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LOW WATER USE LANDSCAPES (XERISCAPE)
The Landscape Committee (LARC) strongly
encourages the use of low water use landscaping (xeriscape or waterwise) in
order to save water in drought conditions and to save the homeowner needless
expense.
Some points on waterwise usage from the Jordan
Valley Water Conservancy District:
Plan & design for low water use
Use native and low-water-use plants
Create Practical Turf Areas
Use mulches
Irrigate efficiently
Maintain landscaped areas regularly
Plan & design for low water use:
When planning and designing a landscape, consider
how your yard will be used and how it can provide the greatest benefit with the
least amount of maintenance. Plan so that plants with similar water requirements
are grouped together. Match plants to yard conditions such as sun, shade or dry.
Use native and low-water-use plants:
Choose appropriate plants that are native or adapted to your local
climate and soil conditions.
Create Practical Turf Areas:
Grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass, the most commonly used turf in Utah, has
a high water requirement and should be limited to those areas needed for
practical use, such as recreation. Beautiful, but less water-needy plants could
be used in the remainder of the landscape. Match turf areas to their intended
use, as well as topographical and soil conditions. Consider using drought
tolerant turfgrasses and groundcovers.
Use mulches:
Mulches aid in moisture retention, discourage weed growth, and provide
essential nutrients as they decay. Mulches can include bark, wood chips, pine
straw, nut shells, gravel, crushed stone, or landscape chippings.
Irrigate efficiently:
Proper irrigation will not only conserve water, but promote deeper root
growth resulting in a healthier, more drought tolerant landscape. Efficient
irrigation means applying water in the proper amount and only when necessary.
Maintain landscaped areas regularly:
All landscaped areas need maintenance to look beautiful and stay healthy.
Please contact the LARC for more
information on Waterwise Gardening
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