Albuquerque Xeriscape Landscaping Pluses Spelled Out

If you are wondering why water seems to be getting more and more expensive lately in Albuquerque, this post is yours to read.

Since our temperatures rise and sand starts to melt, water is an even rarer and more valuable resource. Meanwhile, the rent keeps rising.

You as a homeowner, may be asking how you can reduce your outdoor water use and reduce your monthly water bill. The answer? Xeriscape Landscaping.

What exactly is Xeriscape Landscaping?

Xeriscape landscaping, for example, is a way to create landscapes designed for desert conditions such as Albuquerque. Its purpose is to give a pleasant looking outdoor space that doesn’t have to be irrigated.

The phrase xeriscape is from the Greek xeros, which refers to being dry. In which case xeriscape really means “dry landscape”.

In Xeriscape landscape designs, the following elements are used in combination:

• Water efficient plants native to desert climates.
• Water efficient irrigation systems.
• Mulch and other elements to keep moisture on hand.
• Very limited turf grass.

The outcome is a spectacular, sustainable landscape that thrives in Albuquerque with the lowest possible water use.

Why Xeriscape Landscaping is The Answer for Albuquerque?

The city of Albuquerque gets virtually no precipitation – on average, only 9-11 inches per year. Its summers are scorching and unbearable.

Meanwhile, regular lawn grass also needs a lot of water to stay lush. That’s why xeriscape is a perfect option for city-dwelling.

Xeriscape landscaping was created for Albuquerque’s extreme, high desert environment. Here are a few of the things you’ll get:

Lower Water Bills

Since xeriscape gardens don’t even need irrigation, you’ll save a lot of water in the landscape. A number of studies report that xeriscape designs save 40-80 percent of landscape water use compared to turf grass.

Think of the savings you would receive on your water bill if you only needed to water a little! Xeriscaping literally makes you rich in time.

Less Maintenance

The landscapes in xeriscapes are intended to be maintenance-free. You don’t have to mow every day and water every day. And you’ll be less in the yard and more out there.

Adaptability to Climate

Xeriscaping plants are native to Albuquerque, and irrigation techniques are effective and low maintenance. Xeriscape gardens fare better in the heat and drought than thirsty turfgrass.

Attracts Local Wildlife

In xeriscape landscapes native birds, butterflies and other wildlife adaptable to the dry land can thrive. You’ll find hummingbirds, rabbits, lizards and other wildlife attracted to your yard.

Greater Curb Appeal

xeriscape landscaping isn’t so awfully ugly and overgrown! Carefully planned xeriscapes raise house values with their unique appearance.

Environmental Benefits

By significantly decreasing the amount of water required, xeriscape gardening saves the planet. Reducing water demand saves energy for pumping and irrigation. Xeriscaping also reduces runoff and pollution.

Elements of Xeriscape Design

Seeing that now you see how useful xeriscape is, let’s understand what a xeriscape design is:

Water-Wise Plants

The plants used for xeriscaping are native plants with tolerance to drought and adaptability to dry areas. Cactus, succulents, oaks, mesquite and shrubs such as sage and agave are popular choices.

Limited Turf Areas

Xeriscape minimizes or eliminates thirsty bluegrass lawns. The turf, if any, should be a low-water product such as buffalo grass. The acres are replaced by exotic xeric vegetation and inorganic materials.

Efficient Irrigation

With precision-targeted drip irrigation and bubblers, water is delivered precisely where you want it. Water is retained by 2-3 inches of compost.

Hardscapes

Non-vegetable debris, such as rocks, gravel, wood chip, pavement, and ornamental stone, prevent evaporation and weeds. These organic substances are spread among plants in spades.

Beautiful Plants for Albuquerque Xeriscapes

A great thing about xeriscape landscape design is the abundance of water efficient plants. There are some excellent choices that thrive in Albuquerque:

• Succulents: If you are looking for vibrant shades and textures, then succulents such as sedum, aloe vera, and agave are your go-to plants. They conserve water in their leaves and need little watering.
• Cacti: Prickly pear, cholla and other beautiful cacti thrive naturally in the desert. They are beautiful and require almost no water once planted.
• Native Grasses: Use native grasses such as purple threeawn and blue grama to create a meadow or decorative grassy appearance with minimal watering requirements.
• Shrubs: Plant shrubs, including sage, rabbitbrush, four wing saltbush and natives, to provide lush flowers and wildlife habitat.
• Trees: Pine, oak, mesquite and Palo Verde trees add width, shade and style with minimal irrigation.
• Groundcovers: Small-growing groundcovers resist weeds and erosion. These include kinnikinnick and creeping mahonia.

Start Xeriscape in Albuquerque Today!

Xeriscape landscaping has so many advantages for Albuquerque homeowners, as you can see. You will conserve water, money, time and sustain a unique landscape while also having a gorgeous area to work in.

Then, you are in the best place to establish a new xeriscape, or reconfigure your current landscape. It is a tiny upfront investment that will be compounded over the years by cutting costs of water usage and maintenance.

First, draw sketches, survey your plot, set priorities and choose plants that suit. Make it easy to convert section by section. Invest in a professional landscape designer to give you the ideal drought-tolerant landscape to achieve your vision.

Investing in xeriscape is the best landscape investment you can make in Albuquerque. Your backyard will be flourishing in the natural splendor so appropriate to our desert house. The results will make you proud for decades.