A yard that blends into the natural landscape not only showcases the unique aspects of an area but reduces water usage as well.
In Texas, you must also consider the lack of available water. Planting water-free or low water plants in your yard is a great first step to lowering your water use. The best way to create drought-tolerant landscaping is to blend low or water-free natural elements with artificial grass.
Xeriscaping, landscaping that concentrates on reducing water needs, is one of the most popular trends today. The reason for the rise of this unique landscape design is because local cities are mandating citizens to use less water.
Other factors, such as droughts, have also played a role in people learning about this technique and applying it. It can also improve your home’s curb appeal while also increasing your property value!
What is Xeriscaping?
Xeriscaping refers to gardening and landscaping that reduces or eliminates the need for water. It includes:
- Ground covering elements like artificial grass, brick or stone patios, and walkways.
- Décor such as birdbaths, fountains and patio furniture.
- Other elements like retaining walls, plastered walls, flagstone and pebbles.
- Plants that are natural to the area and work well in drought-tolerant landscaping.
- Natural fabrics and wood produced fabrics that can remain outside.
Considering the weather in your area
North Texas has a couple of weather patterns. In the Dallas-Forth Worth area, summers are hot and can be humid. However, the hottest part of the summer, topping 100 degrees, comes with dryness. Precipitation can either be a drought in the summer or flooding in the spring or fall.
Going more west and further north in places like Amarillo, summer temperatures hover in the 90s during the day and upper 60s at night. There is no precipitation for long periods, creating a need for drought-tolerant landscaping.
This information is important in creating your xeriscape design because you will need to pick elements that can withstand the weather in your area.
There are a couple of elements that work beautifully in both of these types of weather and work well for drought-tolerant landscaping.
They include:
- Stone. Whether it is a flagstone patio or pebble paths, stone will last no matter what the weather and naturally fits in both environments.
- Natural grass. Grass grows naturally in north Texas, but may be hard to maintain because of erratic weather patterns. Artificial grass will blend in with the landscape and requires very little maintenance.
- Natural fabrics. Most of today’s fabrics are meant to withstand weather.
How to get Started With Xeriscaping or Drought-Tolerant Landscaping?
There are numerous ways to create an oasis in your backyard without using a lot of water.
Some ideas include:
- Build a stone or brick patio. This reduces yard space, so less water is used.
- Build an outdoor fireplace. These are becoming popular as they create an outdoor room for entertaining. Since North Texas has cooler temperatures in the fall, along with some periods of cold weather in winter, an outdoor fireplace will extend time outside beyond the summer.
- Use natural plants including tall grasses, border plants and container plants. Some ideas for north Texas include Horsemint, the Four Nerve Daisy, and Indian Blanket. All work well for drought-tolerant landscaping.
- Create a rock garden. Rocks and boulders are unique and can be arranged in a natural sculpture, blending into your drought-tolerant landscape design. Drought resistant plants and cactus can be placed around them to enhance the garden.
- Install artificial grass in small courtyards or in between concrete or pebble borders. This can be a difficult area to grow grass and even harder to keep manicured. Artificial turf is the perfect solution and adds color to your landscape. Since it requires no water, it works well in drought-tolerant landscaping.
- Use pebbles for pathways through your garden areas. This adds natural beauty and is easy to maintain.
- Install a water feature. While water conservation is key in xeriscaping, most water features today recycle water so there is little water loss. Having a water element in an otherwise hot and dry environment will add to the oasis effect. For the ultimate conservation of water, connect it to a rain barrel, so you aren’t using city water.
- Add color with fabric. Use fabric to create outdoor curtains for a porch, cushions or pillows for furniture or pergolas.
These are just some of the vast array of ideas you can use to create interest in your yard and make it a relaxing place for the family to spend time. The best part is implementing these elements in your drought-tolerant landscaping can save up to 80 percent on water use, which reduces your water bill.
If you’d like help in making your backyard more eco-friendly with artificial grass, Ideal Turf is only a phone call away!
