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 far as landscaping, but 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 yard:
Selecting Drought-friendly Plant Species
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 and property orientation. We always recommend starting locally with 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 actually many different species of cold-hardy and hot-weather succulents that come in a variety of colors. Some other options include indigo bush, yucca, and evening primrose.
Planning for Plant Locations
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 of sun. Stage your plants to get a visual idea of how they will look and feel after you have planted them. It is best to wait a few days to see how the plants are reacting to their potential new home. You may have to switch some plants around instead of risking them not surviving in that location after you’ve already gone through the effort to plant them.
Improving Your Water Efficiency
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. Using 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.
Selecting Soil and 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.
Use mulch in your garden to help retain moisture and add to the aesthetic appeal of your yard. You can use organic mulch, which is wood-based or inorganic mulch which is stone-based.
Removing a Pre-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:
Try 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.
Implement a Sheet Covering: Cover grass with newspaper or cardboard and layer it with organic matter and mulch.
Physical Removal of Old Grass: Use a sod cutter to physically remove grass. You can also manually remove the grass with a square shovel or grape-grubbing hoe.
Go Simple with Vinegar: Simply apply vinegar to your grass. This is a safe and natural alternative to herbicides.
Xeriscaping doesn't completely 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.
