Despite Washington’s reputation for rain, the Inland Northwest receives much less precipitation than many other areas in the United States. This can make low maintenance landscaping a challenge. Dry summers, droughts, and water restrictions are common. Xeriscaping, a low-water, drought-friendly alternative to a traditional lawn, is becoming increasingly popular in the region.
What is Xeriscaping?
Xeriscaping uses drought tolerant, native plants, and efficient irrigation techniques to create sustainable, attractive lawns. This landscaping style can be used in various environments because the principle remains the same: using native plants and irrigation techniques that mimic the natural environment of the region for a low water yard. For example, desert landscapes emphasize extreme drought tolerance with cacti, succulents, and gravel mulches. Humid/ tropical regions focus on plants that can withstand winter rain, while saving water for dry summers. Cold and mountainous areas prioritize native perennials and alpine plants that can withstand high winds, intense sun, and cold temperatures. The main goal is to reduce the need for fertilizer, water, and maintenance.
Soil Amendments for Low Maintenance Landscaping
Understanding the local climate, soil conditions, and thorough planning is crucial in creating a less demanding yard. It’s beneficial to know the texture, moisture retention, and mineral/nutrient composition. Lab testing your soil may be beneficial. Check out WSU Archive: Soils and Laboratory Testing or The Department of Ecology for soil testing options. Soil amendments can improve water-holding capacity, aeration, and organic content. By mixing in a compost, like our Cheney Compost, 6-12 inches deep, either across the entire planting bed or in a wide circle around individual new plants, you can provide extra nutrients. Create Hydrozones- areas in your landscape where plants with similar watering needs can be grouped together.
Furthermore, adding a layer of mulch, which can now be found at Dow Rocks, over soil can improve moisture retention, encourage deep rooting, reduce erosion, prevent weed germination, and moderate extreme temperatures. Compost, like our Eco- Green Compost, and bark, like our dark bark fines, are also effective options. Natural materials will need to be refreshed more often than inorganic options, but their decaying provides additional nutrients to soil. Use mulch around trees and shrubs, leaving a few inches around the base of the plant to not cause damage to them. Avoid compacting down materials. This shrinks the air pockets that allow gas and moisture to exchange between air and soil.
Quality soil, equipped with proper nutrition, aeration, and hydration conservation, helps cut down excessive fertilizer usage. Overusing fertilizer often makes plants less resilient to extreme temperatures and droughts.
Selecting Plants for Low Maintenance Landscaping
After establishing good soil health, plant selection is the most important decision you make in xeriscaping. The more adapted the plant is to the environment, the less maintenance it will require. Native and drought tolerant plants are the best place to start, but adding adapted plants can add variety and function. Turf grass is known for being high maintenance, but it does have its respective place in xeriscaping. Place turf where you determine a practical need for it, like entertaining guests or if you have pets or kids. Try out our Premium Turf Builder: a custom soil blend great to use when building or expanding your lawn. Avoid using it as a filler between plants or in hard-to-mow areas. When mowing, don’t cut turf too short. 2.5 – 3.5 inches is the recommended length for a balance of appearance and health. Longer grass shades soil and reduces weed growth.
Drought-Tolerant Watering
Additionally, effective irrigation helps cut down on excessive water usage. While extra watering may be needed in the establishing years and in extreme heat, resist watering as much as you are used to with a traditional lawn. Watering early in the morning is most efficient in reducing water loss due to evaporation. Establishing hyrdrozones- areas in your landscape where plants with similar watering needs can be grouped together- allows you to irrigate areas according to their needs and avoid over or under watering.
While optional, many people find installing watering systems an effective way to further save time and preserve water. Drip irrigation and soaker hoses are popular, as they are simple to install and usually do not require extra planning to integrate into your landscape. Alternatively, rain gardens offer aesthetic and practical appeal, contributing to the visual interest of your lawn. Use locally sourced products, like basalt chips or river rocks, for an organic look.
Xeriscaping is shown to be better for low maintenance landscaping than traditional lawns in the long run. However, they are always a work in progress. It is often that landscapes will appear dormant during the first 1-2 years, but after fully adapting, Xeriscapes become a great drought resistant alternative, perfect for the hot, dry summers experienced in the Inland Northwest. Dow Rocks offers a variety of composts, barks, and our newly added mulch, that are bounteous in nutrients for a healthy yard. Basalt, granite, and river rock are all locally sourced products, great for a seamless blend from natural scenery to lawn.
