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Principles of Xeriscaping

The seven principles of xeriscaping are: 1) Planning and designing with a base plan, 2) Improving soil by adding organic material, 3) Using efficient irrigation methods like drip systems and watering deeply but infrequently, 4) Selecting plants suited to the site's conditions and grouping them accordingly, 5) Using mulch to retain soil moisture, 6) Reducing lawn areas and replacing with low-water plants or hardscaping, and 7) Maintaining the landscape with minimal watering, weeding, and pruning over time.

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185 views3 pages

Principles of Xeriscaping

The seven principles of xeriscaping are: 1) Planning and designing with a base plan, 2) Improving soil by adding organic material, 3) Using efficient irrigation methods like drip systems and watering deeply but infrequently, 4) Selecting plants suited to the site's conditions and grouping them accordingly, 5) Using mulch to retain soil moisture, 6) Reducing lawn areas and replacing with low-water plants or hardscaping, and 7) Maintaining the landscape with minimal watering, weeding, and pruning over time.

Uploaded by

prashanth
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Principles of Xeriscaping

Seven Principles:

1. Planning and Designing:

A plan provides direction and guidance and will ensure that water-saving techniques
are implemented in the landscape.

The first step is to look at existing landscape and create a "base plan." This diagram,
drawn to scale, should show the major elements of your landscape, including house,
driveway, sidewalk, deck or patio, existing trees and other elements.

Then Measure from the property lines to house, and measure all the exterior walls of
the house. Measure other impervious surfaces, such as sidewalks, decks and driveways. If
there are existing trees, shrubs, etc., that you want to keep, measure them for your plan.
Transfer your measurements to graph paper. Most designers prefer to work with plans drawn
to a 1:10 or 1:8 scale. This means that every 10 (or 8) feet of actual measure equals 1 inch on
your plan.

Once property lines are drawn on the graph paper, details should be filled, including
the house outline, sidewalks, driveways, etc. Show direction on your plan by drawing an
arrow pointing north.

This will help you to select plants appropriate for specific exposures. Some other things you
should include on your base plan include:

 the location of spigots, downspouts and external electrical outlets


 fences, walls and other structures
 existing lawn, garden, shrub masses and flower beds
 trees (both clients and neighbors, if they shade part of your yard)
 slopes

Then planting plan should be developed.

2. Soil improvement:

Clay soil is dense and takes a long time to absorb and release water. On the other hand,
sandy soil doesn’t hold much water. Unless irrigated frequently, plants in sandy soils tend to
dry out quickly.

Non-native plants may require soil amendments; native plants often do not. Amend soil
with organic material, such as compost or manure, helps to retain and release water. Hence,
add 5 cm of organic material 15 cm deep improves the soil. If landscaping is done with native
plants, soil amendments may not be necessary only loosening the soil is enough.
3. Efficient Irrigation:

A Xeriscape can be irrigated efficiently by hand or with an automatic sprinkler system. If


a sprinkler system is installed, it's a good idea to plan this at the same time of designing the
landscape.

Zone turf areas separately from other plantings and use the irrigation method that waters
the plants in each area most efficiently. For grass, low-pressure, low-angle sprinklers irrigate
best. Drip, spray or bubbler emitters are most efficient for watering trees, shrubs, flowers and
ground covers.

Water deeply and infrequently to develop deep roots. Never water between 11 a.m. and 4
p.m. to reduce water lost to evaporation. If automatic sprinkling system is available, adjust
controller sensor monthly to accommodate changing weather conditions. Also, install a rain
sensor to shut off the device when it rains.

4. Selection of plants:

Different areas in a garden receive different amounts of light, wind and moisture. To
minimize water wastage, group together plants with similar light and water requirements, and
place them in an area that matches these requirements. Put high-water-use plants in low-lying
drainage areas, near downspouts, or in the shade of other plants. Dry, sunny areas or areas far
from a hose are great places for low-water-use plants that grow well in our climate. Planting a
variety of plants with different heights, color and textures creates interest and beauty.

5. Mulches:

Mulch keeps plant roots cool, prevents soil from crusting, minimizes evaporation and
reduces weed growth.

Organic mulches, such as bark chips, wood grindings, should be applied at least 4 inches
deep. Because they decompose over time, they're an excellent choice for new beds. As plants
mature and spread, they'll cover the mulched areas.

Inorganic mulches include rocks and gravel, and should be applied at least 2 inches deep.
They rarely need to be replaced and work well in windy spots. However, they should not be
placed next to the house on the sunny south or west sides, because they tend to retain and
radiate heat. Mulch can be applied directly to the soil surface or placed over a landscape
fabric. Do not use black plastic because it prevents air and water from reaching plant roots.

6. Reduce Grass Areas:

Reduce grass areas whenever possible and replace with appropriate plant material or
hardscape.

1. Select grass according to its intended use, planting location and maintenance
requirements.
2. Reduce the size of water-sensitive lawns by including enlarged beds and hardscapes
(decks, patios and walkways)

3. Consider the ease or difficulty in watering the proposed grass. Eliminate areas that are
long and narrow or small and odd-shaped which are difficult to water efficiently.

4. Where ever possible, plant more drought tolerant grasses.

7. Maintenance:

Maintenance for a new Xeriscape garden is similar to a traditional landscape, but it will
decrease over time. The new garden may require watering, weeding, cutting back most
perennials and native grasses each year, and pruning shrubs and trees as needed.

Proper mowing of grasses helps conserve water and energy. Never remove more than
one-third of the leaf blade and leave clippings on the lawn. Correct fertilization of all plant
materials is essential. Periodically inspect all irrigation equipment. Adjust sprinkler systems
for optimum conservation. Perform insect and disease control with an environmentally
friendly product.

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