Climate change, drought and other factors are leading many people to turn to xeriscaping to conserve water. It’s a landscaping style requiring little water beyond what it receives from the natural climate, or at the very least, minimal irrigation. It provides people with up to 75 percent savings on their water bill and its climate-friendly.

There are 7 principles of xeriscaping: water-smart planning and design; low-water plants; limited grassy areas; water harvesting techniques; efficient irrigation systems; mulch; and proper maintenance. Many individuals that aren’t ready to completely transition to a strict xeriscaping model employ a hybrid option.

In residential areas, over 50 percent of water usage is for gardening, lawns and landscaping. Xeriscaping utilizes drought-tolerant trees and plants, along with mulch, rocks and elements such as statuary. That doesn’t mean that people need to go without bright blossoms or shade around their homes. There are plenty of plants that serve the same purpose and xeriscaping is presenting individuals with unique new possibilities.

Flowers that are drought resistant include daffodils, coneflowers, lavender and California poppy, along with lantana, Russian sage, moss roses, yarrow and cacti. There are also trees that can withstand low-water conditions and produce shade encompassing evergreens, burr oak, Northern catalpa, hackberry, London planetree, and Kentucky coffeetree.

Instead of water-dependent grass, the landscape will include grasses that survive on a fraction of the water needed for a traditional lawn. Xeriscaping encompasses mulching to save moisture, decorative rocks, and companion planting of species that have similar moisture needs. Xeriscaping requires far less maintenance, with weeding and pruning being the primary tasks.

The native plants used in xeriscaping are typically more resilient to pests and don’t necessarily require fertilizer. It eliminates the need for chemicals to control pests and weeds, saves water, provides natural habitats, and preserves native species. It also saves space in landfills and decreases air pollution and noise pollution, with no mowing needed.

RCH Landscaping is a full-service landscape company based in Boca Raton, Florida. We design, install and maintain Commercial and Residential landscapes all around Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and The Palm Beach areas. Our team of highly skilled landscape technicians has an undisputed track record of creating and maintaining beautiful commercial and residential landscapes all over South Florida.

Contact RCH Landscaping Today for a Free Estimate

561-779-9760

A lush, green outdoor environment requires water, but ensuring that lawns and plantings obtain the liquid they need can be expensive and result in unintended consequences that include pooling, puddling, runoff, and erosion. There are a variety of ways to control water consumption ranging from irrigation systems to landscaping.

One way to control water consumption is by installing plants that have low water requirements. A variety of trees and bushes provide beauty and shade, while offering flowers that are attractive to bees, butterflies and hummingbirds and fruits that attract song birds.

Flowers such as bougainvillea, moss roses, living stones and blanket flowers require less water than most and bloom readily in beds for a splash of color. Many also have dense root balls that won’t be easily uprooted in the event of heavy rains. Mulching will help hold moisture longer and impede evaporation for less watering.

An irrigation system makes any watering task easier. Today’s systems are programmable to manage the delivery of water. They provide the right amount of water at the correct time for efficiency and savings in time and money. The best time to water is early morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation.

A properly landscaped property will go a long way toward avoiding problems with drainage that can result in unwanted runoff that wastes water and deprives plants of the moisture they need. Landscaping for controlling water consumption can include a variety of methods that also provide attractive features and interest in residential and commercial areas.

One way is to use rocks in low spots to create a “rock creek.” Perforated pipes can be installed that channels water into the ground rather than letting it pool. Another technique is creating a rain garden that captures moisture for less watering.

With the proper landscaping, anyone can have lush, green grounds without spending a fortune on watering costs. The installation of metered irrigation systems eliminates water wastage and the time-consuming task of watering. A landscaping professional can design and create a complete eco-system that controls water consumption in an efficient and cost effective manner.

RCH Landscaping is a full service landscape company based in Boca Raton, Florida. We design, install, and maintain Commercial and Residential landscapes all around Boca Raton, Delray Beach and The Palm Beach areas. Our team of highly skilled landscape technicians have an undisputed track record of creating and maintaining beautiful commercial and residential landscapes all over South Florida.

Contact RCH Landscaping Today for a Free Estimate

561-779-9760