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Is your yard worthy of an X rating?

03.22.2007

Submitted by tmeronek on Thu, 03/22/2007 - 2:01am.
The Bite:
If you "xeriscape" it is. Xeriscaping is landscaping that's customized to your local climate, minimizing water use through plant choice and smart irrigation techniques. You'll spend less on H2O bills and spend less time playing around with your garden hose.
The Benefits: 
  • Save major H2O. Xeriscape can reduce landscape water use by 60% or more, and drip irrigation systems more effectively hydrate your plants.
  • Less time watering your yard = more time enjoying your yard.
  • Protect your landscape investment by drought-proofing it.
  • Take a break. Some cities, like Las Vegas and Scottsdale, AZ, offer tax breaks for xeriscapers.
  • Increase your property value by as much as 15%.
Personally Speaking: 
Heather learned how to install micro-drip irrigation systems years ago and she's now getting her friends' gardens microdripped up in exchange for cat-sitting.
Wanna Try: 
Bruce Rittenhouse

Cocktail Fact

An estimated 40% of Mexico City's clean water is lost through leaky pipes built in the early 1900s.

Bang For The Bite

It takes planning, but if 10,000 desert-dwelling Biters xeriscape their yards, in a year we'll save enough water to fill 939 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

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margi russell  on April 14, 2009 at 02:47 AM 1
I have a spot of land between two buildings that NEEDS landscaping on a budget and there is access only to the elements, no tapped water....I am in southern Ohio. Help with ideas, please? Thank you....

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