A good maintenance program is what will keep a Xeriscapelandscape looking its best and require minimal watering. Xeriscaping reduces the amount of wasted water while conserves our natural resources.

One of the first maintenance jobs to do is add at least two inches of mulch to all exposed soil areas. Mulch saves water, discourages weed growth and looks good. Keep a layer of mulch on plant roots year round to insulate the ground from temperature extremes. You can also use mulch to build water-holding basins around trees and shrubs. These basins will hold water in the root zone of the plant, where it can best be used.

Good maintenance is critical in the lawn area, since grass is a high-water-use plant. Mow grass with the mower blade set at its highest setting. When grass is cut too short, it exposes the roots to the drying sun and increases water loss. Mow turf grass often so that no more than one third of the leaf blade is removed. By mowing often, you can leave the clippings where they fall. Be sure the mower blade is sharp and makes a nice clean cut. Grass that is torn and shredded by a dull blade becomes stressed and requires more water.

Fertilize lawn areas in moderation with a balanced fertilizer. You can use a “weed and feed” fertilizer to kill weeds in new lawns and save some work. Remember, you are not growing a crop, so by fertilizing less, you will not be promoting rapid-growing lush foliage with high-water needs. For better water penetration, aerate lawn areas periodically.

Irrigation equipment needs regular attention. Check all hose connections, valves and piping for leaks on a regular basis. Even a small leak can waste hundreds of gallons of water in a single day. Check each spray head of sprinkler systems to make sure it is not spraying paved areas or buildings. Trim the grass around each sprinkler to keep it away from the head. In lieu of a sprinkler system, invest in some timers to save time and water. Water plants only when they need it…check plants for water stress daily.

You can reduce the amount of water needed by using container plants. Just sink the pots into the ground, or put the potted plant inside a slightly larger pot. Fill empty space with pea gravel, peat moss or sphagnum moss. This will “insulate” the potted plant and keep it from drying out so quickly.

Weeds are water thieves?EUR??,,????'??+they steal water from the nearby desirable plants. Remove weeds as soon as you see them.

When replacing plants that have died, choose more drought tolerant plants. Plants that thrive naturally in you area will cause fewer problems. Consider using wildflowers to cover large open areas and allow them to seed naturally.

Check shrubs and trees once a year for pruning needs. Remove all dead, diseased or damaged wood. You may want to prune back or thin out heavily foliaged plants: Fewer leaves means less transpiration. However, proceed with caution. You don’t want to prune so much that you expose tender bark and unshaded soil to the hot rays of the sun.

There are several products that can make landscape maintenance easier. One of these is a surfactant or wetting agent. It reduces the surface tension of water drops so the water soaks into the soil more easily. By using this product you can get more “mileage” out of the water you apply.

Another helpful product is an anti-transpirant. When sprayed onto the leaves of trees and shrub, it dries to an invisible film that reduces transpiration. You can use this product in the winter to prevent freeze damage. It is also good to use when transplanting plants or during summer months to reduce the drying effects of hot sun and wind.

A final product you may want to experiment with is a growth retardant. This could be particularly valuable when used on formally pruned shrubs to reduce the frequency of clipping.

As with any chemical or garden product, you should thoroughly read the directions and cautions on the label even before purchase. This could save money and frustration later on. Be sure to follow all directions when mixing and applying any of these products for the best results.

Martha Latta is the Xeriscape?EUR??,,????<