Xeriscaping

If landscapes are designed using plants with water requirements corresponding to typical local rainfall patterns, significantly less water will be needed for irrigation. This is the simple concept behind Xeriscaping, a term coined by western land planning authorities dealing with water shortages in the 1970s. From Greek words meaning "dry scene", xeriscaping refers to selecting plants for their drought tolerance, and/or ability to thrive without regular maintenance in the climate conditions where they will be used. With water use issues becoming a concern in nearly every region of the United States, xeriscapes offer a viable alternative for attractive exterior space planning without consuming dwindling water resources and creating excessive cuttings or plant waste.

Traditional landscaping techniques include the widespread use of lush-looking Kentucky Bluegrass lawns, punctuated with groupings of exotic ornamental shrubs, flowers, and trees. For many years it was assumed that an unlimited water supply could provide the irrigation needed to maintain this vegetation, even in less hospitable hot or arid environments.

As increasing percentages of land area have been developed throughout the United States, water usage concerns have developed in nearly every region. In the East, problems with disposal of grass clippings and pollution from fertilizer/pesticide runoff have fueled the debate, while in the West and Southwest, water resources have been pushed to their limits by continued development and ever-increasing demand. Seasonal droughts may result in water restrictions in any part of the country.

All these factors have encouraged the spread of xeriscaping techniques throughout the United States. Municipal and state agencies, especially in western states, have opted to use alternative groundcovers and drought tolerant native vegetation when landscaping the grounds of public buildings and other facilities. Many local and regional parks have set aside meadow or streambank areas where native grasses and other plant species are allowed to grow freely without mowing. This can reduce maintenance costs and provide shelter for wildlife. In some instances, native flora may provide habitats for specific species like hummingbirds or butterflies. In western regions, many builder/developers now offer homebuyers the option of traditional landscaping or xeriscaped lots. In conjunction with drought tolerant trees and bushes, rock garden arrangements with creeping groundcovers and succulents can provide height, texture, color, and seasonal variety equivalent to conventional ornamentals.

By their nature, xeriscaping techniques vary by region. Landscape architects, horticulturalists, and gardeners in every area have developed lists of plants which can thrive under local climate conditions and rainfall patterns. Drought tolerant species may be imported, although some concern must be given to avoiding species which may crowd out indigenous plants or become invasive. Groundcovers, a common substitute for lawns, may be herbaceous perennials, ornamental grasses, or deciduous or coniferous shrubs. Buffalo grass and blue gamma grass may be substituted for water thirsty bluegrass in many situations. Mulches, such as bark chips, pine needles, wood grindings, composted cotton burrs or gravel and decomposed granite can provide landscape variety.

Xeriscaping also uses the concept of zoning, in which plants with similar water needs are grouped together in specific zones. Lots may thus be laid out to with a smaller but highly visible area where regular irrigation is provided, but with other broad areas requiring little maintenance or watering.

	Because of the decrease in maintenance and consumption, xeriscaping will help homeowners and businesses save money that will offset the planning and installation costs.
	Xeriscaping is designed so the vegetation does not require much water, fertilizer, or other chemicals, thus reducing the impact it has on its surrounding environment.

Initial Cost  

The initial costs of xeriscaping can be higher than other landscaping due to its comprehensive nature. Planners must study the area and find suitable vegetation, and the costs to install the vegetation may be higher as well.

Operational Cost  

Because the landscape is designed to be better suited for its surrounding environment, costs for the upkeep of the vegetation will be less than costs for a landscape not specific for the surrounding environment.

Xeriscaping requires a common-sense approach. While local code authorities may need to approve some site plans, xeriscaping techniques do not usually involve code or regulatory issues.

Chapman Companies: Rancho San Marcos, Santa Fe, New Mexico

John Wesley Miller Companies: Armory Park del Sol, Tucson, Arizona.

A well-planned design is the key to converting to a water-wise landscape. Several considerations must be made before implementation, such as the physical characteristics of the site, seasonal shading, runoff patterns, and individual aesthetic preferences. Whether xeriscaping yourself or hiring a professional landscaper, some soil improvements or additives might be required before planting can begin. For some well-adapted xeric plants, loosening the soil may be all that is needed. Regional agencies and authorities are the best source of information based on local soil characteristics.

Although most successful xeriscapes are low maintenance, they are not maintenance free. Most of the work--planning, designing, and establishing plants--is required in the beginning. Less work is required as the xeric landscape matures. Properly timed pruning, fertilizing, pest control and weeding will preserve the landscape's beauty and water efficiency.

Xeriscaping can be used by builders and developers in conjunction with other Low Impact Development (LID) techniques to minimize irrigation and landscape-maintenance costs in new subdivisions. For more information, see the separate Path Technology Inventory article on LID.

Not Applicable

Xeriscaping allows the creation of aesthetically pleasing landscapes with minimal consumption of dwindling water resources. Replacing expansive lawns with indigenous ground covers or unmown native grasses can reduce clipping disposal problems and irrigation costs. Using drought-tolerant plants can significantly reduce water bills, and avoid the cost of expensive engineered irrigation systems.