The Xeriscape Landscaping Style

The Phoenix Arizona Metro Area Desert lends itself to a water efficient, creative landscape that many people call a Xeriscape. This term comes from the Greek word xeros, which means dry, and refers to seven horticultural principles which help to ensure that landscapes, wherever they are located, reflect a sensitivity to the local environment and its climate. 

Because we live in the Sonoran Desert, we must use water wisely. Selecting low water use plants and using water efficient irrigation techniques will help you get the most from the water used to establish and maintain your landscape.

We are fortunate in this part of the country to have a year-round growing season and many months of great weather each year. Your Xeriscape can be not only beautiful and water efficient, it also can be an extension of your home and a place for you to relax, unwind and enjoy.

Creating a plan will help you get the most out of your landscape while considering issues like cost, function, aesthetic preferences, maintenance requirements, water efficiency and energy efficiency. You can tailor the plan to suit your taste, your needs and your budget.

Many low water use plants have beautiful flowers or interesting forms. They will help you create a colorful, low-maintenance yard without taxing our limited water resources.

Although turf generally requires more water and more maintenance than low water use plants, sometimes only grass will do. Small turf areas can be incorporated successfully into a Xeriscape if they are properly planned, installed and maintained.

Most plants will need more frequent irrigations during their first year. Usually, you can cut back on watering during the second and subsequent years, after the plants have become established. Also remember that plants need less water during the cooler months. Adjust your irrigation schedule at least four times each year.

The most popular organic mulches in our area are bark chips and wood grindings. These are often used in planting beds and other small areas. The natural drop of leaves, flowers and fruit can also be left on the ground as mulch. Decomposed granite and crushed rock are two of the most popular inorganic mulches. Soil amendments most likely will be needed for turf areas and areas where more water thirsty plants are installed. Because there is quite a variation in soil quality and composition across the Sonoran Desert, soil amendments may be needed when unusual conditions exist.

When properly designed and maintained, Xeriscapes save water, time and money through reduced plant water needs and lower maintenance requirements. But low water use and low maintenance do not mean no water use and no maintenance. All landscapes need some care and most plants need supplemental water.

At Greens Keeper Landscape we want you to know how to take care of your property.  If you don’t want the headache of landscape maintenance we take care of your landscape for you.  To find out how we can help just give us a call at 623-848-8277.

Presented by:
Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC
623-848-8277
http://www.commerciallandscapecare.com
greenskeeperllc@cox.net