What is Xeriscaping?
Xeriscaping is a concept first utilized in Colorado to describe water conservation landscaping. Water efficient landscapes that save water and look fantastic are an idea whose time has come. This green technique has spread throughout the country as drought conditions have affected water supplies and water restrictions have been put into effect.
The term comes from the Greek word “xeros” meaning dry combined with scape, meaning picture or view. The resulting word means a dry landscape -- i.e. a landscape that does not require water.
People often have a preconceived, negative view of xeriscaping, thinking of hot and hostile landscapes. However, xeriscaping does not necessarily mean a sparse rock strewn, desert scene. That’s not to say there is anything wrong with re-creating a desert landscape, if you happen to live in that environment, but xeriscaping is for every climate, zone and region.
Drought conditions have been felt from one side of the country to the other. From the Eastern Seaboard to Hawaii and from the Great Lakes to the Rio Grande, water scarcity is a fact of life. Xeriscaping provides a way to weather the dry spells.
Why Xeriscape?
There are tangible benefits for all homeowners in choosing to xeriscape. For sustainability minded individuals the reasons can be even more compelling. Some great, green reasons to xeriscape are:
For most of North America, over 50% of residential water used is applied to landscape and lawns. Xeriscape can reduce landscape water use by 50 - 75%. Xeriscape plants along with proper bed design tends to take full advantage of rainfall
With xeriscaping there is little or no lawn mowing.
Save Time and Money -- Aside from occasional pruning and weeding, xeriscaping requires much less maintenance. Gardening becomes easier and less stressful. Since water requirements are low, watering needs can be met with very simple irrigation.
Small turf areas can easily be maintained without gasoline powered machines. Eliminating fossil fuel powered lawn equipment reduces air pollution, noise pollution and non-point source pollution.
When you use plants native to your region, you will eliminate the need for chemical supplements. Fertilizer is unnecessary because enough nutrients are provided by healthy organic soil. Disease and insect pests are greatly reduced because native plants are resistant to infection and infestation.
A properly installed Xeriscape can easily increase your property values. This will more than offset the cost of installation. Protect your landscaping investment by drought-proofing it.
Local wildlife will find the native plants, shrubs and trees a familiar habitat that provides appropriate food and shelter.
With all these great advantages for your home and the environment it’s easy to see why this is a great time to jump on board and xeriscape your property.
Next: Check out our Xeriscaping Top Tips!
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