WATER EFFICIENT PRACTICES FOR

SAVING YOUR LANDSCAPE

This year's drought has affected not only area farmers and ranchers, but also homeowners. Many homeowners are seeing their landscapes wither due to lack of rainfall and summer heat. Some homeowners are seeing their water bills skyrocket and several communities have asked homeowners to conserve water through water rationing.

To help alleviate landscape water problems this summer and in the future, civic leaders in several Texas cities are promoting Xeriscape landscaping. Xeriscape, a term coined in Denver, Colorado, is quality landscaping that conserves water and protects the environment.

Xeriscape, which comes from the Greek word Xeros, meaning dry, is considered a viable alternative to the conventional high water-requirement landscapes. For the past several years, residential and commercial landscapes have utilized more than 25 percent of the total water consumption in urban areas of Texas. This percentage can be reduced to extend the water supplies of Texas. By incorporating Xeriscape principles into home or commercial landscapes, it is estimated that water usage can be cut in half.

Xeriscape landscapes are not cactus and rock gardens. They can be cool, green landscapes full of beautiful plants which are maintained with water efficient practices. The same green, Texas-style landscapes which we are accustomed to can be achieved and still conserve water.

Xeriscape landscaping incorporates seven basic principles which lead to water savings:

1. Planning and design

2. Soil analysis and improvement

3. Appropriate plant selection

4. Practical turf areas

5. Efficient irrigation

6. Use of mulches

7. Appropriate maintenance

By using these seven principles, you can help preserve our most precious natural resource -- water.