* The first thing that should be known when considering a xeriscape landscape is that it is one of the best choices you can make to attain a healthy, easier to maintain, long lasting and beautiful property.

* The second thing you should know is that, no matter the temperate zone of where you live, it is possible.

As with any landscape, xeriscaping begins with the design. It’s not about compromising a look for something durable, but achieving a blend of both desired results. It is starting with the look that you wish to achieve, and whether the project is residential, commercial or municipal – this makes no difference to the ability to achieve your desired results.

In a way, xeriscape landscapes may be thought of as not only a landscape that can stand on its own more than most, but also as an understanding that nature is more resilient than many may think.

When planning a xeriscape landscape or garden, or property begin with the look and function you wish to achieve. The second phase of your planning is about making the right choices of trees, plants and lawns that you wish to install. Knowing their growth patterns and what varieties or species are more durable than others. For those not in the design and installation industry, this may require a lot of visits to nurseries, questions to ask and books to read, and then a period of possible trial and error for some. The right decisions can take a typical landscape (except for annual flowers) and receive a healthy 10 to 15 years, and for some plants, better than a 20 year life span. With your hardwood trees and even some tree ornamentals, you should receive much greater longevity results.

Xeriscaping is a philosophy that begins with careful choices in the design, but just as importantly, must be followed with proper planting in regards to soils and drainage, and then a watering and fertilizing approach that aims to get the landscape off to a healthy start with a goal to be as self-sustaining naturally on its own; with minor assistance as may be needed.

3 Main Factors in Establishing a XerI-Scape Landscape:

* Design & Planning (Look, Layout, Plant & Tree Choices)

* Proper Grading, Drainage & Plant, Tree Installation

* A Xeriscape Watering & Fertilizing Strategy

If you are considering a new landscape project or renovating a property, Universal Landscape highly recommends this type of landscape planning and strategy. In our consultations, there is little variance that is normally required in the options we can provide for different looks and colors of plants, trees and blooms; but the difference of a xeriscape landscape approach can provide a great savings difference in the cost to water and maintain over the longer term.

For those looking to have a project professionally designed and installed with a xeriscape approach, we are available for Free Consultations and Estimates and will be glad to go through the project in mind.

For those interested in more information about the proper grading and drainage, whether a ‘do it yourselfer’ or simply interested in the differences to look for in a quality landscape job, that information will follow here on this site.

For information on a xeriscape watering & fertilizing schedule; you can read our article of instructions we recommend to every customer, especially as a guide for every new landscape titled “An Introduction to Your Landscape”.

We hope this information has been helpful to you, and if you are interested in having a project done, we hope you will consider Universal Landscape, Inc.

Would you like a Free Reminder of when its time to fertilize your landscape? We provide this service – or it may be a convenient reminder for those who are ‘do it yourselfers’.