Landscaping can save water

Published 10:43 pm Saturday, December 1, 2012

Commit to water conservation and sustainability!

Xeriscape landscaping is a form of sustainable landscaping and is an approach attracting the attention of many people from individuals and communities to organizations and corporations who simply want to help preserve the environment.  It is through the use of plants which require less water and minimal landscaping practices which support such water conservation and sustainability efforts. Therefore, through such landscaping practices we limit and better manage current water use and help set the stage to preserve water for future generations.

The term, xeriscaping, is derived from the Greek xeros meaning “dry” and means literally “dry landscape.” It is pronounced zeer-i-scaping, not xeroscaping.

Many people pursue and practice xeriscaping as a means to lower their own water consumption and maintenance expenditures.  In a unified effort in society, this practice offers a much larger perspective by contributing to build a more sustainable future for everyone.

Xeriscaping is an effort to create attractive lawns and landscapes which use less water than the typical or traditional setting. Water has become a most critical issue for the future prosperity of Georgia, as well as the nation and world. Expanding populations have increased the demand on this very valuable resource. Also, seasonal fluctuations in rainfall and periodic droughts coupled with normal climatic changes have created a very sensitive situation for all of us.

Many traditional landscapes require large amounts of water which is becoming more valuable by the day, and much of this water is applied incorrectly and inefficiently. Xeriscape landscaping offers an approach and effective strategy to help reduce the excessive use of water in our landscapes without a reduction in landscape quality or curb appeal. This concept conserves water, protects the environment, promotes sustainability, and minimizes expenditures (a win-win situation).

Xeriscape landscapes are not simply the use of cactus, succulents and rock gardens, but they can be green landscapes filled with durable plants and maintained with water-efficient practices. Such landscaping practices include the use of native plants, dry landscaping, sustainable landscaping, succulent gardens, rock gardens, etc.

By definition, xeriscape landscaping is landscaping designed specifically for those areas that are susceptible to drought conditions, or for those properties where water conservation is practiced. This type of landscaping is based upon seven principles which comprehensively shape the strategies employed and results obtained. These principles include planning and design, soil analysis and preparation, practical turf areas and circulation paths, appropriate plant selection, effective and efficient irrigation, use of mulches (organic and inorganic), and appropriate maintenance (short and long term).

Creating such a water-efficient landscape begins with an effective landscape plan, creative design and proper implementation. Complete a site analysis with sketches of the locations of buildings, trees, shrubs, gardens, grass areas, circulation paths, as well as problem areas such as poor drainage. Next, review the public, private and service areas on site and determine how these areas fit your landscaping needs and wants. Also, determine the amount of maintenance needed versus the amount you are willing to provide and keep the costs within an affordable budget.

In the planning process, develop areas as to water needs.  For example, develop placement zones such that plants with similar needs are in the same placement area, ie. medium, low and very low watering zones. The purpose of planning is to design a landscape that will have the appearance and function desired, as well as being sustainable, environmentally-friendly and water-conserving. Seek the assistance of professionals such as consultants, sustainability associates and landscape designers for their expertise from planning to completion. It is a lot easier to erase on paper during planning than to be looking at major renovation in the short term after completion.

Proper soil analysis and preparation is a must. Take representative soil samples from the site and have them tested, either through a public agency or private company. These test results will indicate your nutrient and pH levels and suggest the kinds and amounts of fertilizers needed, any pH adjustments (lime or sulfur), and organic matter needs. Most soils benefit greatly by the addition of organic matter which improves soil structure and water absorption and storage. In general, incorporate about 3 to 4 inches of organic material (sphagnum) in the bed areas.

When planning the landscape, be reminded that turfgrasses may need more water and maintenance than most other plants. In so doing, use turfgrasses wisely to create lawn spaces but do not have a two-acre lawn (a monster to maintain). In xeriscaping, plan your use spaces wisely including lawn spaces, patios, decks, shrub beds, groundcovers, circulation paths, sitting areas, gazebos, fire pit areas, etc. in the landscape design process. Also, shape your lawn areas and bed borders in curvilinear patterns supporting ease of maintenance.

Select specific trees, shrubs and groundcovers that are well-adapted to the macro- and microclimates of our area. The macroclimate is the average of conditions in south Georgia and the microclimate is the environmental conditions (light, shade, temperature, etc.) on the subject site. Use as many native and naturalized plants as possible.  Exotic plants (those adapted to other environments) are higher maintenance and should be avoided if possible. Visit your local garden center and look at the plants available and drive around town and review other landscapes for ideas (accentuate the good and avoid the bad).

In turfgrass selection for a lawn area, consider all your choices, the microenvironment, and the maintenance required.  For sunny areas, your choices will include centipedegrass, zoysia, St. Augustinegrass, bermudagrass or seashore paspalum. If the area is shaded, then you are limited to St. Augustinegrass. For less desirable lawn areas and more of “just a green yard,” you may choose from carpetgrass, bahiagrass or common bermudagrass. Make sure your turfgrass choice is supported through professional advice for your particular conditions.

Different plants need different amounts of water. Plan your plant placement based on watering needs. This practice will help you irrigate properly in the different zones (ie. medium water, low water, and very low water) without overwatering or underwatering.

Use a mulch (organic or inorganic) in the bed areas wherever possible. A good mulch conserves water by significantly reducing moisture evaporation from the soil, as well as reducing weeds, preventing soil compaction, and keeping soil temperatures more moderate.

Determine the maintenance requirements needed in your planned landscape and commit to providing them in their entirety.

Commit to water conservation and sustainability! Water must be a vital concern for everyone in our state and nation. Many people believe that watering landscapes is a nonessential luxury. In times of severe drought, rationing may limit the amount of water we can use for our lawns and landscapes. Therefore, we have a special responsibility to conserve water and protect its quality. Xeriscaping conserves water in the landscape without sacrificing beauty and plant diversity. In addition to saving water, xeriscapes are also less labor intensive and save energy and reduce our reliance on oil and gasoline.