_pn.png)
While our company might be focused on creating landscaping of the highest caliber, elegant isn't synonymous with delicate. Here in Texas, we can incorporate drought-tolerance into our designs. Here's a rundown of some of the best techniques we employ at Cut-N-Edge Lawn & Landscape that can help you too.
Hardscaping
Non-living physical structures ranging from sculpture to pergolas beautify the yard without demanding water. They work by amplifying the allure of a smaller contingent of ornamental plants.
Runoff
Since hardscapes don't consume water themselves, they produce a bit of runoff. Rather than let this runoff escape, fill these spots with plants that'll happily make use of water otherwise wasted.
Retaining Walls
It's okay if water runs off of hardscape items, but if the ground itself has enough of a slope, water will run off of it too. The solution is a retaining wall that allows the soil behind it to be leveled to prevent runoff.
Mulch
Sunlight beating down directly on soil heats it and triggers evaporation. A covering of mulch shades soil to reduce evaporation. The loose nature of mulch materials also lets water seep down through it while creating an insulating blanket against the sun's heat to keep the soil cool.
Shade
Both hardscape objects and trees or other large plants can provide this landscape design feature. Like mulch, shading lowers soil surface temperature to reduce evaporation. When employing shade, make sure it's not more than the plants below can stand.
Porous Materials
With some hardscape components, it's better to let water pass through than run off. This keeps the soil below healthy. A good example is a loose rock or widely-spaced stepping stones and pavers for a walkway. Not only is maintenance more manageable, so is removing or re-routing the walkway later. Afterward, the soil beneath is ready to convert to garden space.
Drought-resistant Plants
The simplest way to have a landscape design that’s tolerant of drought is to populate it with plants that tolerate drought. The local natives of Texas have adapted to these conditions, so they’re a sure bet. There are also plenty of imported species that are both rugged and beautiful. Either way, your choices aren’t limited to succulents and cacti.
Containers
When plants have a significant demand for water, it’s best to keep an ample supply right by the roots for extended periods, and the most reliable way to achieve this is with containers. With smartly chosen containers, additional beauty is brought to the landscape that accentuates the plantings.
Grouping
Just think, if several plants of varying water needs are thrown together, water will have to be delivered to them at the level of the plant with the greatest need. The rest will get over-watered. The solution is grouping them by water needs.
Drip Irrigation
Drip irrigation delivers water directly to plant roots below ground instead of above ground where heat can turn it to vapor. Regardless of the particular circumstances, drip irrigation is always more efficient than any other method of watering plants.