Xeriscaping

Xeriscaping is a process that involves the designing of landscapes to reduce or eliminate the requirement for irrigation. With xeriscaping, there is little or no need for water outside what the natural climate provides. Xeriscaping is widely used in areas with little or access to water because of its ability of conserve water and money. In regions with prolonged droughts xeriscaping is adopted in place of lawns and gardening, however, plants like xerophytes are allowed to be planted in xeriscaped landscapes. Xeriscaping basically means replacing plants that needs water with drought tolerant plants. Myrtles, daffodils, ocotillo, cactus, agave, lavender, juniper, sage and oregano are examples of drought tolerant vegetation that are ideal to be planted in a xeriscaped setting. Xeriscaping gives way to tolerable and logical approach to saving water with the basic landscape principles of planning and design, limiting turf area, use of mulch, improving soil, ensuring efficient irrigation, selecting plants with low water requirements, and appropriate maintenance.
 
Plan and Design
Lakewood landscapers take this approach when planning the construction of a landscape or renovating an existing one; we draw to accurate scale a diagram that displays the distinct and major elements of the landscape which includes the driveway, the house, deck, sidewalk and other man-made and natural features of the area. We proceed to creating a different sketch over the existing base plan that will show the areas and identify the different characteristics and qualities of slopes, vegetation, views, soil types and turf. After this, a fully developed plan that vividly describes how the landscape will be designed is created.
 
Soil Improvement 
To improve the condition of the plants, we consider the soil texture and check if its fit for the plant because certain xerophytes or desert plants are better suited to gravel soils than amended soil, however, in the absence of soils that fits particular plants, it can be improved to favor the plants and help them adapt better to unfavorable water conditions. A soil is good for a plant if it can absorb or hold moisture, provide nutrients and make it accessible to the plant. This practice plays a huge role in conserving water at a very rational percentage. To improve your soil, organic matter or compost which helps the soil to retain water is important. You can also plow the soil to a level of six inches to allow the roots of the plants to grow deep in the soil.
 
Efficient Irrigation
A xeriscaped landscape can be irrigated either manually or with an automatic sprinkler system. To avoid overwatering, a rain sensor would suffice. It is mostly efficient when using an automatic sprinkler system, to stop the device when it rains. a rain sensor detects when it’s about to rain or when it’s raining and automatically shuts down any pre scheduled or regular irrigation It is however also advisable not to water during the day in order to reduce the amount of water that evaporates.
 
Appropriate Maintenance
Lakewood landscapers are efficient and well trained at maintaining xeriscaped landscapes to make keep in proper condition. It’s advisable to maintain it weekly, the procedures are not difficult or back breaking, they are simple practices some of which include mowing, fertilizing, pruning and weed control.