Xeriscaping Your Austin, TX Rental or Investment Property

Learn the Difference Between Xeriscaping and Zeroscaping for your Austin Property

Today, as we all become more aware of our impact on the environment and strive to live more sustainably, we're beginning to examine all areas of our lives, from what we eat, to what we drive, to the materials we use in our homes, and how we landscape our property. 

In many municipalities, water conservation is a crucial factor. For example, many areas of the country have been experiencing a prolonged drought, impacting our ability to use water-intensive planting. Many municipalities are mandating that homeowners landscape using native plants that are drought-resistant and require little maintenance.

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Many landscape contractors will ask if you prefer xeriscape or Zeroscape when designing your landscape. While the word sound similar, they are actually two completely different sustainable landscaping techniques that homeowners and investors can implement in the yards that are low maintenance, and extremely stunning.

In fact, as sustained drought and water issues continue, especially in the west and desert southwest continue and grow in severity, many municipalities are mandating that homeowners and investors use xeriscape or Zeroscape landscaping techniques, especially on new builds.

In this post, we're going to explore and explain the differences and similarities between xeriscaping and zeroscaping and offer some tips if you decide to try one of these interesting and environmentally friendly landscape techniques.

What is Xeriscaping?

Xeriscape is a landscape design method that incorporates drought-resistant plants that are often native species. It's an excellent technique to use if you live in a dry or arid climate. Xeriscaping allows you to have a beautiful yard that requires little water or maintenance. 

If you don't enjoy spending time in the yard or landscaping a rental or investment property and looking for a low-maintenance landscape option, xeriscaping is an excellent choice. Many proponents of xeriscape will include replacing natural grass with artificial turf. Using turf eliminates the need to water or cut your grass for a true low-maintenance landscape. Xeriscape is typically used in more arid, desert areas like southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.

Few trees are drought-resistant, don't require much water, or thrive in drier desert climates. Typical plants you'll find in a xeriscape include perennials like agave, sagebrush, yarrow, white gaura, and cacti. Many landscapers will install an irrigation system in the yard so that your xeriscape landscape will practically take care of itself. With a xeriscape, since the plantings don't need much water, you'll see a reduction in your water bill as well as more free time to spend relaxing in the yard instead of working on it.

What is Zeroscape?

Zeroscape is a landscape design that is completely made up of dirt, gravel, or rocks with essentially no plant life. This is a popular landscaping technique in desert areas since few plants can survive in the hot, dry climate. 

There is no real planning in a zeroscape landscape, so you really don't need to hire a landscape designer should you decide to adopt this style of landscaping. Your yard will consist of gravel, dirt, and potentially a few plants here and there if you choose to add them. 

A Zeroscape yard is extremely plain; however, if you are landscaping a rental or investment property, zeroscaping is the cheapest, lowest maintenance option.

You need to make sure if you talk with a landscaper that you are specific in what you're looking for. Many people frequently interchange the two terms even though they are very different. Make sure that you specify which technique you want to use for your space. You may end up with a very plain landscape design rather than a well-planned, well-designed one if you don't.

Tips for Xeriscaping Your Yard in Austin, Texas

Xeriscaping is a perfect choice for your Austin, Texas rental or investment property. It is a great alternative to a grass lawn. While not a desert climate, Austin is very hot much of the year, and the heat, water restrictions, and periodic droughts make xeriscaping a perfect option. 

Xeriscaping gives you the ability to grow an interesting dynamic landscape without investing in wasteful irrigation systems or spending hours tending your landscaping. There are plenty of plants like succulents and cacti that are native to Austin and can provide a beautiful lawn without high-maintenance planting like grass.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when planning your xeriscape landscape.

• Plan Your Design Carefully - Begin by drawing out a detailed map of your yard. Measure and label the distance between elements like buildings, trees, and other structures. Then create a sun chart showing where the sun hits the yard at various times of the day. Research annual rainfall amounts for your location, and select plants that are native and can live with the natural rainfall amounts.

• Layer Your Design - Once you've mapped out climate and conditions, put together a list of appropriate plants for your location. Start with native plants and then think about creating a layered landscape design with a variety of plantings. Every layer should focus on a visual element that allows visibility of each plant and retain water.

• Avoid Invasive Species - Xeriscaping is all about native plants. If your property has existing native plants in your landscape, consider incorporating them into your design. Study how the natural landscape in your location exists, visit parks, woodlands, and open spaces and explore how the flora interacts. When designing your space, avoid invasive exotics. While they can be beautiful, they can damage the natural biodiversity of your community. Native plants are the best choice, but you can also look into other drought-tolerant plants.

• Carefully Choose Any Grass - When you convert your landscape to a xeriscape, you don't have to eliminate grass. Start by reducing the amount of grass only to what you need. While bermudagrass is popular here in Austin, consider other low-water species like zoysia grass or buffalo grass. Both varieties are very water-conservative.

• Understand and Care for Your Soil - Have a soil sample analyzed. Your local agricultural office can analyze your soil if you provide a sample. You can also use an in-home test kit. Once you know your soil's pH and type you can plan your landscape. If your soil is mostly sand or soil, you will need to amend it to retain moisture and pH by adding compost or other organic material.

• Practice Intelligent Watering - Xeriscaping will drastically reduce your water consumption. However, you'll still need to do some watering to keep your plants healthy. Consider adding a drip irrigation system that can reduce water consumption by as much as 60%. Also, use water retention techniques like digging a pond, catchment system, or using a rainwater barrel to best use natural rainfall.

• Don't Forget The Mulch! - Mulching is a great way to retain moisture in the soil and minimize weed growth. Always use organic materials like wood chips or inorganic mulch like stone or gravel. Keep mulch three to four inches deep.

Traditional green gardens require a lot of water, and time to maintain. If you live in a hot climate, like Austin, xeriscaping might be a great landscaping choice. Austin has led the way in Texas and is one of the most prominent cities in the country when it comes to sustainability. The City of Austin offers a guide to Native and Adapted Landscape Plants to help you make the best choices for xeriscaping. 

Xeriscaping means that you'll spend less money on plants that will inevitably die, consume much less water, and spend less time in the garden pampering non-native species that may be bad for the local biosphere. Xeriscaping means you'll worry less about your landscaping, while still maintaining great curb appeal.

If you have questions about xeriscaping, Zeroscape, or are considering a remodeling project, give the experts at OmDesign a call at (831) 607-8772. We're always happy to discuss your project, answer your questions, and explain all of your options!