Drought is always difficult, but for those who take particular pride in their yards, watching them die is more than just disheartening, it is like a type of failure. Strict watering regulations mean watching the plants brown in increments without even the benefit of the Fall coloring. This situation can be at least partly averted using xeriscaping. The U.S. Department of Energy defines this as, “a systematic method of promoting water conservation in landscaped areas.” A properly xeriscaped yard uses the recommended principles to maximize water conservation. 

Step 1: Planning Your Relandscaping

For those who are considering relandscaping the yard, the planning you put into it is the first step to ensuring the least amount of watering is required. Research the plants that do well in your area with the least watering requirements. If you choose plants that thrive in your area but require more water, you may have a problem if the precipitation is lower than normal for several years. Choosing the right location is the next step. Make sure you know what type of light (direct, indirect sunlight) and how much of it they need.

Step 2: Limit the Landscaping Area & Develop More Effective Irrigation

Next you need to limit the area with high concentrations of plant life and develop more effective irrigation. Keep plants that require the same amount of watering closer together so that it is easier to maintain a regular schedule for watering them. Naturally, keeping or improving the soil is key to your plants’ life expectancy. A well fertilized area will keep the plants more lively than soil that only gets regular watering. Mulches are very effective at cooling the roots and discouraging weed growth. They are also useful for reducing evaporation and keeping soil from crusting. 

Step 3: The Importance of Landscaping & Maintenance

Of course, maintenance is one of the most important elements of keeping a lawn lively and reducing the amount of watering you need to do. If plants begin dying in Spring because you forget to turn on the sprinklers, you will have to water them more frequently to bring them back to life or will have to buy and plant something new, which will also require additional watering.