Landscaping - Save Water - Xeriscaping

Xeriscape Landscaping Saves Water

Xeriscape symbol

I live in the SE, an area of the country that is experiencing a continued severe draught. Water restrictions have been in effect for almost a year, and are expected to continue for years to come.

This means NO watering of lawns for now, and only limited watering this summer, if at all.

We have lost almost all our grass and trees are dying throughout the city, state and surrounding states.

Whew! Who would have thought this would happen? The SE used to have ample, if not excessive, amounts of rainfall.

But the draught has been continuing for over 4 years, amidst an incredible boom in population growth.

So, what my wife and I are doing is replacing thirsty plants (i.e., grass) with sustainable plants.

This is called xeriscaping.

With states in the SE and the SW all experiencing water shortages, the need for xeriscaping is growing (pardon the pun).

Xeriscaping, I am finding out, is easier to plan and implement on new construction than on existing.

It doesn't look too bad.

Let’s all pitch in, everywhere.
Carl

Here is what the NAHB Research Center has on xeriscaping:

Summary:


Xeriscaping

If landscapes are designed using plants with water requirements corresponding to typical local rainfall patterns, significantly less water will be needed for irrigation. This is the simple concept behind Xeriscaping, a term coined by western land planning authorities dealing with water shortages in the 1970s.

From Greek words meaning "dry scene", xeriscaping refers to selecting plants for their drought tolerance, and/or ability to thrive without regular maintenance in the climate conditions where they will be used.

With water use issues becoming a concern in nearly every region of the United States, xeriscapes offer a viable alternative for attractive exterior space planning without consuming dwindling water resources and creating excessive cuttings or plant waste.

Traditional landscaping techniques include the widespread use of lush-looking Kentucky Bluegrass lawns, punctuated with groupings of exotic ornamental shrubs, flowers, and trees. For many years it was assumed that an unlimited water supply could provide the irrigation needed to maintain this vegetation, even in less hospitable hot or arid environments.

As increasing percentages of land area have been developed throughout the United States, water usage concerns have developed in nearly every region. In the East, problems with disposal of grass clippings and pollution from fertilizer/pesticide runoff have fueled the debate, while in the West and Southwest, water resources have been pushed to their limits by continued development and ever-increasing demand. Seasonal droughts may result in water restrictions in any part of the country.

All these factors have encouraged the spread of xeriscaping techniques throughout the United States. Municipal and state agencies, especially in western states, have opted to use alternative ground covers and drought tolerant native vegetation when landscaping the grounds of public buildings and other facilities.

Many local and regional parks have set aside meadow or stream bank areas where native grasses and other plant species are allowed to grow freely without mowing. This can reduce maintenance costs and provide shelter for wildlife. In some instances, native flora may provide habitats for specific species like hummingbirds or butterflies. In western regions, many builder/developers now offer home buyers the option of traditional landscaping or xeriscaped lots.

In conjunction with drought tolerant trees and bushes, rock garden arrangements with creeping groundcovers and succulents can provide height, texture, color, and seasonal variety equivalent to conventional ornamentals.

By their nature, xeriscaping techniques vary by region. Landscape architects, horticulturalists, and gardeners in every area have developed lists of plants which can thrive under local climate conditions and rainfall patterns. Drought tolerant species may be imported, although some concern must be given to avoiding species which may crowd out indigenous plants or become invasive. Groundcovers, a common substitute for lawns, may be herbaceous perennials, ornamental grasses, or deciduous or coniferous shrubs.

Buffalo grass and blue gamma grass may be substituted for water thirsty bluegrass in many situations. Mulches, such as bark chips, pine needles, wood grindings, composted cotton burrs or gravel and decomposed granite can provide landscape variety.

Xeriscaping also uses the concept of zoning, in which plants with similar water needs are grouped together in specific zones. Lots may thus be laid out to with a smaller but highly visible area where regular irrigation is provided, but with other broad areas requiring little maintenance or watering.

PATH Attributes:

. Because of the decrease in maintenance and consumption, xeriscaping will help homeowners and businesses save money that will offset the planning and installation costs.


. Xeriscaping is designed so the vegetation does not require much water, fertilizer, or other chemicals, thus reducing the impact it has on its surrounding environment.

Ease of Implementation:

Native species vary widely by region. Landscape architects familiar with xeriscaping principles are available in all parts of the U.S. Usually State agencies or Universities also provide information about indigenous and drought tolerant plants well suited to the region of interest. To find local resources it is recommended that an internet search be conducted using the name of the State, and the word "Xeriscaping" as search criteria.

Xeriscaping cannot completely alleviate the need for landscaping maintenance and watering. Some plants may need more watering during the period that they are becoming established in the environment. Gardeners and landscape architects must plan and specify layouts more carefully to place appropriate vegetation in appropriate locations.

Initial Cost:

The initial costs of xeriscaping can be higher than other landscaping due to its comprehensive nature. Planners must study the area and find suitable vegetation, and the costs to install the vegetation may be higher as well.

Operational Cost:

Because the landscape is designed to be better suited for its surrounding environment, costs for the upkeep of the vegetation will be less than costs for a landscape not specific for the surrounding environment.
U.S.Code Acceptance

Xeriscaping requires a common-sense approach. While local code authorities may need to approve some site plans, xeriscaping techniques do not usually involve code or regulatory issues.
Installation

A well-planned design is the key to converting to a water-wise landscape. Several considerations must be made before implementation, such as the physical characteristics of the site, seasonal shading, runoff patterns, and individual aesthetic preferences. Whether xeriscaping yourself or hiring a professional landscaper, some soil improvements or additives might be required before planting can begin. For some well-adapted xeric plants, loosening the soil may be all that is needed. Regional agencies and authorities are the best source of information based on local soil characteristics.

Although most successful xeriscapes are low maintenance, they are not maintenance free. Most of the work--planning, designing, and establishing plants--is required in the beginning. Less work is required as the xeric landscape matures. Properly timed pruning, fertilizing, pest control and weeding will preserve the landscape's beauty and water efficiency.

Xeriscaping can be used by builders and developers in conjunction with other Low Impact Development (LID) techniques to minimize irrigation and landscape-maintenance costs in new subdivisions. For more information, see the separate Path Technology Inventory article on LID

Benefits/Costs:

Xeriscaping allows the creation of aesthetically pleasing landscapes with minimal consumption of dwindling water resources. Replacing expansive lawns with indigenous ground covers or un-mown native grasses can reduce clipping disposal problems and irrigation costs. Using drought-tolerant plants can significantly reduce water bills, and avoid the cost of expensive engineered irrigation systems.

Disclaimer: The information on the system, product or material presented herein is provided for informational purposes only. The technical descriptions, details, requirements, and limitations expressed do not constitute an endorsement, approval, or acceptance of the subject matter by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD/FHA), The Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH), or any PATH-affiliated Federal agency or private company. There are no warranties, either expressed or implied, regarding the accuracy or completeness of this information. Full reproduction, without modification, is permissible.