Landscaping in a dry climate may seem to many like a hopeless
proposition. After all, there are few plants that can thrive without water.
However, it seems especially discouraging during times of drought, as one
would expect that at sometime the climate should not be so dry. There is
no reason to despair, however. While there are certainly risks associated
with landscaping in the dry climate produced by drought, it by no means
indicates that your plants and your yard will suffer by doing so. By taking
a few simple things into account, you can landscape for a dry climate,
and when the drought is over enjoy the fruits of your labor so much more.
There are actually good reasons to plant in a dry climate during times
of drought, and to plant in semi-arid regions where water restrictions
may be a regular part of life. The reasons are thus: plants provide shade
and can increase a homes energy efficiency; they provide emotional and
mental relief, as they are naturally pleasing; it is important to have
diverse species in landscapes; and replacement trees can decrease plant
life loss due to injury, age, or disease. Additionally, trees and shrubs
contribute greatly to soil stability, preventing erosion.
Here are some important things to keep in mind if landscaping during
times when the climate is drier:
Space available for landscaping. This is a very important consideration
for any landscape design and especially for those designs during times
of drought. There should be adequate rooting area as well as plenty of
airspace. Large-growing trees should be planted well away from gardens,
driveways, other trees, buildings, or too near a property line. This
is important because most of a tree’s biomass is actually located
under ground. You need to make sure there is enough space on your property
to ensure that your plants will be able to grow properly.
Moisture concerns. Of course, in a dry climate or during times of drought,
moisture needs are of great concern. There are trees that require a great
deal of moisture (sometimes 30” of rain), and so you should be
wary to plant these in semi-arid regions or during droughts. Find trees
that do not require much water to thrive, or plant trees and shrubs that
may need a little more water on lower portions of your property, where
they may enjoy the benefits of storm run-off.
Selection. Plant a selection of trees and shrubs that will not grow
so large. There are plenty of deciduous and evergreen trees that do not
grow to be very big. Buy deciduous trees with 2 inches or less caliper,
and make sure that your evergreens will reach no more than 6 feet in
height. This will ensure that you have a good selection of plants that
do not have strenuous water requirements.
Placement on property. It has already been noted that it might be better
for some trees to be located on lower ground. There are other placement
requirements to take into account when planning landscaping for dry or
drought-affected climates. Make sure that you know the light requirements
of the plants you buy. The south and west directions are usually drier
and receive more sunlight than the north and east portions of a house.
Consequently, if your plants need little more moisture, it is best to
have them on the east and north sides of the landscape. The southern
and western areas of your property can be landscaped with plants requiring
less moisture and which might need more sunlight. Choosing a variety
of plants that require a variety of conditions can help bring diversity
to your landscape.
Landscaping adds great beauty to our home environs. It is very rewarding
to have a beautiful prospect that can be seen on approaching one’s
house (or looking out the window, for that matter). By using a little
common sense, and by thinking carefully about what plants, trees, and
shrubs would most likely suit your property, it is possible to lay out
a plan for landscaping that will allow you to make use even of a dry
climate or one that is drought-induced. And, when you choose wisely which
plants to use in your landscape designs, you end up saving money, time,
and frustration.
