Xeriscape
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play to see just how much water xeriscape saves over grass. |
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Xeriscape is a water-smart landscape that uses
colorful flowers, plants and trees as a water-saving alternative to grass.
Xeriscape is not
brown lava rock and a lone palm tree. Instead, a xersicape uses lots of
water-efficient plants, shrubs and trees to create an attractive, water-smart
landscape.
On average, you can save 55 gallons of water per square foot by converting grass to a water smart landscape.
Seven principles of xeriscape:
- Planning and Design – Plan before
you plant to avoid costly mistakes.
- Appropriate
Turf Areas – Plant grass only in areas where it provides
functional benefits, like the children's play area.
Efficient
Irrigation – Water all
trees, shrubs and groundcovers with an efficient, low-volume drip system.
Irrigate grass areas separately from other plantings and keep your irrigation
clock in tune with the season. Check out SNWA's watering
schedule for appropriate watering.
- Low Water-Use Plants –
Many low water-use plants are available and can provide shade, accents
and seasonal bursts of color.
- Soil Improvements – Use organic
matter to help the soil yield better water absorption and feed nutrients
to your plants.
- Surface Mulches – Use mulches
to cover and cool the soil, decrease evaporation, reduce weed growth
and slow erosion.
- Appropriate Maintenance –
Xeriscapes require less maintenance than traditional landscapes, but
to preserve the appearance and water efficiency, some regular maintenance
is required.
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