OakCreek Xeriscape Final Report - Laserfiche WebLink

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. TM XERISCApE THE SF.VEN PRlNCI.PIES OF XE1USCAPE Xeriscape offers a means to reduce water waste and a way to achieve a canfortable, attractive landscape adapted to this area. By following the steps outlined here you can have a beautiful landscape designed to reduce the costs of irrigation and maintenance. PLAN Have a plan. Find out where things are. Consider the slope, exposure and the soils of the area. Decide where you want things. Decide when you will do things. It does not have to be done all at once. ELIMINATE Eliminate or reduce turf areas that require high water use and care. Try to . locate turf areas separate fran other areas so that they may be watered more efficiently. . SELECl' Choose plants with low water needs and try to group those with like needs together. Native plants are more likely to be adapted to this area. IMPilOVE Add organic matter such as spaghnum peat moss or acidic compost for improved root developnent and water penetration and retention. Caution - manures may be high in salts and weed seeds. Improve the soil before planting and install- ing the irrigation system. KJLaJ Mulches minimize evaporation, reduce weed growth and slow erosion. Organic mulches such as wood chips or bark are best. Do not use black plastic (or any plastic) under the mulch. IRRI<?ATE Irrigate turf areas separately. Group plants with like water needs together so that they may watered according to their needs. Irrigate according to the condition of the plants rather than on a fixed schedule. Irrigation needs change with the season and weather- try to change the length of time you water at least once a month during the growing season. Better, watch for and use the EI' Index watering guide that will be published during the growing season. MAlNJXIN Proper pruning, weeding and fertilization plus attention to your irrigation system will preserve the beauty of your landscape. . Call the Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Office at 520-6450 or the Water Division at 636-5407 for more infol:lllation or help.