03/10/2022
He’s one of Utah’s best. Always gives brilliant advice for perennials and cutting down on water use in landscapes. Thank you Bradley Christensen!
Deseret Nursery Perennial no
Today we shall discuss the easiest and most simple way to Xeriscape your yard. There are other ways to go about it, but we are trying to not make it a science project. The term Xeri is Greek, and it means good practices. The term Xeric means that the plant is adapted to low water usage. Most municipalities require that 30% of the yard must be in vegetation.
1. Pick a sprinkler zone in your yard where it will be easier to work and convert. (Not the Parking Strip). Mark the parameter of the spray of that Zone with a rope or hose. Spray and kill the grass with glysophate (Roundup). This will take about 3 weeks for the lawn to meet it's demise.and another 3-4 weeks for the turf fibers to break down. There is no need to remove the dead turf as it will be covered by a thick layer of mulch. Simply dig your hole through the softened fibers.
2. If your sprinkler system is in good condition, there is no real compelling reason to replace it with drip irrigation. If drip irrigation is your thing then do it. If it is not your thing, then don't do it.
3. Plant your perennials every three to five feet. If your soil is off, adjust the soil in each hole. After watering them frequently for two weeks, it is time to stretch out the waterings. Nearly all perennials if watered with a sprinkler system for 1/2 hour a week are happy. That is a 50% reduction from watering grass. If you plant Xeric perennials, water them deeply for 40 minutes every two weeks. That is a 75% reduction in water consumption.
4. Mulch the area heavily, like 4" plus. The mulch will conserve the moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the roots cool. Do not use landscape fabric.
5. Develop your skill with this area, then move on to the next areas.
