What You Should Know About Xeriscaping

As you look for ways to avoid spending a lot of money on your landscape, you need to learn about xeriscaping. In suburban areas, up to 80 percent of the water used for a household goes to preserve a lawn or yard. For those who want to invest in some landscaping but who do not want to maintain the irrigation needs of vast swatches of turf, this concept is one you should learn.

What is Xeriscaping?

Xeriscaping is a thoughtful process of using little or no water for your landscape needs. Professionally, it is also any of the following:

- landscaping explicitly designed for areas that are susceptible to drought;

- gardens designed for properties where water conservation is essential;

- lawn conditioning for those who want more environmentally friendly means of watering plants; and

- landscaping for those who want to save money on water. 

The origin of the word is from the Greek word “xeros” which means "dry." Taken in this particular context, it means "dry landscape."

Advantages of Xeriscaping

Aside from the appealing fact that it saves water (between 50 and 70 percent reduction on your water bill), the following are the advantages of adequately installed xeriscaping:

- Increased property value: Great landscaping always increases the value of a property, but xeriscaping also improves the bottom line by saving on the need for irrigation lines and maintenance and the cost of excess water use.

- Xeriscaping not only reduces the need for water but if thoughtfully installed, it works as a means of pest control. Citronella helps repel mosquitoes, lavender wards of ticks and mites, and other plants work for different pests. Research your region and the native plants that are available to install the best pest control species for your home.

- Typically, xeriscape plant selections are self-propagating, so you save on having to buy and install new plants each year.

- You will reduce maintenance costs because most drought-tolerant or native plants do not require mowing or pruning. Additionally, when using native plants, weeds have less opportunity to take over and bees, butterflies, and birds find a home.

- Because it is all about the conservation, most xeriscape designs include the artful use of gravel, stones, and pavers to add utility to the grounds.

Now that you know the about concept of xeriscaping, you can learn more about it. Ask a landscape professional to review your property to see where xeriscaping can add value to your home.