Xeriscape - Top Tips

Photo by edgeplot / flickr

First things first.  Before you start, be sure to check up on your local jurisdiction ordinances.  The planning commission in your municipality or county will be able to advise you.  Also, if your property comes under a homeowners association agreement, the bylaws also need to be consulted for architectural covenants.

Some communities have restrictions on lawn and landscape plantings, and others require approvals in advance.

• When it comes to xeriscaping, choosing native plants that are specific to your region will give the best results.  They are already adapted to local conditions, including drought.  Horticultural and exotic specimens almost always require extra water in the hottest months.  Additionally, many common invasive exotic species are extremely destructive when they escape the garden.  They have no natural enemies and destroy the natural ecosystem.
  

• Start slowly.  New plants require more water and maintenance than mature ones.  Making changes gradually allows water use and the time you have to spend on the new plantings to be spread over several seasons.
  

• Find out what the monthly and annual precipitation probabilities are in your area.  How much rain your site receives during the growing season will help you select plantings that will thrive with little additional irrigation once they are well established.
  

• Practice "cycle irrigation,” or block timing irrigation. irrigation.  In this technique water is applied until just before it starts to run off. off.  Then watering is paused to allow the water to soak.  Repeat the cycles until deep watering is complete.  This is a very efficient way to apply water to the landscape or garden.

• Consider the Wind.  Planting windbreaks will help keep the plants and soil from blowing your soil dry as a bone.  Use trees, hedges, shrubs or tall native ornamental grasses to create a favorable microclimate for your site. 
  
  
• When is the best time to water?  Early morning and late evening irrigation will reduce evaporation losses.  If watering in the evening, be sure to allow time for the leaves to dry completely.  Water left on the plants during the cool of the night will encourage fungus to attack the foliage.   It’s always best to avoid on windy days.
  
  
• How much to water?   Don’t determine when to water by the calendar, but the soil conditions.  Infrequent deep soaking is preferable to lighter more frequent watering.  Deep watering encourages deep root growth, which allows plants to tolerate dry conditions more easily.  Wet the soil to a depth of six to eight inches. For most kinds of soil, this is about one inch of water.
  
  
• Utilize the latest technologies.  There are many helpful new products that have been developed to aid in establishing new landscapes that will help you meet your xeriscape goals. 
  
  

Check out related page topics -- native plants, lawn care, lawn alternatives, and drip irrigation.