X
GO

Water School

What is Xeriscape?

Xeriscaping [zeer-i-skey-ping] is a form of landscaping that uses native plants and those adapted to survive in areas with periods of low precipitation. 

Using this technique can help conserve water or deal with periods of drought. Xeriscaping is becoming a more popular landscaping option because it’s environmentally friendly and saves the homeowner money by reducing watering costs and puts less strain on water resources.

Drought-friendly plants also are a great option for households that would like to save money on water. It is estimated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that American families typically use about 320 gallons of water per day, and around 30% of this water is used outdoors. Xeriscaping can reduce this water use and save households money in the process.

A great option for xeriscaping is cacti, there are a variety of species native to North and South America. But that doesn’t mean your yard has to look like the desert. There are many other drought-tolerant plants appropriate for xeriscaping, including Yucca, Agave, Prickly Pear, Moss Rose and more. 

To learn more about xeriscaping and what the plant options are, click here

Sources:    
U.S. Outdoor Water Use | WaterSense | US EPA
xeriscaping | National Geographic Society
26 Drought Tolerant Plants That Will Survive The Driest Conditions (bloomingbackyard.com)
 

Related

Share

Search
Categories

The information provided on this site is intended as background on water within the Brazos River basin. There should be no expectation that this information is all encompassing, complete or in any way examines every aspect of this very complex natural resource.

If you have questions about a post or would like additional information, please contact us or call 888-922-6272.

Tags
costs industry inland sediment impound drought system quality salt lake level cfs water code planning fishing mgd boating aquifer employment precipitation potable corps mission wetlands water plants E coli direct re-use watershed acre-foot gas surface water anaerobic river organic soil gulf well dam supply taste mainstem streamflow septic fertilizer subsidence district subsidence gage minerals septic system rights water hunting effluent fork speaker jobs contaminants brackish dissolved solids flood runoff infection hydrologic cycle mitigation beneficial use habitat allens creek reservoir map water cycle parasite hydrology storage spring aerobic clarity use calcium consumption fish kill groundwater volume flood control lake rain water supply main stem solids drilling water quality pharmaceuticals turbidity indirect re-use reservoirs flood pool smell wastewater invasive plants monitor contract bay gate water rights E. coli lawn medicine salinity stream wildlife treatment oxygen water clarity sewage recreation hydrilla USGS filter ground water meta tag emergency use sludge legislation biosolids depth chlorine chlorides sanitation classification TCEQ inundated permit bottled water granbury camping lake insurance riverine electricity authority water use PAM bed and banks environmental farming subwatershed dock channel golden algea spillway tributary watercourse xeriscape lake levels limestone riparian landscaping water planning water treatment algae kayak conservation municipal Board streamflow canoeing marsh lakes agricultural hydropower canoe electric companies wetland releases golden algae evaporation climate estuary agriculture basin industrial appropriation drinking water corps of engineers measure environment possum kingdom maps acre-feet governance reservoir pollutants