Making it in Xeriscaping

Water conservation has taken new leaps and bounds in recent years with a greater emphasis on efficiency. Xeriscaping, the art of landscaping using drought tolerant plants and technology, seeks to help reduce irrigation needs saving water and money.

Although originally seen as a resourceful landscaping system for arid regions, xeriscaping is now becoming more widely accepted in all areas, as many states outside of the west coast are beginning to integrate its approach. If you're looking to move your career in a 'greener' direction here's a few things to know about the subject.

Xeriscaping is based on the following seven principles:

1. Design: Creating a base plan and assessing the land in question. Some considerations include drainage patterns, sun, shade, slopes, direction of breezes, water zones, insects and various types of flies which may infest and affect the envisioned master plan. The emphasis is on utilizing a property's strengths and managing its weaknesses.

2. Soil amendment and enrichment: Making sure soil can drain, retain water, and that it contains the necessary nutrients. Composting is an important component of amending soil.

3. Alternative grass or turf: Xeriscaping tries to reduce needy lawns, which necessitate lots of moisture. Considerations: a) Some types of grass require only a quarter of the water others do. b) Grass isn't necessary in certain areas where low maintenance plant species can be more useful. c) Where grass is planted a strong root system will make it healthy enough to survive drought, disease, and weeds.

4. Selecting plants: These should be drought resistant and able to hold onto water longer. Plants with similar needs should be grouped together; those requiring more water together, those requiring less water together, shade, and so on. Also, plants native to the region should be used, as they have already adapted to the local climate.

5. Mulching: Aside from preventing weeds from springing up mulch helps retain moisture, temperature and slows erosion.

6. Watering: Delivery systems such as drip irrigation and some sprinklers, which bring water directly to the base of the plant, are recommended. Watering should not be done during the day when the sun is strong and moisture can evaporate more quickly. Overspray and leaks should be monitored.

7. Maintenance: Once up and running low maintenance is part of xeriscaping but vegetation will still need attention like mowing grass high, weeding where necessary, and fertilizing.

As you see, xeriscaping is not just about planting cacti and succulents, which require little water but a process of transforming a property's exterior from a system that works against itself to one that thrives, relying on less.

If you're interested in becoming a 'xeriscaper' proficiency in water resources and plant species is necessary as these are the two most important aspects of the job. However, there are many stages to the process with a variety of expertise needed. On the technical side xeriscaping incorporates the sciences of landscaping design, architecture, and horticulture and on the physical side it takes careful skills and precise management to make it all happen.

If you are considering starting a Green business or moving in that direction consult local xeriscapers regarding your background and its relevance to the issue. It's a trade that is still taking off but will have an immense impact on our ecosystems in the coming years.

Jakob Barry writes for Networx.com. He covers various green-home topics, including green landscaping maintenance ideas and electrical conservation.

Resources

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