Xeriscaping is a popular trend, but it’s not always easy to get started. You might be wondering how you can create a sustainable xeriscape for your yard. Don’t worry! We have some great tips for getting started with this eco-friendly landscaping method.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Xeriscaping is a water-efficient landscaping method that can help reduce water usage in outdoor spaces. |
| Using native and drought-tolerant plants, as well as design techniques that reduce runoff, can significantly reduce water usage in your landscape. |
| Sustainable landscaping practices, like xeriscaping, not only help protect the environment but can also save you money in the long run. |
| There are many resources available to help you learn more about water-saving landscaping techniques, including blogs and expert advice websites. |
| By implementing xeriscaping and other water-saving landscaping techniques, you can create a beautiful and sustainable outdoor space that benefits both you and the environment. |
Xeric Plants
Xeriscaping is the practice of using native plants that are adapted to arid climates. Xeriscaping is a way of landscaping that uses plants, rocks and other elements to save water.
In addition to being attractive, xeriscaped landscapes require less maintenance than conventional landscapes with large trees and lawns.
Xeriscape plants are found in natural areas close to where you live. They include trees, shrubs, perennials and grasses that can survive in dry conditions without much care or water (xeric).
These types of plants usually have different colors and textures compared to non-xeric landscape plantings; they often have small leaves and flowers instead of big ones because they don’t need as much sunlight or moisture like their counterparts do!
Xeriscaping is a great way to create a beautiful, water-efficient garden. For more tips on how to create a sustainable garden, check out our guide on xeriscaping tips to learn more.
Rain Barrels
Rain barrels are simple, inexpensive and effective ways to collect the rainwater that would otherwise run off your roof. If you have a water source near your house, consider installing one of these in your yard.
Not only will you be able to collect free water for plants and lawns—you can also use it for outdoor cleaning projects, such as washing cars or boats.
Rain barrels can save you money on your monthly water bill by reducing how much money goes towards irrigation (and those pesky water bill penalties).
The best thing about rain barrels is they’re cheap; most models cost less than $100! With that said, not every location is suitable for using a rain barrel system; if there’s no access to plumbing near where you live then don’t worry about putting one in place right away.
| Barrel | Capacity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Good Ideas Rain Wizard | 50-80 gallons | Made from durable, BPA-free polyethylene and features a flat-back design for easy placement against any wall. Includes a brass spigot and a debris screen to prevent clogging. |
| Algreen Cascata Rain Water Collection and Storage System | 65 gallons | Made from roto-molded plastic and features a stylish design that resembles a terracotta urn. Includes a brass spigot and an overflow hose for added convenience. |
| RTS Home Accents Rain Barrel | 50 gallons | Made from UV-resistant, food-grade plastic and includes a brass spigot and a flat-back design for easy placement against any wall. |
| FCMP Outdoor Rain Catcher | 50 gallons | Made from BPA-free, food-grade plastic and includes a brass spigot, a debris screen, and a child-proof lid. Features a dual spigot design for easy access to stored water. |
| EarthMinded RainStation Rain Barrel | 50 gallons | Made from UV-resistant, food-grade plastic and includes a debris screen, a spigot, and a linking kit for connecting multiple barrels. Features a flat-back design for easy placement. |
These are some examples of rain barrels that can help you collect and store rainwater for use in your garden or lawn. By using a rain barrel, you can reduce your water bill and conserve water, while also providing your plants with optimal hydration.
Another advantage of using a rain barrel system is being able to use recycled wastewater on various plants and trees throughout the year without damaging them with harmful chemicals found in regular fertilizer products.
Are you looking for ways to save time and money on landscaping? Xeriscaping is a great option! Check out our guide on the benefits of xeriscaping to learn more about how it can benefit your garden.
Artificial Grass
If you’re looking to save water, money and time in your lawn care routine, artificial grass is an excellent option.
Here are some of its benefits:
Water savings: Because it needs no irrigation or mowing, it will cut down on your household’s water bill by as much as 99%. This can add up to big savings over time!
Money savings: You may be surprised to learn that artificial grass is less expensive than natural turf—in some situations by 40% or more!
