Want to create a drought tolerant garden, but live in an arid area of the country?
No matter what type of climate you live in, water should always be considered a precious resource. Take a look at these 5 ways you can achieve drought tolerance anywhere.
Cutting down on your water consumption will save you quite a bit of money as well as reduce your home’s carbon footprint.
Create A Drought Tolerant Garden
If you have recently considered upgrading to a drought-tolerant yard or garden, then take a look at these simple tips that will help you make the transition as easy as possible.
We encourage you to explore more than one if possible.
Invest in Mulch
There are few materials that are as important to a drought-tolerant garden as mulch.
Not only does mulch lock moisture into the ground and prevent burnt roots, but it can also supply your plants with a wide variety of vital nutrients.
Those who hear of an upcoming heat wave or drought should take some time to inspect their garden and any other living plants on their property to see if any mulch needs to be added.
Focus on the Trees When Necessary
When a severe drought takes place and homeowners need to start making hard decisions, it is typically the trees that should come first.
Smaller plants can be replaced for just a fraction of the cost of trees and only take two to three seasons before they are fully mature. A tree, on the other hand, could be the result of years of hard work. When a larger tree dies, it can trigger an ecological cascade that will affect all of the plants you own.
Mature trees should be deep watered at least once every two weeks to promote root growth.
Switch to an Artificial Lawn
Switching over to an artificial lawn can provide you with a wide variety of benefits.
For the average family, over 30 percent of the water use goes directly to the lawn, and this can result in thousands of gallons of wasted water every year. Investing in an artificial lawn will allow you to focus your resources on your garden and your older trees.
Take Advantage of Rain
A strong rainstorm could do wonders for your garden, but you might not be taking full advantage of the ample water supply.
In addition to letting the clouds water your garden, you should also consider investing in some rain barrels. These inexpensive barrels can store dozens of gallons of water and provide you with a much-needed water source during a drought.
Before using rain barrels, homeowners should first make sure that these items are not prohibited by their county or HOA.
Slowly Switch to Native Plants
If you have not already done so, then you might want to consider switching out foreign plants for native plants.
Native plants have survived for thousands of years in your climate, and they are perfectly suited for the weather. Even if they go dormant during a drought, they will often come back the next season stronger than ever.
Most local nurseries and landscaping companies have lists of plants that are suited for the local environment.
Creating a drought-tolerant garden will require some extra work, but it is not an impossible feat. By prioritizing your flora and making a few subtle changes, you and your family could potentially cut your water consumption by thousands of gallons every year.
