How to Xeriscape Your Yard and Conserve Water
Xeriscaping has a unique name that doesn't allude to anything we would naturally think of as landscaping — except, well, the "scaping." Still, all it really means is a low-maintenance way of landscaping your home in dry conditions like Utah — especially important during periods of drought.
Here are a few things to consider when thinking of xeriscaping your space.
Get the right plant types.
Strategizing which plants you would like in your yard is a top priority. Your local garden shop might be able to help with picking specific ones that are native to your location. Here are a few garden centers in different areas across the valley. Check out your nearest one: Park City Nursery, Millcreek Gardens, Western Garden Centers, and Glover Nursery.
A common misconception is that there are not many bright-colored options in xeriscaping. However, there are many different species of cold-hardy and hot weather succulents that come in various colors. Some other options include indigo bush, yucca, and evening primrose.
Make a plan ahead of time.
Next up, you will want to plan out where to put your plants. This step is one of the most important as you will want to group your plants in areas that will help them survive and thrive. Pay attention to areas in your yard that are more shady or full sun. Stage your plants to visualize how they will look and feel after you have planted them. Hot tip: wait a few days to see how the plants react to their potential new home. You may have to switch some plants around instead of risking them not surviving in that location.
Make your zones water efficient.
The beauty of xeriscaping is you save on costs associated with watering, and you will likely save more time watering as the plants used in xeriscaping require less water. Learning how to use water wisely is a big part of xeriscaping; you may want to consider using drip irrigation or a soaker hose to prevent wasting water. Watering the plants at the roots instead of on the leaves will help them get a good soak and aid in their growth.
Take care of your soil and add mulch.
Looking for more ways to conserve water and help your plants develop fully? Improve your soil to help retain moisture and refrain from evaporating water. Another great tip is to use mulch in your garden; it also helps retain moisture. You can use organic mulch, which is wood-based or inorganic mulch which is stone-based. Mulch will also add to the aesthetic appeal of your yard.
Need to get rid of an existing lawn?
If you want to convert to xeriscaping, but you already have a pre-existing lawn, you will want to remove it and replace it with your new xeriscape strategy. Here are a few ways to tackle that:
Solarization: Cover grass with a black plastic sheet. This will create a sun-powered sauna that will make it too hot for the grass to live on.
Sheet Covering: Cover grass with newspaper or cardboard and layer it with organic matter and mulch.
Physical Removal: Use a sod cutter to physically remove grass. You can also manually remove the grass with a square shovel or grape grubbing hoe.
Vinegar: Apply vinegar to your grass. This is a safe and natural alternative to herbicides.
Xeriscaping doesn't altogether remove the need to water, but it is a great solution to conserve water — especially in drought conditions that Utah is prone to. It is not maintenance-free, but it is a low-maintenance way to landscape while remaining aesthetically pleasing.
