Climate change and the need to conserve water have increased the demand for drought-tolerant gardens over the past few years. Creating landscapes that consume less water will help to ensure that you have a beautiful backyard all year round. Here are some tips for creating a drought-tolerant landscape.
Plant Trees
Planting trees in your yard plays a significant role in improving your landscape’s drought tolerance. For example, trees keep the soil moist. They also reduce ground-level temperatures and keep your garden cool. Introducing shade also reduces the rate of evaporation during dry conditions.
These conditions allow other plants in your landscape to use water more efficiently. Canopy trees are the best types because of their shape. Besides planting trees, you can also provide shade by adding patio umbrellas or a pergola.
Add Succulents and Perennials
Homeowners can also design a drought resistant landscape by adding low-maintenance succulents and perennials. Succulents conserve moisture through their thick, fleshy leaves and use it during drought. Most species require you to water them once a month after they establish fully.
Examples of plants you should consider are agaves, Australian rosemary, spiky yuccas, and phormiums. Combining different types of plants in the same space creates a structure and adds incredible texture.
Install Turf Grass
Another tip for a drought-tolerant yard is to remove the grass unsuitable for dry climate and replace it with artificial grass. Synthetic grass saves water and makes your landscaping more appealing. It also adds value to your home. Today, many home buyers prefer properties with synthetic grass.
Turf also saves money due to the reduced need for fertilizers and pesticides. It also saves time because of its low maintenance. You do not need to spend your weekends aerating, fertilizing, or weeding artificial grass.
Another advantage of installing turf grass is that there are many styles to choose from. Ensure that you hire a reputable company to install the artificial grass for you. At Dominion Turf, we have several turf materials, lengths and durability to choose from.
Invest in Efficient Irrigation
One effective way to sustain your backyard plants and ensure that they thrive during dry conditions is to water them. Your irrigation system can complement or break your efforts in designing a drought-tolerant landscape.
For this reason, ensure that the system is functioning properly. Irrigating the plants in the evening minimizes water loss through evaporation.
Another effective irrigation strategy is to water your plants deeply. During drought, deep-rooted plants resist the withering weather by absorbing water in the deep soil layers.
You can help your landscaping plants develop deep roots by ensuring that the irrigation water runs deep into the soil rather than sideways or on the ground’s surface. A drip irrigation system can help you achieve this.
Additionally, check whether the soaker hose has any leaks that may be causing water wastage. Remember to turn it off during the wet season. Alternatively, incorporate a weather sensor in the irrigation system to automatically turn the system off when it rains.
Add a Water Feature
A water feature will add a refreshing atmosphere to your garden. According to landscaping experts, a bubbling fountain is an excellent idea because it uses less water. Recirculation also ensures minimal water loss through evaporation.
Alternatively, you can add water basins or bowls. Remember to cover them when the sun is hot or when nobody is using the garden. Moreover, connect water barrels to your gutter spout to collect rainwater. You can use this water to irrigate your plants once the dry season kicks in.
Use Organic Mulch
Protecting soil is a significant part of creating a drought resistant landscape. This is where mulch comes in. Organic mulches gradually break down and enrich the soil in your backyard.
They also cool the soil and insulate the drought-tolerant plants’ roots from extreme heat. Mulch also reduces evaporation and holds moisture for these plants.
Gravel mulch is suitable for rocky and naturally dry areas. Consider pouring it around fuzzy plants to reduce evaporation. However, it is vital to know that gravel mulch does not improve soil composition.
Add Organic Compost
Another effective way to make your landscape drought resistant and prepare the soil for the dry season is to pour organic compost. This compost contains moisture and nutrients that help your plants withstand dry conditions. Its ability to retain moisture more efficiently and for longer than the soil enables it to feed the roots.
Add Decomposed Granite or Pea Gravel
Decomposed granite is an excellent drought-tolerant material you can use in landscaping. It fills ground space in areas with no plants and helps to contain soil moisture and reduce dust.
Another advantage of decomposed granite is that it comes in different colors. However, most homeowners choose the earthly tones to achieve a natural look. If you feel like the garden is too plain, you can add some art to inject color.
Pea gravel is another excellent material for covering paths in your backyard. It saves water because it does not need any irrigation. Additionally, it can help to retain moisture, decorate your compound, and suppress weed growth.
These materials also increase permeability and enable the ground to create water reserves that can help the plants endure dry spells. You will achieve an appealing backyard if you pour the right amount of gravel. Adding light-colored stones to the gravel can help to reflect and minimize round-level heating.
In summary, just because there is drought or scorching weather does not mean you cannot have a beautiful yard. Making your landscape drought tolerant involves installing turf grass, choosing the right type of water-efficient plants, and upgrading your irrigation system during extreme weather conditions. Contact Dominion Turf in Colorado Springs to install artificial turf in your yard.