And because it requires far less maintenance than traditional turf, you won’t have to worry about paying for pricey fertilizers and pesticides anymore either.
Sustainable landscaping practices are key to protecting the planet and conserving resources. Looking for ways to implement sustainable practices in your garden? Check out our guide on why you need to implement sustainable landscaping to learn more.
Composting
Composting is an excellent way to save water, money and reduce waste. It can also improve soil quality if done correctly.
A compost pile takes the nutrients from your plant food and natural materials (grass clippings, leaves, weeds) and turns them into nutrient-rich humus that you can use in your garden or flowerbeds.
When the process is complete, the finished product looks like dark brown soil with a crumbly texture. As a result of this process, many homeowners find themselves using less fertilizer because composting helps make nutrient-rich soil for plants to grow in!
| Composter | Capacity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Envirocycle Composting Tumbler | 35 gallons | Made from BPA-free and UV-inhibited recycled polyethylene, this tumbler is easy to use, produces compost quickly, and doesn’t require much effort to turn. |
| Vermicompost Composter | Variable | Utilizes worms to speed up the decomposition process. Ideal for small to medium-sized households. Examples include the Worm Factory 360 and the Urban Worm Bag. |
| Yimby Tumbler Composter | 37 gallons | Made from recycled plastic and features two chambers for continuous composting. Aeration system ensures good airflow for faster decomposition. |
| Joraform Composter | 106 gallons | Can handle larger volumes of yard waste, including leaves and twigs, and produces compost quickly with dual-chamber design. Made from galvanized steel for durability. |
| Lifetime Composting Bin | 80 gallons | Made from high-density polyethylene for durability and features a latch lid for easy access. Also features an aerator bar for optimal oxygen flow. |
These are some examples of composters that can help turn your kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich compost for your garden. By composting, you can reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, improve your soil’s health, and save money on fertilizers.
Smart Irrigation
Use a timer. Timers can be used to control the amount of time your sprinklers are on. You can set them to run for 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or even more if you want. Some timers allow you to program your irrigation system so that it only turns on at certain times of day or during certain seasons.
Use a rain sensor. Rain sensors detect when it rains and turns off the sprinkler system until the ground is dry again.
Use soil moisture sensors. These devices measure how much water is in the soil and turn on when they detect that there’s enough moisture in it already.
Install drip irrigation systems instead of traditional sprinklers. Drip systems deliver water directly into plant roots instead of spraying onto leaves and flowers where some will evaporate or runoff away without being absorbed by plants’ roots.
Get an automatic smart sprinkler system which comes with its own computerized controls (the controller) that automatically adjusts watering based upon factors such as weather conditions, soil type, plant type and other variables like time elapsed since last watering took place — all without human intervention!
Sustainable landscaping not only helps the environment, but it can also save you money in the long run. Check out our guide on 10 surprising tips for sustainable landscaping to learn more about eco-friendly landscaping practices.
Reuse Graywater
Graywater is the water that comes from your bathroom sink, tub and washing machine. It can be used for landscape irrigation but should not be used for drinking or cooking.
If you want to use graywater for gardening purposes, check with your local wastewater treatment plant first to make sure there are no restrictions on its use.
Mulch, Mulch And More Mulch!
Mulch is a great way to reduce the need for watering. It helps keep the soil cool, which reduces evaporation. Mulch also keeps weeds down and contributes to a more attractive landscaping design by hiding unsightly areas such as septic tanks and pipes.
There are many materials that can be used as mulch: bark, composted bark chips or wood chips which can be purchased from most garden centers, leaves from trees or shrubs in your yard (if allowed).
Straw is another option that works well because it tends not to blow away like other materials. You may have noticed that you don’t have to water your plants very often when there’s mulch around them!
Low-Flow Devices
Water conservation can be a tricky thing for some people to embrace. But there are plenty of ways that you can save water and still live comfortably. For example, one of the best ways to conserve water in your home is by using low-flow devices like toilets, showerheads and faucets.
