Xeriscape Landscaping

Xeriscape landscaping or xeriscaping is a kind of energy efficient gardening that requires less water. At one time only popular in arid parts of the world, there has been increased interest in xerogardening everywhere lately due to concern about freshwater shortages.

Xerogardening is another commonly used term for low-water-landscapes. You might also see phrases like water-conserving or drought-tolerant plants, zeroscaping or smart-scaping ideas. All of these terms refer to the same concept.

For decades, almost all homeowners desired a perfectly manicured lawn. Caring for it was seen as a way of showing that they cared about their homes. Today we understand more about the disadvantages of water-hogging landscaping.

Water Hogging And Air Polluting

Lawns require frequent watering if they are to stay green and beautiful. Cutting the grass typically requires the use of fossil fuels or electricity. In many areas, electricity is derived from coal, another fossil fuel.

Lawnmowers contribute to pollution and send more CO2 into the atmosphere. In short, grass that requires regular cutting is not environmentally friendly. The only advantage is that it prevents soil erosion. But, practically any plant will do that.

Grass is not the only water-consuming plant. Those that are not native to the area you live in typically require some kind of irrigation. Energy efficient landscaping includes the use of more native species and less grass.

Water Conservation

In case you haven’t heard, the concern about conserving water stems from scientific predictions. As soon as 2012, some researchers expect to see serious freshwater shortages in some parts of the world. Already, there has been an increased incidence of saltwater intrusion in coastal areas like San Francisco. Saltwater intrusion is when the groundwater that was at one time fresh becomes brackish or salty.

People and animals cannot drink it. It cannot be used for watering food crops without some kind of salt-reduction process. It cannot be used for preparing foods or for industrial applications.

Yet almost 98% of the planet’s water is saltwater. Less than 3% is fresh water and that percentage is dropping. Using energy efficient landscaping is one thing that you can do to help conserve what we have left.

Water-Conserving Plants

Plants that are ideal for xeriscaping in the Western US include thyme, sedum, cacti, agave, juniper and lavender. Many of them will thrive in any part of the country that is not too cold. Sedum will grow just about anywhere.

Not only is xeriscape landscaping beneficial for the environment, you will have more free time on the weekends. Less maintenance is just one of the advantages.

Landscaping Small Yards

Go from Xeriscape Landscaping to Landscaping Ideas