Ultimate Guide to Xeriscaping Landscaping

The term xeriscaping refers to a manner of landscaping that requires little to no irrigation. It’s ideal for home and business owners who love the idea of beautiful landscaping, but who live in drought-prone areas or simply don’t want the responsibility of frequent watering. Xeriscaping is quite flexible and versatile, too, so it’s ideal no matter your preferences for exterior design.

Benefits of Xeriscaping

Xeriscaping is ideal for states in the Western US that are often drought-stricken, but it’s also a fantastic opportunity for homeowners who don’t agree with the notion that lawns must include thick, lush, green grass to be beautiful. Some of the major benefits of xeriscaping include:

• Aesthetically pleasing design that utilizes turf instead of grass.
• Low-maintenance landscaping with decorative granite, native plants, and more.
• Natural beauty that fits your local environment and is better for local fauna and flora.
• Water conservation in areas where fresh water is often in short supply.
• Money savings over the traditional rolls of sod and greenery – as well as the water required for their upkeep.

Materials Used in Xeriscaping

Numerous materials work well in xeriscaping, but some are more common than others. The five most used xeriscaping materials are rock, drought-resistant and drought-tolerant plants, artificial turf, sand, and mulch.

• Rock – Landscaping rock of all sizes is one of the best ways to get started with xeriscaping. Small, round rock works well for flowerbed cover, and large rocks are perfect for creating interesting features, walkways, and even natural staircases. You might even choose to cover most of your yard with rock for a cohesive look that requires little to no maintenance. The possibilities are truly endless.
• Drought-Resistant and Drought-Tolerant Plants – Drought-resistant plants like cacti can continue to survive and even thrive in drought conditions. Drought-tolerant plants, on the other hand, may require some watering to survive, but they are more tolerant to dry conditions than most. Choose carefully depending on your local weather patterns and environment.
• Artificial Turf – High-quality artificial turf can provide you with the look and feel of grass, but without the excessive maintenance and upkeep. It comes in a wide range of colors and styles, so whether you prefer the unique hue of Kentucky Bluegrass or something bright green like fescue, there’s turf out there to suit your needs.
• Sand – Sand is quite common in the drier parts of the United States, and while many homeowners try to get rid of it, it’s possible to work with the sand, instead. Sand can be leveled or sculpted to suit your individual needs, and in some areas, it may even work well as planting material for native plants.
• Mulch – Finally, depending on the size and scope of your project, you might opt to add mulch to your xeriscaping projects. Like rock, it comes in a wide range of colors and sizes, which means you can incorporate it into virtually any design.

Xeriscaping can be a lot of fun, and home and business owners who let go of the notion that yards must be bright green and lush often find that xeriscaping adds a new dimension of interest when it comes to curb appeal, too. From rocks to plants and even sand, there’s no limit to what you can do to bring your vision to life. Serving areas that are often required to be conscious of water consumption, Staker Parson has unique expertise in all forms of Xeriscaping. If you’re looking to overhaul your home or business landscaping for something more drought resistant, give us a call!