Using these types of products will help you conserve up to 5,000 gallons of water per year—and they’ll last longer too!
| Device | Description |
|---|---|
| Low-flow showerheads | Showerheads that have a flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm) or less, which can reduce water usage by up to 70%. Examples include Delta In2ition H2Okinetic Shower Head. |
| Low-flow toilets | Toilets that use 1.6 gallons of water per flush (gpf) or less, which can save up to 16,500 gallons of water per year for a family of four. Examples include Kohler Wellworth Two-Piece Elongated Dual-Flush and the American Standard Cadet 3 FloWise. |
| Low-flow faucets | Faucets that have a flow rate of 1.5 gpm or less, which can reduce water usage by up to 30%. Examples include Moen Eva Collection Two-Handle High Arc Bathroom Faucet. |
| Dual-flush toilets | Toilets that have two flush options, such as a half-flush for liquid waste and a full flush for solid waste, which can save water and reduce water bills. Examples include TOTO Drake II Dual Flush Elongated Toilet and the Kohler Memoirs Classic Comfort Height Elongated Dual-Flush. |
These are some examples of low-flow devices that can help reduce water usage in your home while still maintaining functionality. By investing in these devices, you can save money on your water bills and reduce your environmental impact.
Put In A Pond
A pond is a great water-saving idea for your yard. Not only do ponds look pretty, they can also be a place for wildlife to live and play, making them an attractive addition to your garden.
If you have the room in your yard, consider building a small pond as part of an outdoor living space.
Ponds are available in many sizes and shapes—round or square, shallow or deep—and can be built using natural materials like stone or wood. It’s easy to create one on your own with basic construction skills and some help from friends if necessary!
Want to make your landscape more sustainable? Check out our guide on the top 15 sustainable landscaping practices to learn more about eco-friendly landscaping practices, including xeriscaping, that can save water and other resources while enhancing the beauty of your outdoor space.
Use H20-Friendly Containers
If you’re looking to save water, consider using containers that are specifically designed for use with water. Some of these containers have a large surface area (great for catching rainwater), while others are easy to clean and move around.
Conclusion
If you’re ready to get started with your own xeriscaping project, check out our step-by-step guides on how to start a garden and how to grow vegetables.
If you want some more ideas on what types of plants will work best in different climates, check out our list of low maintenance flowers and shrubs that require little water.
And if you have any other questions about xeriscaping or gardening in general, don’t hesitate to ask us! We love answering questions from our readers!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to learn more about water-saving landscaping:
Water-Saving Landscape Ideas from Dumpsters.com – This article provides ideas and inspiration for creating a water-efficient landscape.
10 Easy Ways to Save Water in Your Yard and Garden from Love Your Landscape – This article offers helpful tips and tricks for conserving water in your yard and garden.
Water Conservation Landscaping Ideas from Backyard Garden Lover – This article provides a variety of water-saving landscaping ideas that can help you reduce your water usage.
FAQs
What is xeriscaping?
Xeriscaping is a type of landscaping that uses plants and design techniques to create an outdoor space that is sustainable and water-efficient. It involves using plants that are native to the region, as well as other drought-tolerant plants, to reduce water usage.
How does xeriscaping save water?
By using native and drought-tolerant plants, as well as design techniques that reduce water runoff, xeriscaping can significantly reduce water usage in outdoor spaces.
What are some common xeriscaping plants?
Some common xeriscaping plants include succulents, cacti, lavender, and sage. These plants are all drought-tolerant and can thrive in a water-efficient landscape.
Can xeriscaping be aesthetically pleasing?
Yes, xeriscaping can be beautiful and visually appealing. By using a variety of plants, textures, and design elements, xeriscaping can create a unique and attractive outdoor space.
Is xeriscaping expensive?
While the initial cost of xeriscaping may be higher than a traditional landscape, it can save money in the long run by reducing water usage and maintenance costs. Additionally, there are many ways to create a water-efficient landscape on a budget.
Hi! My name is Hellen James, and I’m a landscape designer in Los Angeles. I’ve been working with homeowners and businesses to help them improve the look of their properties for over 10 years.
