Xeriscaping is a landscaping style that benefits both homeowners and the environment by saving water, reducing maintenance needs, creating wildlife habitats, and improving property value. If you’re planning to update your lawn and garden in San Jose, then keep reading to learn about the elements of xeriscaping.
Water Conservation
The fundamental component of xeriscaping is reducing water usage, which is why this landscaping style is so popular in the southwest. When designing a xeriscaped property, you want to always be on the lookout for ways to reduce the water needs of your landscaping and make the most of the precipitation that your location receives. Some factors to consider during the design process include drainage areas, the natural contours of the land, a plot’s orientation, and the levels of sun and shade that different spots receive.
Soil Improvement
Understanding your soil type and making beneficial changes to its composition and quality can promote the success of your xeriscaping. Ideally, your soil should store water but drain well, and these characteristics can help retain beneficial nutrients and encourage good aeration. However, do consider the types of plants that you will be using before making changes to your soil. For example, cacti species prefer lean soil, which is low in organic matter, while most other plants enjoy nutrient-rich soil.
Turf Reduction
Cutting down on grassy areas and xeriscaping go hand in hand. Although lawns can look appealing and are a traditional option for residential landscape design, they require more care and water than most other options. For these reasons, if xeriscaping is your goal, you should reduce the amount of lawn on your property and replace it with low-water plants or hardscaping.
Plant Selection
Finally, if you want to maximize the benefits of your xeriscaping efforts, then it’s critical to take a hard look at plant choice for your garden. The ideal approach is to select plants that are native to your area, as these are adapted to survive in your local environment. Also, look for species that are drought-tolerant and create plant groupings according to their water and sunlight needs.
