Xeriscaping Principles
1. Make a Plan - Map out your yard as much to scale as you can with all permanent features such as, your house, driveway, trees, paths, etc. Include yard characteristics such as, sun, shade, drainage, wind, road noise and any other element that may effect your plan. Identify use areas such as, play, entertainment, garden, pet, pool or wildlife areas. Sketch in planting zones based on water use:
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Very Low Water Use - Driveways, paths, shaded areas naturally moist areas, all zones that require zero irrigation.
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Low Water Use - Somewhat exposed areas that might benefit from rainwater runoff or be maintained with low-volume irrigation.
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Moderate Water Use - Fully exposed areas that require more water to maintain. Limit these areas to highly visible or functional spaces.
Now include a planting plan that reinforces your zones. Place similar tolerance plants with each other in the corresponding zones that you have laid out.
2. Improve the Soil - Making sure your soil has the proper acidity, drainage, nutrients, or moisture retention is an important part of not only making sure your plants succeed but also in minimizing your water consumption. Have your soil tested and find out what diffencies you are dealing with in your lawn. Till the soil in your planters below the planned rootball depths. While tilling make sure to include any additives suggested through testing and
What is Xeriscaping?
As you may know already South Texas is in continual trouble with it's water supply. As Texans, being saddled with drought restrictions have become a way of life.
Xeriscaping, or Zeroscaping as it is often incorrectly referred to, is a form of landscaping that is focused on reducing or entirely eliminating the amount of water you are using on your yard. Although native plants often work well in Xeriscapes the focus remains on water comsumption so not all native plants are a good fit for water conservation.
Pros
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Less Water Consuption - This one is obvious, less water equals smaller bills. Xeriscaped lawns need on average two thirds less water than other lawns.
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Less Maintenance - With smaller grassy areas and plants chosen to grow naturally, Xeriscaped lawns are less of a burden on your wallet and your back year after year.
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Less Rain Waste - Proper xeriscape designs use techniques in planting, grading, and materials to direct and retain more rain.
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Less Polution - Fewer gas powered tools used, fewer bags of clippings to clog up landfills, and fewer chemicals needed to keep yard.
Cons
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HOA Hastles - Certain home owner's associations are still living on yesterdays water supply and require a percentage of your yard be dedicated to grass lawns. Find out what your HOA rules are today.
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Pet & Child Challenges - Smaller sections of grass limit play space and certain tough plants that grow in Texas, such as cacti, can be a deterrent for animals and children.
