Xeriscape Resources
Xeric landscaping promotes water efficiency by using plants that are native and adaptable to Colorado's semi-arid climate. A well-designed Xeriscape can be a beautiful addition that can invite wildlife, provide year-round interest and save water.
Xeriscape Principles
1. Planning & Design
- Take note of existing landscaping, shading, microclimates, slopes etc
- Planting Ideas can be found at: https://plantselect.org/
2. Soil Improvements
- Front Range soils are predominantly made up of sand or clay. Clay soils take a long time to let water in and sandy soils do not hold water well enough. Adding soil amendment (1-2 inches of organic matter) can aid in water retention and thus generate root growth leading to happier and more drought resistant plants.
- Native western plants species have evolved to not need high organic content. Adding trace minerals can be beneficial for these plants. The moral of the story is that you should decide on what you will be planting before the addition of a soil amendment so that it can be best tailored for the landscape you’re hoping to install.
3. Efficient Irrigation
- Irrigation designs for Xeric landscapes may vary. If installing a sprinkler system (or using an existing system) remember to zone turf areas separately from the other plantings.
- Drip, spray, or bubbler emitters are most efficient for watering trees, shrubs, flowers, and groundcovers.
4. Zoning of Plants
- Group together plants with similar light and water requirements. Dry, hot areas are great for the low water-use plants.
5. Mulches
- Mulch helps to keep plant roots cool, prevents the soil from crusting, and helps to minimize evaporation. Mulch also does a great job of increasing the visual appeal of the garden.
- When using organic material for mulch like bark chips, they should be applied at least 3-4 inches deep.
- Rock and gravel mulches should be applied 2 inches deep. These mulches require less maintenance but they will act as a thermal mass which means your plant choices will have to be ok with higher temperatures.
6. Turf Alternatives
- A xeric landscape can still have turf grass. Choosing a turf that uses less water than bluegrass will help to reduce the amount of water your landscape requires
7. Appropriate Maintenance
- Maintain your new landscape by applying the proper amount of water, weeding, and taking care of the plants.
Programs
- Resource Central Turf Removal:
The first step of retrofitting your turf with water-wise landscaping is to remove the existing turf! Resource Central offers a turf removal program to help with the heavy lifting portion of this process. They also offer a Grass to Garden program where if you remove 200+sqft of turf you receive a free Garden in A Box and a drip irrigation kit.
- Garden In A Box: The Town of Erie partners with Resource Central to offer discounted gardens to Erie residents. These gardens come up for sale in the spring and the fall.
Resources:
- Colorado State University Extension: https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/gardening-resources/online-garden-publications/water-wise-landscaping-xeriscaping/
- Water-wise plants can be purchased at https://plantselect.org/ or https://resourcecentral.org/gardens/.
- Town of Erie Water-Wise Landscaping Manual
- Can my HOA stop me from Xeriscaping my yard?
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Your HOA must allow its residents to use Xeric landscaping. C.R.S. (§ 37-60-126, et seq.) states that HOA’s are prohibited from creating restricting covenants that forbid xeriscape or drought tolerant vegetation or require ground covering consisting of only turf. You must still follow the town laws put forward in the Unified Development Code (UDC), so you can’t cover your entire lawn with rock or concrete.
- How much water will I save by implementing Xeric landscaping?
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Estimating the water savings associated with xeriscaping can be a bit complicated because of the wide variety of options and projects. Some studies have shown that xeriscaping can save households 120 gallons of water/day.
- Can my Xeriscape be a DIY job?
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Yes. If the project encompasses any part of a public right of way, you will need to acquire a right of way permit.
- DIY vs. hiring the job out?
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- DIY projects cost around $2/square foot of area converted and require a lot of labor.
- Professional projects cost an average of $5/square foot but can be completed in a short period of time by a crew.
- Will I have to install a new irrigation system?
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As with any new landscaping, you will need to change the way its watered. You can water by hand, or change up your existing irrigation system to fit the needs of the new plants.
- What kinds of plants should I be planting? Does the Town of Erie recommend specific plants?
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- Colorado State University has a great resource available to help with deciding on strategies for planting your xeric landscape. You can find guides to perennial and annual flowers as well as trees and shrubs.
- The Town does not have any specific plants or designs that it recommends.