A xeriscape is not rocks, decomposed granite, cactus, agaves, or rain barrels, although these could all be components of one. In its simplest form a xeriscape is minimal lawn, native flowering perennials and shrubs, mulch and other soil amendments, and pervious patios or decks.

There are seven principles of xeriscape. They include:

Planning and design

Soil amendment

Efficient irrigation

Appropriate plant selection

Mulch

Limited lawn

Appropriate maintenance

Let’s examine how these principles apply to our South Texas landscapes.

Planning and design: Consider aspect, shade, slope, soil, and existing and desired species. The goal is to aim for one third lawn, one third beds and one third pervious patio or deck.

Soil amendments: One way to increase water holding capacity is to add amendments, such as compost. Add one inch of compost to the soil to beds in spring and fall and ¼ inch over lawns during the same seasons.

Efficient irrigation: Of course, the most efficient irrigation is rain, but we recommend using a hand-held hose or soaker hoses. In-ground irrigation system, on the other hand, use 50 percent more water (70 percent in the summer) than a hose-end sprinkler or hand-held hose.

Appropriate plant selection: Use native plants or ones well-adapted to our area. My personal favorites are salvias, firecracker fern, damianita, cenizo and iris. All of these are included in the WaterSaver Landscape Coupon.

Mulch: Two inches of mulch, whether organic like woodchips or river rock, is sufficient. Xeric plants prefer limited mulch.

Limited lawn: Lawns use an excessive amount of water. By reducing the amount of lawn, you not only minimize mowing, but also significantly reduce how much water you use.

Appropriate maintenance: Excessive pruning and fertilizing does more harm than good. Keep it simple – mow weekly, prune perennials three times a year and trees once every five years, and fertilize with compost in spring and fall. Check out our handy maintenance section, broken down by month, plant type or topic.

An optional component of xeriscapes are patios — they never need water! Our WaterSaver Patioscape Coupon can help you replace that thirsty lawn with a functional outdoor living space.

To see a true Texas xeriscape, visit one of our wonderful natural areas like Freidrich or Hardberger Parks and take a look around.

Mark Peterson

Mark A. Peterson is a conservation project coordinator for San Antonio Water System. With over 30 years of experience as an urban forester and arborist, Mark is probably the only person you know who actually prunes trees for fun. When not expounding on the benefits of trees and limited lawns, you’re likely to find him hiking San Antonio’s wilderness parks or expounding on the virtues of geography and history to his friends.