We offer both residential and commercial xeriscaping installation packages for all of your drought-tolerant landscaping needs.
Xeriscaping is a landscaping technique that emphasizes water conservation, deriving its name from the Greek word "xeros," meaning dry. It includes selecting drought-tolerant native plants that require minimal watering, improving the soil with organic matter to enhance moisture retention, and using efficient irrigation methods like drip systems to minimize water waste. Applying mulch helps retain soil moisture, reduces temperature fluctuations, and suppresses weeds. Xeriscape landscaping minimizes lawn areas, using low-water ground covers instead. This method conserves water and reduces maintenance while maintaining an attractive landscape.
An Austin xeriscape can provide these benefits:
In Austin's hot and dry climate, xeriscape plants thrive, making them excellent choices for water-efficient landscaping:
Xeriscaping plants typically require minimal fertilization compared to traditional landscaping plants. Successful xeriscaping involves selecting native or drought-tolerant plants adaptable to local soil and climate conditions. These plants are naturally equipped to thrive in their native environments.
When setting up a xeriscape, xeriscape landscapers improve the soil with organic amendments like compost at the time of planting that can provide a good nutrient base to support plant health without the need for additional fertilization. If fertilization is necessary, it's usually less frequent and less intensive.
Organic, slow-release fertilizers that don’t contribute to chemical runoff, will maintain the environmental benefits of xeriscaping. Once established, xeriscaping plants should thrive with little intervention, ensuring your landscape is low maintenance and sustainable.
The best times to install xeriscaping in Austin are during the cooler, rainier months of early spring (March to April) and fall (October to November).
These periods allow plants to establish roots comfortably before the extreme heat of summer or during mild fall conditions, which support root growth with adequate natural rainfall.
Avoid summer months because high temperatures and potential droughts can stress new plants, increasing water needs contrary to xeriscaping principles.
The seven main principles of xeriscaping are designed to promote water efficiency and sustainability in landscaping. These principles are:
Completion time for a xeriscaping project varies by scale and complexity. Small projects may take a few days to two weeks, medium projects around two to four weeks, and large or complex projects could extend from several weeks to months. Design intricacy, workforce efficiency, availability of materials, and weather also influence the timeline.
While xeriscaping is designed to minimize water use, an efficient irrigation system can still be beneficial for both your xeriscape front yard and xeriscape backyard. Systems like drip irrigation or soaker hoses deliver water directly to the roots, conserving water and supporting plant health.
Especially useful during the establishment phase or dry spells, irrigation systems ensure xeriscaped areas get enough moisture without wasting water.
Xeriscaping can cut water use by 50-75% compared to traditional landscaping, leading to substantial savings on water bills. It requires less maintenance, minimal mowing, and fewer chemical treatments, which lowers ongoing maintenance costs. Using durable, native plants reduces the need for replacements.
With the potential to increase property value, xeriscaping is a cost-effective landscaping choice. Austin homeowners may be eligible for financial rebates through city or utility programs when they install drought-resistant plants and efficient irrigation systems.
The xeriscaping design and installation process includes these steps:
These steps ensure xeriscaping is water-efficient and aesthetically pleasing.
We offer a wide range of services to meet all your needs.
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