Save Money on Your Water Bill with Xeriscaping Landscaping – Here’s How
Every month when that water bill arrives, you wince. The cost of keeping your grass green is making you see red. Am I right?
But what if I told you there’s a better way? A way to have a killer-looking yard without all the water. A way to save serious cash and drink beer on your deck instead of dragging sprinklers around. You can save money on your monthly water bill by installing xeriscape landscaping.
Let’s dive in!
What is Xeriscaping?
Xeriscaping (zero-scaping) is all about losing the lawn and choosing plants that don’t need to be watered 24/7. It started back in the 70s during a rough drought in Colorado. Xeri means dry in Greek.
So instead of grass everywhere, you have native plants, rocks, gravel, and mulch. Things that can handle dry spells without fainting. No more spending half your life watering!
Now I know what you’re thinking…xeriscaping sounds ugly. It’s all rocks and cactus like a desolate desert, right? Wrong, my hydration-loving homie! When done right, xeriscaping is gorgeous and saves water. Keep reading!
Why Should You Try Xeriscaping?
I get it, change is scary. But converting to xeriscape offers some serious perks:
Save Cash Money – We’re talking major savings on your water bill when you ditch the thirsty grass. Cha-ching!
Extra Free Time – No more slaving away on lawn care. Xeriscaping practically cares for itself!
Help the Planet – Reducing outdoor water use decreases strain on water supply. And less fertilizing means fewer nasty chemicals washing into lakes and rivers.
Curb Appeal – Xeriscapes can be artfully designed with color, texture, and beauty in mind. No drab dirt yards here!
Lower Waste – With less mowing and pruning, you’ll fill the bin less often. Win-win!
Create Habitat – The critters will thank you for the native plants, flowers, and safe haven you’ve provided.
Impress the Neighbors – An eco-friendly landscape? You’ll be the talk of the block!
How to Xeriscape
Switching your entire yard overnight would be straight lunacy. But implementing a few xeriscape principles at a time is doable AF.
Phase Out Thirsty Plants – As stuff dies off, plant low-water replacements suited for your area. Expand beds, shrink lawns.
Get Efficient Irrigation – Swap sprinklers for targeted drip systems. Install a smart controller to save more.
Add Hardscaping – Pathways, patios, and decks help set off your plantings. Bonus points if permeable!
Remove Unused Lawn – Get rid of pointless grass patches. Replace remaining turf with something drought-tolerant like buffalo grass.
Accent with Rocks – Boulders, gravel, and stone mulch bring texture. Just don’t overdo it!
Style Your Space – Finish off with comfy seats, sculptures, pots, and other goodies to create an oasis.
Recommended Plants for Xeriscaping Success
Forget the wimpy roses and hydrangeas. To thrive with minimal H2O, pick tough plants that dig the dry and heat.
Succulents – Sedum, agave, and the like. Crazy shapes and textures. So hot right now!
Ornamental Grasses – Blue fescue, purple fountain grass. Graceful and graceful.
Shrubs – Red twig dogwood, dwarf oleander. Tough as nails but pretty as can be.
Trees – Oak, piñon pine, mesquite. Majestic and low-maintenance. PROVIDER OF SHADE.
Flowers – Blackfoot daisy, Russian sage, penstemon. Pops of color that require little sipping.
Groundcovers – Dwarf coyote brush, creeping thyme, veronica. Form lush living carpets.
Vines – Coral honeysuckle, passionflower. Vertical interest and habitat for hummingbirds.
Final Thoughts
It may take some time and elbow grease to convert over. But just think of the money you’ll save and the free time you’ll gain! And how rad you’ll feel helping conserve water. I believe in you! Now go forth and xeriscape like a boss!