To some people, the prospect of attempting to landscape in a dry climate is an exercise in futility. There are not many plants that will survive without water. When there are times of drought it can be particularly frustrating, because you know that the conditions should be better.However, this is not a time for despair; despite the risks you may have to take with landscaping in a drought induced dry climate, it is not necessarily the case that your plants and your garden will suffer. There are some things that you can do to safeguard your landscape against the ravages of drought and these will also boost the health of your plants when the drought breaks.
There are some practical reasons as to why it is a good idea to grow plants in drought conditions and in areas deemed to be "semi-arid", where water restrictions are the norm. Plants give us shade and can thus improve the energy efficiency of a home; their aesthetic qualities often provide emotional and mental stimulus and relief; they allow diversity with regards species in landscapes and trees can be planted to replace those lost due to damage age or disease. Above all, trees and shrubs have the important role of creating soil stability, thereby reducing erosion.
Keep the following important points in mind when you are landscaping during drought or drier times:
Do you have enough space for your choice of plants? Any landscape design should include this as a consideration, most particularly in drought. Space should include rooting area and airspace. Don't plant larger trees near gardens, driveways or buildings and avoid planting them too close to a boundary fence. The tree's biomass is actually underground and this is where it will be receiving its nutrients. Other plants should not have to compete with a large tree for their resources.
Moisture concerns. In drought prone areas, this is a huge concern. Some trees need a large amount of water to remain healthy, sometimes up to 30 inches of rain a year. These should not be considered in areas of drought. Instead, choose trees that need less water and position plants that require more water in areas where they will be able to benefit from run off.
Selection. Choose trees that do not grow to great heights. There are a huge variety of both deciduous and evergreen trees that do not grow very tall. You should choose deciduous trees that have caliper of 2 inches or less and avoid evergreens with a mature height greater than 6 feet. This way, your plants will not have high water requirements.
Placement on property. Some trees should be placed on lower ground, but there are other considerations for drought affected areas. It is a good idea to know the light needs of your plant. The drier areas around your house that usually receive the most sun are the south and west, whereas the north and east are usually more shaded and damp. Place those plants that need that little bit extra water in the north or east zones of your house and those that can tolerate harsher conditions can be planted in the south and west zones. When you have a landscape containing a variety of plants with a variety of needs, you create diversity.
You can grow a plant through stem cuttings or planting seed that will create a landscape that will bring great beauty to your homes. When you approach your house, it is uplifting to view an array of carefully placed plants.Similarly, looking out of the window from inside can bring about the same emotions. It is indeed possible, using some common sense and careful preparation, to create a successful landscape even in the driest of climates. Making wise, informed choices regarding the plants and the grass you place in your landscape will also assist you in saving money, time and frustration. - 15266
There are some practical reasons as to why it is a good idea to grow plants in drought conditions and in areas deemed to be "semi-arid", where water restrictions are the norm. Plants give us shade and can thus improve the energy efficiency of a home; their aesthetic qualities often provide emotional and mental stimulus and relief; they allow diversity with regards species in landscapes and trees can be planted to replace those lost due to damage age or disease. Above all, trees and shrubs have the important role of creating soil stability, thereby reducing erosion.
Keep the following important points in mind when you are landscaping during drought or drier times:
Do you have enough space for your choice of plants? Any landscape design should include this as a consideration, most particularly in drought. Space should include rooting area and airspace. Don't plant larger trees near gardens, driveways or buildings and avoid planting them too close to a boundary fence. The tree's biomass is actually underground and this is where it will be receiving its nutrients. Other plants should not have to compete with a large tree for their resources.
Moisture concerns. In drought prone areas, this is a huge concern. Some trees need a large amount of water to remain healthy, sometimes up to 30 inches of rain a year. These should not be considered in areas of drought. Instead, choose trees that need less water and position plants that require more water in areas where they will be able to benefit from run off.
Selection. Choose trees that do not grow to great heights. There are a huge variety of both deciduous and evergreen trees that do not grow very tall. You should choose deciduous trees that have caliper of 2 inches or less and avoid evergreens with a mature height greater than 6 feet. This way, your plants will not have high water requirements.
Placement on property. Some trees should be placed on lower ground, but there are other considerations for drought affected areas. It is a good idea to know the light needs of your plant. The drier areas around your house that usually receive the most sun are the south and west, whereas the north and east are usually more shaded and damp. Place those plants that need that little bit extra water in the north or east zones of your house and those that can tolerate harsher conditions can be planted in the south and west zones. When you have a landscape containing a variety of plants with a variety of needs, you create diversity.
You can grow a plant through stem cuttings or planting seed that will create a landscape that will bring great beauty to your homes. When you approach your house, it is uplifting to view an array of carefully placed plants.Similarly, looking out of the window from inside can bring about the same emotions. It is indeed possible, using some common sense and careful preparation, to create a successful landscape even in the driest of climates. Making wise, informed choices regarding the plants and the grass you place in your landscape will also assist you in saving money, time and frustration. - 15266
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