Xeriscaping: Why All of California Should be Doing It!
By now we have all heard of the record-breaking drought going on here in California. With new laws and restrictions in place to conserve water, it’s important that we all comply and do our part. But what if we told you that it’s easier to save water than you think and that the government would actually pay you to do so! That’s where xeriscaping comes in.
Xeriscaping is a type of landscaping that reduces or eliminates the need for of water. It may come as a shock to know that nearly 9 billion gallons of water is used for landscaping and turf lawns. Sadly, nearly 50 percent of that water is wasted due to evaporation, wind, or runoff caused by inefficient irrigation methods and systems. Xeriscaping is looking to put a stop of all of this wasted water and California’s government is noticing. In Los Angeles, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California offers residential rebates of $1 -$2 per square foot to remove turf lawns and replace them with water-efficient landscapes.
Xeriscaping is really quite simple. It consists of these 7 key principles:
- “Create a plan that will help you get the most out of your landscape. Consider cost, function, aesthetics, maintenance requirements, water use and energy efficiency.
- Plant low-water-use plants. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. They also serve purposes from adding shade and seasonal color to screening unsightly areas.
- Incorporate turf areas appropriately. Sometimes only grass will do. Small turf areas
can be incorporated successfully with proper planning, installation and maintenance. - Irrigate efficiently. Plant trees, shrubs, ground covers and turf areas each
on different valves so you can time their irrigations separately. Adjust your irrigation
schedule at least four times a year. - Consider soil improvements. Because there is quite a variation in soil quality and
composition across Southern California, soil amendments may be needed when unusual
conditions exist. - Use mulch. Mulch covers the soil and reduces evaporation. It cools the soil beneath and helps to inhibit weak growth and erosion.
- Properly maintain your xeriscape to save water, time and money. A well-maintained irrigation system can keep plants healthy and water use low.”
(source: http://www.togetherweconserve.com/xeriscape.aspx)
So why not help California out during this devastating drought and get paid to do so? Plan out your xeriscape and head to your local nursery today!
Cesi Pagano
Leave a Reply