By Nancy Puder

The term “xeriscape” comes from the Greek word “xeros,” meaning dry. Best suited for drought-prone areas, particularly in the Southwest, these basics can apply to any landscape. Xeriscapes require just a fraction of the water you’d generally use to keep your landscape lush. The fundamental element of xeriscape is water conservation.
To conserve water and save money on landscape maintenance, follow these xeriscaper-approved tips.
1. Be smart about watering – Water your landscape with a drip irrigation system or soaker hoses. Both water plants at the roots, which is crucial for conservation. Be mindful of rainfall, which can lead to overwatering – you can “set it and forget it” with a rain sensor add-on.
2. Supplement the soil – The success of a xeriscape depends heavily on soil. Fortify soil with compost or manure to balance water retention, and cover with a layer of mulch (think leaves or wood chips) for added absorption. Less mulch will be needed as your xeriscape develops.
3. Draw new turf borders -Another key component of a xeriscape is smaller sections of grass, which – you guessed it – need less water to get the job done. To maintain these areas, use a reel mower to trim the blades by just a third. Taller grass acts as natural mulch, which results in decreased water usage.
4. Go native – Aside from grassy areas, most xeriscapes are home to native plants that thrive despite limited water. In drought areas, ideal plants include cacti, agave, juniper and lavender; herbs like thyme and sage and foods like sapodilla fruits or black walnuts also flourish without excessive watering.
5. Mulch – Cover the soil’s surface around plants with a mulch, such as leaves,  coarse compost, pine needles, wood chips, bark or gravel.  Mulch helps retain soil moisture and temperature, prevent erosion and block out competing weeds.  To be effective, mulch needs to be several inches thick.  There should be no areas of bare soil.
6. Irrigate – Since water conservation is the goal, avoid overwatering.  Soaker hoses and drip-irrigation systems offer the easiest and most efficient watering because they deliver water right to the base of the plant.  This reduces moisture loss from evaporation.  In general, it’s best to water deeply and less frequently.
7. Maintenance – Low Maintenance does not mean no maintenance.  Keeping the weeds from growing up through the mulch may need some attention.  Thickening the layer of mulch will help.  Grass areas should not be cut too short.  Taller grass will help shade the roots and retain moisture.  Be careful not to over-fertilize.
With xeriscaping, an additional benefit is the extra time you will find yourself with because you won’t be spending every weekend mowing the lawn!  Maybe go to the beach.

Nancy Puder is a real estate broker with Nancy Puder & Associates, the premier real estate boutique company in Arroyo Grande, CA. Nancy Puder is one of the largest listing brokers on the Central Coast. Call or Text Nancy (805)710-2415 with your questions anytime. She always enjoys hearing from you!  To access other real estate articles written by Nancy Puder, go to www.nancypuderassociates.com or email