By- Zoe Wu
The word xero means dry in latin and scape means landscape. Xeriscaping is an official landscaping technique for areas prone to droughts. You have probably seen some of these in the front yards of some houses. The goal of this technique is to minimize the amount of water needed to maintain the yard and put it to better use as drinking water during drought season.
People who use this technique not only save the environment but also save their money. With less water being used to water their yards, people who xeriscape have seen a reduction of fifty to seventy percent of their water bill. They also have seen a reduction of about twenty-six percent in labor efforts because their new yards require less maintenance. Although the cost to make a yard with this technique is costly at first, the reduced water and maintenance fees show the long term benefits outweigh the initial costs.
Plants that do not require much water, called xeric plants, can be just as aesthetically pleasing as regular plants. Most laws using the xeriscaping technique use a layout using three zones. Each zone will contain plants that have similar water needs, to increase efficiency when watering the plants. The first zone, referred to as the Oasis Zone, will contain more water-intensive plants. This zone is usually placed in the view of the people in the interior of the house. The Transition Zone is the second zone and contains more water-wise xeric plants. This zone is usually placed near walkways or driveways where most people who view the yard from the outside can see. The final zone is the Xeric Zone and contains only xeric plants. This zone is usually placed on the outskirts of the property where not many can view. Xeric plants should be placed in the south or west side of the property, and the more water intensive plants should be placed in the north or east side of the property for maximum efficiency.
To irrigate efficiently, water the plants deeply and less frequently. This will encourage deep root growth, which leads to more stable plants. Xeriscaping does not have to be used in only drought prone areas, it can be used anywhere to increase efficiency of water usage. Remember, there is no need to "zeroscape" with the abundant plant options to make a beautiful xeriscape.
Do you think xeriscaping would be beneficial in Texas? How can you increase efficiency of your water usage? What changes can you make to your lawn to increase water efficiency?
People who use this technique not only save the environment but also save their money. With less water being used to water their yards, people who xeriscape have seen a reduction of fifty to seventy percent of their water bill. They also have seen a reduction of about twenty-six percent in labor efforts because their new yards require less maintenance. Although the cost to make a yard with this technique is costly at first, the reduced water and maintenance fees show the long term benefits outweigh the initial costs.
Plants that do not require much water, called xeric plants, can be just as aesthetically pleasing as regular plants. Most laws using the xeriscaping technique use a layout using three zones. Each zone will contain plants that have similar water needs, to increase efficiency when watering the plants. The first zone, referred to as the Oasis Zone, will contain more water-intensive plants. This zone is usually placed in the view of the people in the interior of the house. The Transition Zone is the second zone and contains more water-wise xeric plants. This zone is usually placed near walkways or driveways where most people who view the yard from the outside can see. The final zone is the Xeric Zone and contains only xeric plants. This zone is usually placed on the outskirts of the property where not many can view. Xeric plants should be placed in the south or west side of the property, and the more water intensive plants should be placed in the north or east side of the property for maximum efficiency.
To irrigate efficiently, water the plants deeply and less frequently. This will encourage deep root growth, which leads to more stable plants. Xeriscaping does not have to be used in only drought prone areas, it can be used anywhere to increase efficiency of water usage. Remember, there is no need to "zeroscape" with the abundant plant options to make a beautiful xeriscape.
Do you think xeriscaping would be beneficial in Texas? How can you increase efficiency of your water usage? What changes can you make to your lawn to increase water efficiency?
Sources
Beaulieu, David. “This Is What to Expect With Xeriscape Landscaping.” The Spruce, The Spruce, 15 July 2019, www.thespruce.com/xeriscape-landscaping-meaning-2131129.
National Geographic Society. “Xeriscaping.” National Geographic Society, 9 Oct. 2012, www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/xeriscaping/.
Rodomsky-Bish, Becca. “The Seven Principles of Xeriscape.” Habitat Network, 20 Oct. 2015, content.yardmap.org/learn/the-seven-principles-of-xeriscape/.
