Most people are looking for ways to be eco-friendly by practicing conservation and reduce-reuse-recycle efforts. In lawn care, one of the best ways to take care of our planet is by using organic lawn treatments that don’t release pollutants into the water or harm wildlife. Another way to reduce your impact is by xeriscaping.
Typically, yardwork is done under the label of landscaping. Change the prefix to xeri-, meaning dry, and you have a form of landscaping that requires much less water. The concept was developed in the 70s and 80s during a few years of drought conditions, and it has evolved into a conservation effort regardless of whether or not it is a dry or a wet year.
All plants need water, but xeriscape plants need very little. Things like lavender, daisies, and columbine can all survive desert conditions in the wild with very little water. Aloe Vera and many ornamental grasses can also survive in low-water conditions.
Although some xeriscapers choose lawn alternatives, you can have a traditional lawn and still be xeriscaping. You just need to make sure your soil is prepped and your watering system is efficient. Amend your soil, so your drainage is adequate but gives your grass a chance to absorb nutrients. Make sure your sprinklers are spaced out, so they aren’t overlapping, and you are wasting very little water. Finally, remove any grass that isn’t necessary, and use grass alternatives like mulch or gravel.
If you are looking for one more way to reduce your impact on the Earth, xeriscaping is a good option for most homeowners. It doesn’t mean you have to get rid of your favorite plants or your grass lawn, but it does mean making some adjustments, so those things don’t waste any of our most precious resource, water.
Xeriscape gardens are beautiful and unique because they don’t have the same mix of flowers you often see in gardens. Instead, you get a wonderful new mix of textures, colors, and patterns that are new and exciting.
The best thing about xeriscaping is water conservation, but let’s not forget these lawns are low-maintenance! If you completely remove your grass, you may not have to water at all, but even with a lawn, your watering efforts will be reduced. Combine this with proper weed prevention, and your yard will practically take care of itself.
Have questions about your lawn care?
Greenfeet Lawncare Provides Service to the Following Areas.
770-619-2929
North Fulton, East Cobb, Cherokee, Forsyth Counties - including Alpharetta, Canton, Cobb, Cumming, Dunwoody, Gwinnett, Johns Creek, Marietta, Milton, Roswell, Sandy Springs
