Xeriscape Planning

A properly planned landscape takes into account the regional and micro-climatic conditions of the site to be landscaped, existing vegetation and topographical conditions, the intended use and desires of the property owner, and most importantly, the zoning or grouping of plant material by their water needs.

These water use zones are: low (natural rainfall), moderate (occasional) watering, and high (regular watering). Low water-use zones require little or no use of supplemental water after plant establishment. Moderate water-use zones contain those plants that require some supplemental water during hot, dry periods. High water-use zones are limited areas in the landscape where plants are provided with their optimum water requirements at all times. These are usually the so-called high impact or most visible areas of the landscape, such as entry in into the home.

Shade is a very important consideration during the design of a water-efficient landscape. Shade, whether from plants or structures, helps cool the landscape and reduces water loss. A shaded landscape can be as much as 20 degrees F. cooler than a landscape in full sun. Patios, drives, walks and other surfaces made of brick, concrete, or asphalt, should be shaded to prevent them from radiating heat and increasing water loss from the landscape.

PRINCIPLE 2 - SOIL ANALYSIS

Soils will vary from site to site and even within a given site. A soil sample based on random sampling will provide information that will enable proper selection of plants and if needed, soil amendments. When appropriate, soil amendments can enhance the health and growing capabilities of the landscape by improving water drainage, moisture penetration and water holding capacity. When planting ornamental plants or turf grasses, cultivate the soil deeply throughout a large area. Dig a large hole when planting to improve soil structure, which reduces compaction, improves the infiltration of water and essential elements into the soil. The goal of soil analysis should be to provide optimum soil conditions for best root growth.

PRINCIPLE 3 - APPROPRIATE PLANT SELECTION

You don't have to purchase unusual or exotic plants to have a water efficient landscape. Many of our native plants and most of the introduced species you will find in garden centers and nurseries, can survive long periods of limited water availability once they are established. The key is to select plants based on their adaptability to the landscape area, desired effect, color, texture, and ultimate plant size. Plants should be arranged to achieve the desired aesthetic effect desired and most important, grouped in accordance with their respective water needs. All plants have a place in a Xeriscape type landscape. Maximum water conservation can be achieved by selecting appropriate plants that require a minimal amount of supplemental watering.

PRINCIPLE 4 - PRACTICAL TURF AREAS

Locate turfgrass in areas of the landscape where it will provide the most functional benefit, such as recreational areas or on slopes to prevent erosion. Turf should not be treated as a fill-in material, but rather as a major planned element of the landscape. Separate turf grasses from ornamental plants in the landscape so they can be watered separately. Most turf grasses can be located in any of the three water-use zones described under the design principle, but the amount and frequency of irrigation should be adjusted accordingly. For instance, established turf grass in low water-use zones or moderate water-use zones of the landscape can be allowed to go dormant in periods of limited rainfall and will recover when it rains.

PRINCIPLE 5 - EFFICIENT IRRIGATION

Irrigation should be tailored to meet the needs of plants being watered and should be operated efficiently and effectively at all times. Drip systems, or microsprinklers, are more efficient in their water use than sprinklers and should be used for ornamental plants whenever possible. When using sprinklers, you can avoid excessive water evaporation by between 9 pm and 9 am. Most established ornamental plants and turfgrasses can survive long dry periods without supplemental irrigation. Daily watering is not recommended especially when using sprinklers. It encourages a shallow root system and causes plants to be stressed from drought conditions. Watering only when plants need water and watering deeply encourages deeper root growth resulting in a healthier and drought tolerant landscape.

PRINCIPLE 6 - USE OF MULCHES

Mulch is vital to a water-efficient landscape. It not only conserves soil moisture and controls erosion, but also helps control weeds that compete with ornamental plants for water. Mulch also reduces certain soil-borne diseases that distress plants and causes them to have a higher demand for water. The best mulches are those that are organic, fine-textured, and non-matting. Pine maw or pine bark mini-nuggets are excellent for a water-efficient landscape. Avoid using rock mulches because they radiate large amounts of heat that promotes water loss from the landscape. Landscape fabrics placed under organic mulches will improve water retention while allowing water, nutrients and air to freely penetrate.

PRINCIPLE 7 - APPROPRIATE MAINTENANCE