The harsh desert environment can make it challenging to maintain a sustainable landscape. But, with the right plan, you can achieve an eco-friendly desert landscape that looks great and uses fewer resources. Southwest homeowners have become especially astute at designing beautiful yards that protect the environment—and their wallets!
When transforming a desert landscape, many people plant native plants that don’t require too much maintenance with lots of water. Native plants are naturally adapted to the region’s environment—they don’t require as much water and other resources to stay healthy. They also provide some basic needs for animals living in the region.
Local nurseries can provide regional flora advice in picking out plants, as each region has different characteristics which inform the best plants for that area. Grasses, succulents, and perennials are all excellent options you can utilize if you’re creating an eco-friendly desert landscape.
Make Water Saving Choices
Water conservation is an important factor in any desert landscape. Smart choices include using drought-tolerant plants and covering soil with mulch or stones to prevent water evaporation. If you want a lawn, opt for synthetic turf that requires very little water or resource-friendly native grasses. You can also create a water-wise garden by adding materials such as water-wise containers and DIY rain barrels. Other water-saving features include drip irrigation and xeriscapes.
Xeriscapes represent an important part of an eco-friendly desert landscape. These are intentional landscaping techniques that focus on conserving water, with features such as native vegetation, efficient irrigation practices, and water-wise soil. From rock formations to wildflowers, xeriscapes can be designed to fit any taste or budget.
Go Above and Beyond: Add Solar Features
While plants are typical components of an eco-friendly desert landscape, you can take your landscape to the next level by incorporating solar features. Using solar power can help you conserve energy and also reduces your monthly utility bills. Examples of solar features include a solar-powered fountain or lighting to create an illuminated outdoor space that reduces energy consumption.
If you’re feeling ambitious, you can opt to install a solar array or even a solar pool heater. A solar array allows you to generate your own electricity, while a solar pool heater will keep your pool at a comfortable temperature with minimal energy costs. With smart features, you can enjoy both an eco-friendly desert landscape and energy savings.
Using sustainable landscaping techniques is a great way to create a beautiful desert landscape without harming the environment. With native plants, efficient irrigation, and solar features, your landscape will be both aesthetically pleasing and sustainable.
Create a Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Desert Landscape
- Use native plants to reduce water and resource consumption
- Incorporate water efficient features such as drip irrigation and xeriscapes
- Add solar features for energy savings and decreased utility bills
Conclusion
Creating an eco-friendly desert landscape may seem daunting, but with some careful planning and research, you will be able to create an oasis that is both attractive and sustainable. Utilizing native plants, water-wise materials, and solar features is the key to creating a sustainable desert landscape. By taking these steps, you’ll be able to enjoy a healthy, natural landscape—all while helping protect the environment.