Considering Xeriscape?

Water is important - save some for me!!

Third in a series:

Landscaping tips:

1. Use a layer of organic mulch around plants to reduce evaporation and save hundreds of gallons of water a year.

2. Reduce the amount of grass in your yard by planting shrubs, and ground cover with rock and granite mulching

3. Direct downspouts and other runoff towards shrubs and trees, or collect and use for your garden.

4. If you have an evaporative cooler, direct the water drain to a flowerbed, tree, or your lawn.

5. Water your plants deeply but less frequently to create healthier and stronger landscapes.

6. Group plants with the same watering needs together to get the most out of your watering time.

7. Choose a water-efficient drip irrigation system for trees, shrubs and flowers. Watering at the roots is very effective. Be careful not to over water.

8. More plants die from over-watering than from under-watering. Be sure only to water plants when necessary.

9. Use porous materials for walkways and patios to keep water in your yard and prevent wasteful runoff.

10. Avoid installing ornamental water features and fountains that spray water into the air. Trickling or cascading fountains lose less water to evaporation.

11. Next time you add or replace a flower or shrub, choose a low water use plant for year-round landscape color and save up to 550 gallons each year.

12. Landscape with Xeriscape trees, plants and groundcovers. Call your local conservation office for more information about these water thrifty plants.

13. Leave lower branches on trees and shrubs and allow leaf litter to accumulate on top of the soil. This keeps the soil cooler and reduces evaporation.

14. Remember to weed your lawn and garden regularly. Weeds compete with other plants for nutrients, light, and water.