Xeriscape – Water-wise Landscaping

Water conservation is always a major concern for the inground sprinkler system installers here at Nutri-Lawn. That's why we're dedicated to providing our customers with an amazing selection of environmentally-friendly automatic sprinkler systems. Designed to work in harmony with Mother Nature, these systems help reduce water consumption and eliminate expensive utility bills. But that's not all. Our water-smart Ottawa sprinkler systems can be programmed to work in harmony with a drought-resistant xeriscaped lawn.

What is Xeriscaping?

Xeriscaping is the newest form of drought-resistant landscaping available in the Ottawa region. It is a low-maintenance, low-water-use gardening technique that boasts amazing results. Adopting xeriscaping principles is easy. All you have to do is make changes that are kind to the environment. As a result, you'll save time, money, and effort when it comes to maintaining your property.

Getting Started with Xeriscaping

The first step to xeriscaping is assessing the conditions of your current landscape. The automatic sprinkler system installers at Nutri-Lawn recommend investigating the following questions:

1. What type of soil is in your yard?
2. What sort of exposure does your property have? Is the majority of it south or west facing? (yards in these positions are often hotter and drier).
3. Are there any areas that are shaded by trees or buildings? These will create microclimates within your yard and will require special attention during the planting phases.
4. Consider site conditions that could affect moisture in your property. These include slopes, drainage, and sun.

Improve Water Retention Capacity by Amending the Soil

The automatic sprinkler system installers at Nutri-Lawn highly recommend amending your soil prior to performing any xeriscaping. This is because drought-resistant plants need good drainage. Adding organic matter to the soil will help increase your soil's ability to absorb water. To check your soil's drainage abilities, the inground sprinkler system installers at Nutri-Lawn recommend this quick test:

• Dig a test planting hole in your yard and fill it with water. If it drains quickly, fill it again. If water remains after six hours, you will need to improve the soil by adding organic matter.

Plant Selection

Choosing appropriate drought-resistant plants is the key to any successful xeriscape project. As such, you should always try to select trees, shrubs, and ground cover based on its ability to adapt to your soil and climate zone. The inground sprinkler system experts at Nutri-Lawn recommend sticking to native plants as they adapt better and can resist longer periods of drought. What's more, these plants often have lower fertilizer needs than non-native plants. If you'd like to add some extra interest to your yard you can also include some water efficient non-native plants.

Popular Plant Options

The inground sprinkler system installers at Nutri-Lawn often recommend the following plants for use in xeriscaping projects:

Perennials

• Alliums
• Dianthus
• Ernygium
• Iris

Perennial Ground Covers

• Artemesia (Wormwood)
• Sedum
• Thymus

Annuals

• Tagetes species (Marigold)
• Helianthus annus (Sunflower)

Ornamental Grasses

• Festuca species (Fescue)
• Phalaris arundinacea (Ribbon Grass)

While these plants are recognized for their drought-resistant qualities, it is important to provide them with adequate water until they are well established during their first year of planting. For more information on water-smart inground sprinkler system technology, or for more drought-resistant xeriscaping tips, contact the automatic sprinkler system installers at Nutri-Lawn by calling 613-739-3399.