Xeriscape Landscaping: Create a Water-Conserving Landscape

Areas with dry climates aren’t the only places to practice xeriscaping. Landscaping practices based on xeriscaping are in use all over the country. You can use xeriscaping landscape principles wherever you live to reduce the supplemental water requirements of your plants and minimize wasted water.

Even if you’re not ready to convert your entire landscape to a xeriscape, you can make use of some of the principles and practices below. You can save more water than you will with typical landscaping and create a yard with attractive, unique features. And you might find your landscape doesn’t require quite as much maintenance as it once did.

If you don't have time to collect a full 12 months of data, here are the basics:

1. Determine north, south, east and west.
2. Take note of sunny and shady spots. Create and use shade.
3. Identify slopes and drainage patterns.
4. Note existing vegetation and architecture that you won’t or can’t remove.
5. Decide how you’ll use each area of your yard (recreation, dining, entertaining, etc.).

To increase water conservation, look for drought-resistant and drought-tolerant plants. In general, these plants have small, silver leaves and deep taproots. Drought-resistant plants can endure drought conditions longer than those with drought tolerance, but even drought-tolerant plants require less water than standard plant types. See our guide, 12 Best Drought-Tolerant Plants For Your Landscape, to get some ideas.

Succulents, such as sedum, are also able to withstand dry weather and are available in a wide variety of colors, shapes and textures. Take a look at our Succulent Planting Ideas for tips on using these low-water, low-maintenance plants in your landscape.

Check plant tags to compare the plant water requirements to the microclimates you identified in your plan. Plant these new communities accordingly. When planting, take into consideration the plant's size at maturity. Layer by height and bloom time for emphasis and constant color.

Take care of your plants. In addition to requiring less water, established, well-rooted plants offer the additional benefit of increased pest and disease resistance. They require less fertilizer which saves money and time.

Turfgrass can also be a component of xeriscapes when you manage it efficiently:

• Mow at the proper height with a sharp blade to keep grass healthier.
• Aerate to allow water to reach roots rather than running off. Then top-dress with compost or peat moss.
• Replace or reseed your lawn with a grass that has high drought tolerance.
• Reduce turf areas by converting parts of the lawn to mulched beds, adding groundcover or creating larger shrub beds. Areas where turf doesn't grow (under trees, for example) are candidates for mulch or groundcover. Changing these areas allows you to better concentrate your efforts into turning the remaining turf area into an attractive lawn.
• Remove thatch if necessary.

Delivering water to the base of the plant allows you to control water delivery and reduce water loss from evaporation. Installing in-ground or drip irrigation systems with timers and moisture sensors maximize water conservation. Soaker hoses are a low-tech option for smaller areas.

Water conservation also includes collecting and using water supplies that might otherwise go to waste. Investigate gathering rain with gutter collection systems and a rain barrel, but be aware some areas restrict the collection of rain runoff. You can also use water from basement dehumidifiers to irrigate ornamental plants.