Home landscapes can be beautiful, but they can also be huge water hogs. In some areas of the western United States, more than 50 percent of home water use is dedicated to lawns and gardens. A traditional grass lawn, for example, may use many gallons of water per week, which can be a problem in dry climates or areas where water use is rationed. Fortunately, even if your area is dry and arid, it’s possible to create a striking home landscape that is well-suited to your region’s water conditions.

In response to concerns about residential water use, xeriscaping has become an increasingly popular approach to landscape design. Xeriscaping is choosing plants that will thrive in the existing climate, and steps are taken to limit the need for supplemental watering. With xeriscaping, you’re able to have a beautiful, natural-looking landscape that’s also environmentally friendly.

What is Xeriscaping?

Xeriscaping is the practice of creating a landscape with drought-tolerant plants to conserve water and reduce yard waste. While xeriscaping is most commonly associated with dry climates, such the southwestern United States, it can be an appropriate technique in many areas.

Advantages of Xeriscaping:

Lower water use is one of the major benefits of xeriscaping. However, there are other advantages to opting for a xeriscape, including:

• Fewer problems with pests
• Less need for fertilizer
• Smaller water bills and lower maintenance costs.

Principles of Xeriscaping

There are seven key principles of xeriscaping:

1. Landscaping that is planned: Before you begin, create a landscape plan. This will help you determine the best way to arrange plants and other landscape elements. Your landscape plan should take into account factors such as sunlight and drainage.
2. Sensible use of grass: Xeriscapes may include turf, though this is usually limited to areas that will actually be used as lawn.
3. Appropriate selection and use of plants: Choose plants that will thrive in existing water, soil and sun conditions. Look for native plants or those from a similar climate, and group plants according to their watering needs.
4. Improved soil conditions: Maintaining your landscape’s soil will help ensure healthy plant growth.
5. Mulching: By using mulching around plants you can help soil retain moisture, control erosion and limit the growth of weeds.
6. Efficient irrigation techniques: Efficient watering techniques will help keep your landscape healthy and reduce water use.
7. Regular maintenance: Like all landscapes, xeriscapes require some maintenance, such as pruning and mulching.

As you generate xeriscaping ideas, take these seven principles into account. A combination of creativity and attention to site-specific issues such as sunlight, drainage and soil conditions will help you create an attractive, eco-friendly yard. When done properly, a xeriscape can be as attractive as a traditional landscape.