| Xeriscape is good planning and design, planting turf where it will be used, use of efficient irrigation, proper use of mulches, incorporation of drought tolerant plants in the design, and appropriate maintenance of the irrigation system and the plants in your yard.
Desert adapted plants do best with deep, yet infrequent, watering. Over-watering will cause a plant to grow out of its natural form and can even kill your plants.
Minimizing grass areas in your yard because less grass means less water demand and less yard maintenance. Consider whether it would make sense to remove grass from non-functional areas. Replace the grass with low-water-use plants.
Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants. Bark chips, straw, gravel and even leaf droppings from your trees will slow down evaporation.
Don't water the lawn on windy days. There's too much evaporation.
When in a restaurant, turn your empty glass upside down if you don't want water. Not only will you save the water you don't drink, but you will also save the water used to wash the glass.
Check water requirements of various models and brands when considering purchasing any new appliance. Some use less water than others.
When washing dishes by hand, use the least amount of detergent possible. This minimizes the amount of water you need to rinse. |