requirements

Principle 3 - APPROPRIATE PLANT SELECTION

For placement in proper micro-climate
To reduce maintenance by allowing plants to grow to natural limits
For compatible ecosystems for under/overstory plants
For natural plant succession
To create urban corridors for wildlife habitats

Principle 4 - PRACTICAL TURF AREAS

To lessen mowing/edging for energy and labor savings
For erosion control
To serve a purpose, and not as a filler
For fertilizer and water reductions
To lessen fungicide, herbicide, pesticide and fertilizer pollution through leaching
To reduce peak demands on water suppliers
To lessen impact on landfills and for 1/3 fertilizer return by recycling

Principle 5 - EFFICIENT IRRIGATION

To control water demand for water resource preservation
To reduce water treatment and energy costs and resource inputs
To lessen water supplier pumpage at peak demand times
To lessen leaching of nutrients
To lessen pest control problems and costs
To lessen overwatering which causes plant stress and disease
To meet water needs of plants in the same water zones

Principle 6 - USE OF MULCHES

To provide soil cover to prevent wood growth
To biodegrade for natural nutrient additions to the soil
To lessen heat stress and evaporation in the plant root zone
For moisture retention and less watering
To reduce landfills of vegetation
For on-site recycling
For erosion control

Principle 7 - APPROPRIATE MAINTENANCE

To reduce plant stress through proper pruning and mowing
To reduce water and chemical inputs
For integrated pest management
Through proper major and minor nutrient fertilizer applications
Through use of slow release fertilizers
For steady growth rates without surges