Principles of Xeriscape Design
Appropriate Maintenance: Keep your landscape growing strong.
Now that you have an efficient, water-wise landscape, you can keep it growing strong by following a few simple guidelines each week:
Mow
During the summer, never cut more than one-third of the height of your grass. Not sure? Set your mower to its highest setting. Taller grass cools the soil, encourages deep roots, and reduces stress. If you mow your grass too short, root growth slows down, making the grass more susceptible to heat and drought.
Also, leave grass clippings on the lawn to return nutrients to the earth and encourage growth.
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Weed Control
Weeds are thieves. They steal nutrients and water from your grass and other plants. Keep weeds under control by weeding early in the year and consistently throughout the growing season.
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Test Your Soil
Healthy soil has the proper balance of plant nutrients and pH. Contact your cooperative extension or nurseries in your area for soil testing services. It can make a real difference in the health of your soil.
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Fertilize
Adding a light top dressing of compost or organic fertilizer does wonders. It reduces thatch buildup on lawns, improves soil texture, and increases root mass and surface area. “Top dress” your lawn and plant areas early in the year when conditions are wet.
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Prune
Avoid heavy pruning. Pruning stimulates growth, so plants require more water.
Make sure you prune your trees and shrubs in the dormant (winter) season before the weather gets hot and dry.
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