Xeriscape landscapes are defined as "quality landscaping that conserves water and protects the environment." Nationally, it is estimated that thirty eight percent of the potable water produced is used for outside watering. From a water conserving perspective, Xeriscape landscapes are very valuable. Additionally, Xeriscape landscapes can be designed to aid in energy conservation and reduce the need for chemical and fertilizer use. Efficient irrigation is perhaps one of the easiest principles to achieve, but has much to do with the water user's habits and system design.

Xeriscape is misconceived by some to be unattractive, or predominantly cactus or rock landscaping. The decreased turf area in some Xeriscape designs is not preferred by some and is associated as the predominant characteristic of these landscapes. However, there are appropriate turf grasses that can be used in Xeriscape type landscapes.

Xeriscape landscapes can initially cost more than conventional landscapes due to the comprehensive nature of Xeriscape design and replacement of inexpensive turf with other plants. In the long run, however, Xeriscape will decrease the life cycle maintenance costs of landscaping. 

There are seven principles associated with Xeriscape landscapes: 

1. Planning and Design:This is the first and most important step in Xeriscape landscaping. The Xeriscape landscape takes into account the regional and microclimatic conditions of the site, existing vegetation and topographical conditions, the intended use and desires of the owner, and the zoning of plant materials according to their water needs. The landscape plan should allow the landscaping to be phased in, with initial phase installation and a future phasing plan as part of the building package. Such a feature can be important in speculative home construction, and gives added value. 

   • Proper site planning 

   • Preserve and protect as much existing vegetation as possible. 

   • Preserve and protect topsoil on construction sites. 

   • Stabilize or cover all bare soil areas by the time construction is completed. 

   • Landscaping for energy conservation should be an integral part of any landscape design. 

2. Soil Improvement:

   • Add organic matter to planting soil to enhance plant health, it improves soil texture and moisture retention. Soil rich in organic matter provides nutrients and micro-organisms beneficial to plants. Compost is an excellent source of nutrients for ornamental landscapes, it releases nutrients slowly to the plants, making frequent fertilizing unnecessary and minimizing the risk of fertilizer washing out of sites and becoming non-point source pollution. 

   • Have soil analyzed to help determine suitable plants and the need for any soil amendments. A soil test is an important first step in determining whether fertilizer is needed, and if so, what type. (The addition of fertilizers containing potassium, for example, may be unnecessary or even harmful.) 

3. Appropriate Plant Selection: Almost any plant can be used in a Xeriscape landscape if grouped according to its water needs. Annual and exotic plantings can be located in small, easily accessible areas to make maintenance easier. Irrigation can then be zoned according to plant water needs to make efficient irrigation possible. 

   • Select plants that require a minimal amount of supplemental watering. Many native plants are well adapted to the natural soil and rainfall conditions of our area. They have protection mechanisms that cause them to go dormant during periods of stress. They may appear brown, but will turn green again when temperatures improve and it rains. 

   • Choose a diversity of plant species. Avoid planting large numbers of only one plant species, which can create a monoculture susceptible to pest or insect problems. 

4. Practical Turf Areas: This means turf areas whose size is suited to the intended use. Huge lawns of exotic grasses require much more maintenance and care than any other type of landscape plant. Lawns may be needed as children's play areas, for pets, sports, or simply for the aesthetic appeal of turf that some people prefer. The maintenance requirements for turf can be minimized by the shape of the area, the irrigation equipment used, and the turf type selected.

5. Efficient Irrigation: The type of watering equipment best suited to the job depends on the landscape, design, layout and budget. The irrigation design should be integrated with the design of the landscape. A simple garden hose and sprinkler with a few soaker hoses thrown in may be the best way to water some landscapes. Drip or underground systems may be more appropriate for other landscapes or clients. Use an efficient irrigation system designed by a licensed irrigator. 

   By the way, did you know that in 1991, Florida enacted a statute governing automatic sprinkler systems. It says, in part, 

   "Any person who purchases an automatic lawn sprinkler system shall install a rain sensor device or switch which overrides the irrigation cycle when adequate rainfall has occurred."

6. Use of Mulches: 

   Use a deep layer of mulch in planting beds to help retain moisture, slow weed growth, and prevent erosion. The use of mulches on sloped areas along with terracing and plantings can help prevent runoff and erosion problems. The depth of mulch needed will depend on the type used. As a general rule, the coarser the material, the deeper it should be applied. A 3 to 4 inch layer of bark mulch should be sufficient. Mulch needs to be reapplied as it decomposes. Examples of organic mulch material include: 

   • Shredded Bark 
   • Wood Chips 
   • Pine Needles 
   • Straw 
   • Pecan Hulls 
   • Cotton Seed Hull 
   • Composted Leaves 
   • Shredded Cyprus 
   Use inorganic mulches such as pea gravel, crushed granite or pebbles in unplanted areas. Such areas can become inexpensive pathways, utility areas, or decorative border strips. 

7. Appropriate Maintenance: The maintenance requirements of a Xeriscape landscape are generally less than those of a conventional landscape. This is due to a reduction in turf area and unadapted plants that might have more disease, insect control, watering and fertilizer demands. However, there is no such thing as a maintenance-free constructed landscape. In general, a properly maintained yard is heartier and better able to withstand drought, freezing and pest problems. Obviously, landscape maintenance is up to the owner. However, there are things you can do to make maintenance easier. 

   • Create a composting area and use it. Yard waste can be recycled into high-quality compost. This minimizes the load on landfills and encourages wise resource use. 

   • Mow correctly: Mow the grass when it is about 1/3 higher than the desired height. Clippings can be left where they fall, recycling nutrients into the soil. If clippings are collected, compost them with raked leaves and organic kitchen waste. Never mow lawns too short. (Proper mowing heights can help lawns use less water. Grass cut too short is stressed and dries out quickly.) 

     Recommended Mowing Heights
     Bermuda	1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches
     St. Augustine (Flortram)	2 to 3 inches
     Buffalo Grass	3 to 4 inches
     Zoysia	2 inches

   • Fertilize wisely: Many native plants do not need fertilizer since they are adapted to natural soil conditions. 

   • Use least-toxic methods of insect and disease control. Such techniques, otherwise known as Integrated Pest Management (IPM), take advantage of natural methods of control. This protects soil from contamination, inhabitants wildlife from harm, and waterways from being polluted with non-point source pollution. 

South Florida Water Management District's Conservation Page
St. Johns River Water Management District Xeriscape Page