San Antonio Water System: Seven Steps to Xeriscaping

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Watering Efficiently 7 Steps to Xeriscaping

Planning A WaterSaver Landscape

Xeriscaping. What in the world does that word mean and how on earth do you pronounce it? Xeriscaping (or Xir-e-skaping) simply means using plants that require less water to survive and using objects such as bricks, rocks, benches, gravel, and deck areas instead of water-sucking grass. It doesn't mean that you have to convert your lawn into a rock garden. And you don't have to go cold turkey on your grass. There are all kinds of beautiful water saving groundcovers available that work well with or, should you be so bold, in place of grass.

To learn how you can get a lawn that pays for itself click here.

1. Planning and Design
How do you use your yard? For recreation? For looks? What kind of look are you going for?

Discover how to use low-water flowers, plants and grasses in a variety of yards. Click here to learn more.

2. Use Turf Appropriately
Choose low water requirement turf. Long, narrow strips of turf should be eliminated.

3. Irrigate Efficiently
Hand watering is preferable. Group plants according to water usage.

4. Conditioning Soil
Soil should be generally crumbly to the touch. Well conditioned soil promotes water conservation by absorbing water more efficiently. Bare soil should be covered with mulch.

5. Mulching
Apply 2-4 inches deep. This minimizes evaporation, reduces weed growth, and slows erosion.

6. Plant Selection
Choose plants suitable to the South Central Texas Climate.

Click here for a list of native water-saving plants.

7. Maintaining Landscapes
Proper planning and design reduces maintenance time. Using native plants reduces the need for fertilizers and pesticides.

A. Large Oak Tree
B. Driveway
C. Neighbors Garage
D. Neighbor's Dog Run
E. Good View

F. Hot Afternoon Sun
G. Poor Drainage
H. Steep Slope Down
I. Front Walk in Poor Shape

J. Shade Tree
K. Screen Shrubs
L. Wood Fence
M. Flowers
N. Clothes Line

O. Groundcover
P. Terraced Rock
Q. Lawn
R. Brick Wall / Flagstone in Sand
S.Wood Deck


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