Xeriscaping is landscaping that reduces the need for supplemental water from irrigation. We still need the irrigation, but through careful planning and proven principles we can greatly reduce the amount needed. Las Vegas has an annual rainfall of less than four inches. It has half the rainfall of Phoenix and is quite simply the driest city in America. The Seven design Principles of Xeriscape
1. Plan and design: A scaled diagram shows the major elements of the landscape, including house, driveway, sidewalk, deck or patio, existing trees and any other elements(aspect of the sun etc).
2. Soil amendment – Most plants will benefit from the use of a compost, which will help the soil retain water.[8] Some desert plants prefer gravel soils instead of well-amended soils. Plants should either fit the soil or soil should be amended to fit the plants.
3. Efficient irrigation: Xeriscape can be irrigated most an automatic irrigation system. Zone turf areas separately from other plants and use the irrigation method that waters the plants in each area most efficiently. For grass, use gear-driven rotors or rotary spray nozzles that have larger droplets and low angles to avoid wind drift. Spray, drip line or bubbler emitters are most efficient for watering trees, shrubs, flowers and groundcovers. Avoid oscillating sprinklers and other sprinklers that throw water high in the air or release a fine mist. The most efficient sprinklers release big drops close to the ground. Water deeply and infrequently to develop deep roots. Seldom water during the day to reduce water lost to evaporation. Automatic irrigation controllers to strictly follow SNWA guidelines
4. Appropriate plant and zone selection: Different areas in a yard receive different amounts of light, wind and moisture. To minimize water waste, group together plants with similar light and water requirements, and place them in an area that matches these requirements. Put moderate-water-use plants in low-lying drainage areas, near downspouts, or in the shade of other plants. Turf typically requires the most water and shrub/perennial beds will require approximately half the amount of water. Dry, sunny areas support low-water-use plants that grow well in our climate. Planting a variety of plants with different heights, color and textures creates interest and beauty.
5. Mulch: Mulch keeps plant roots cool, prevents soil from crusting, minimizes evaporation and reduces weed growth.. Inorganic mulches, such as rocks and gravel, should be applied 2 to 3 inches deep.
6. Limited turf areas: Fine fescues can provide substantial water savings and is best used in areas that receive low traffic or are in shady locations. Use the appropriate grass and limit the amount of grass to reduce the watering and maintenance requirements.
7. Maintenance: All landscapes require some degree of care during the year. Turf requires spring and fall aeration along with regular fertilization every 6 to 8 weeks. Keep the grass height at 3 inches and allow the clippings to fall. Trees, shrubs and perennials will need occasional pruning to remove dead stems, promote blooming or control height and spread. Much of the removed plant material can be shredded and used in composting piles.
Xeriscaping Landscapes