Water has become a critical issue for the future prosperity of Texas. Booming populations have increased the demand on the state’s already limited supply of high-quality water.
In the summer, as much as 60 percent of the water the average household uses may be for landscape maintenance Many traditional landscapes require large amounts of water, and much of this water is applied inefficiently.
In an attempt to reduce excessive water use, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service encourages Texans to adopt Xeriscape landscaping. This concept is a comprehensive approach to landscaping for water conservation. Traditional landscapes may incorporate one or two principles of water conservation, but they do not utilize the entire concept to reduce landscape water use effectively.
Xeriscape landscaping incorporates seven basic principles which lead to saving water:
- Planning and design
- Soil analysis and preparation
- Practical turf areas
- Appropriate plant selection
- Efficient irrigation
- Use of mulches
- Appropriate maintenance
By incorporating these seven principles, you can help preserve our most precious natural resource-water. Xeriscape landscapes need not be cactus and rock gardens. They can be green, cool landscapes full of beautiful plants maintained with water-efficient practices. The same green Texas-style landscape which we are accustomed to can be achieved and still conserve water.
