Xeriscape is a style of landscaping that minimizes water use, eliminates the use of herbicides and fertilizer, and works with the local natural environment and climate. It can include drought tolerant plants, rocks, pavers, patios, pathways, or mulch. 

 

What are the advantages of a xeriscape? 

 

We live in a desert climate that is not suited to the types of lawns that require large amounts of watering to keep them green. Xeriscapes are a way to reduce water, pesticide, and fertilizer use while supporting biodiversity and improving the native soil. 

 

Much of the soil in yards around town is not healthy soil. It hasn’t been properly nurtured and so it’s largely dry, dusty, and dead. Healthy soil is rich, fertile, and full of billions of microorganisms that contribute to an all around healthier climate. We have been working with the native soil in our yard for years and with native plants and a healthy layer of soil pep (an attractive wood mulch that is meant to break down and build up soil) and we now have rich fertile soil that holds water and supports vegetation. 

 

The addition of native plants increases biodiversity, including pollinators that are good for gardens, fruit trees, flowers, and are increasing beauty and interest in your yard. At Scout Mountain Landscaping we love to choose plants that will attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. 

 

Does a xeriscape mean I’ll just have a bunch of rocks in my yard? 

 

Only if you want a bunch of rocks in your yard, which some customers do want, and there are some lovely choices available locally. A healthy xeriscape can incorporate some elements of rock, but it’s more important to choose plants and flowers that can thrive in our climate here in SE Idaho. We have a lot of experience with selecting low maintenance drought tolerant plants that will bring color and interest to your property year round. 

 

What if I want some grass? 

 

Many of our customers choose to keep some areas of grass and we are happy to work with that. We are experienced with laying and working with sod or helping you keep your existing grass healthy. There are also some beautiful drought tolerant grasses available. 

 

Is a xeriscape maintenance free? 

 

A healthy xeriscape will still require some maintenance, and the amount of maintenance depends on what you choose to do. We do our best to lay in soil pep or rock thick enough to help suppress weeds, but weeds spread and grow because they are so good at thriving in nearly any condition. We are happy to talk with you about what kind of maintenance various options will require. One way to think about it is in terms of trade-offs. You may trade mowing and watering for weeding. 

 

Does a xeriscape mean that I won’t have to water at all? 

 

If you want some kind of vegetation in your yard you will need some amount of water. Even native drought tolerant plants need water to get established. However, many people are over-watering their yards. If you don’t want to hand water, you can have an efficient sprinkler or drip line system installed and cut back the amount of water used once your landscape is established. If you don’t want to use any water on your property, there are attractive hardscape options, (e.g. rocks, pavers, mulch). 

 

Do xeriscapes contribute to erosion? 

 

Not if done properly. We will work with the land that you have and do our best to reduce run-off. With that said, when we do get those occasional heavy rainstorms, there’s not much that can be done to prevent water flowing through your yard. But managing slopes where possible and having healthy vegetation growing is a great way to prevent erosion. The most vulnerable time for any landscape is when it is first planted. As vegetation establishes, the roots become effective erosion control.