[PDF]Water Efficient Landscaping

A Few Last Tips




Here is a brief list to help you avoid some common gardening pitfalls and make
the most of your water efficient garden:




Check sun/shade conditions. Sun patterns vary
with time of day and year.

Evaluate soil and improve if necessary. Soil
types can vary within a given site. An
analysis based on random soil sampling can
provide information for plant selection and
soil amendments. If appropriate, natural soil
amendments or compost can improve root
development, water penetration, and retention.
Remember to improve the soil before planting or
installing an irrigation system.

Promote good drainage. Excess moisture in the
root zone increases occurrence of disease and
pest infestations and promotes root rot.

Follow proper planting techniques. When
planting, space new plants based upon mature



size and shape. Even drought-tolerant plants,
when new, need a good consistent supply of
water to get started. Once established in the soil,
watering can be reduced.

5. Don't overwater! Use a soil probe or your fin-
ger to check for soil moisture below the surface.
The soil in the root zone can be moist even when
the surface appears dry.

6. Consider the relationship among plants based
upon their mature sizes and shapes.

7. A garden or yard is personal, so select plants to
display colors, foliage, and flowers that appeal
to you. Foliage, bark, and flower contrast

and seasonal change add beauty to your water
efficient landscape.



For more information please contact your local conservation district or UC Extension (Master Gardeners
chapter). Special thanks to the UC Davis Arboretum, Master Gardeners, and the UC Davis Herbarium.



^Master



ANRCS



Natural
Resources
Conservation
Service




•ACKYARD
'CONSERVATION

It'll grow on you.



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20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.



-&NRCS



Natural
Resources
Conservation
Service




(ACKYARD
ONSERVATION

It'll grow on you.



Water Efficient landsca ping



Setting Started



Water is just one component of your landscape
planning-but in the arid west, it's an extremely
important component. Planning for water efficiency
in your landscape design not only helps the
environment, it also helps you avoid unnecessary
headaches and heartaches over foiled plantings and
disappointing designs.

More than half of the water consumed by an average
household is used for landscaping. In the summer
months water use can increase by 250%, the majority
of which goes for outdoor watering. Xeriscaping, a
practice based on designing an attractive, sustainable
landscape that minimizes water use and sound
horticultural principles, is one possible solution to this
problem.

Xeriscape is coined from the Greek word Xeros,
which means dry. But unlike the dry unattractive
landscape some people may picture when they hear
the term, xeriscaped, landscapes can be both beautiful
and water efficient. Xeriscaping is an excellent
alternative to a "traditional" landscape, makes wise
use of our water supply, and helps keep your water
bills reasonable.

Whether planning a new landscape or renovating an
old one, following these principles will help you save
water and achieve your gardening goals.

Plan and design comprehensively. When making
plans for your garden, think about how you use
your yard. Do you entertain guests, need a place for
children to play, want to block an ugly view? Once
you have determined your needs, consider the view,
the slope, sun exposure, placement of structures,
existing vegetation, and the soils of the area. Create a
plan deciding where things will be and when different
areas will be done; Landscapes are often installed in
phases.



Create practical turf areas. Lush green lawns can be
beautiful, but they are one of the largest consumers of
water in a landscape. Reducing turf areas or locating
them at the bottom of slopes where they collect runoff
and have proper drainage can significantly reduce
water use. This does not mean all turf areas should be
eliminated. By selecting water efficient varieties and
properly locating turf, it can still play an important
function in the landscape.

Use water-efficient plants. A plant list is included
inside this handout. Gardening books and your local
nursery are other good sources for plant suggestions.
Plants native to your local area are often well adapted
to arid conditions and are also good garden candidates.

Water efficiently with properly designed irrigation
systems. The irrigation system should be well planned
and managed. Drip or trickle irrigation systems apply
the water where it does the most good: directly to the
soil. This reduces evaporation and and saves you time
now spent watering by hand. Not all plants need the
same amount of water. Group plants with like water
needs together. Also, irrigation needs change with
the season and the weather. Water needs vary with
plant variety, soil conditions, temperature and rainfall.
Needs also change as plants mature.

Use organic mulches to reduce evaporation.

Mulches minimize evaporation, reduce weed growth,
slow erosion, and help prevent soil temperature
fluctuations. When applied at a depth of 3-6 inches,
mulches can be one key to a successful water efficient
landscape.

Practice appropriate maintenance. The quality and
efficiency of the xeriscape will be best maintained
through proper pruning, weeding, and attention to
the irrigation system.




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