As many of its residents well know, the state of Utah is primarily a desert region that gets very dry throughout the year. Many parts of the state experience various levels of drought as a result, and this is something you should be thinking about if you’re designing a landscape anywhere in Utah.
At Aeroscape, we’re here to help. We offer an unmatched range of landscape design and installation services to clients around Salt Lake City, Sandy, Draper, South Jordan and nearby areas, including drought-tolerant landscape design concepts that help you maintain a great landscape despite dry conditions and water conservation efforts. Here are some basics on drought-tolerant landscape design in general, plus some common elements often included in them for landscapes around Utah.
For those just learning about this concept, drought-tolerant landscape design is essentially the practice of designing and installing landscapes that require minimal watering to maintain. These landscapes are perfectly suited for areas like Utah where water use and conservation efforts are important considerations.
Instead of relying on traditional irrigation methods, drought-tolerant landscapes incorporate various techniques and features to promote water conservation, such as xeriscaping (landscaping with plants that require little to no extra watering) and incorporating hardscape elements like rocks, gravel or mulch to reduce the need for constant watering.
While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to drought-tolerant landscape design, there are some common elements that can be used here. We’ll discuss some of these in our subsequent sections.
One of the most effective ways to achieve a drought-resistant landscape is by incorporating native plants into the design. Native plants are those that naturally grow in the region, and they are well adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. This means that they require less water and maintenance compared to non-native plants.
Not only do native plants conserve water, but they also attract more wildlife and pollinators to your landscape, making it more sustainable and environmentally friendly. Plus, there is a wide variety of beautiful native plants available that can add color and texture to your landscape design.
While drought-resistant landscapes aim for minimal watering needs, some irrigation systems are still necessary for plant health in extreme dry conditions. However, instead of traditional sprinkler systems that can result in significant water loss due to evaporation or runoff, efficient irrigation systems like drip irrigation or soaker hoses can be used. These systems deliver water directly to the plants’ roots, reducing water waste and promoting healthier plant growth.
Adding a layer of mulch or rocks to your landscape design can significantly reduce water usage. Mulch helps retain moisture in the soil while also preventing the growth of weeds that compete for water with your plants. Rocks, on the other hand, act as a natural barrier against evaporation and help regulate soil temperature, resulting in lower watering needs for your plants.
When we talk about drought-resistant landscapes, xeriscaping is often one of the first things that come to mind. This landscaping method involves using plants and materials that require minimal water for survival. It emphasizes on utilizing native plants and incorporating efficient irrigation systems, mulch, and rocks to create a sustainable landscape design.
For instance, a common application of xeriscaping is replacing most or all of the traditional lawn with native grasses or plants that require less water. This reduces the need for constant watering and mowing, making it a practical and eco-friendly landscaping option.
Another way to conserve water in your landscape is by collecting rainwater. Rain barrels can be installed to collect and store rainwater, which can then be used for watering plants during times of drought. This method not only reduces water usage but also helps prevent erosion and flooding in the yard.
If you’re looking for a completely maintenance-free and water-efficient lawn, artificial turf may be the answer. This synthetic grass mimics the look and feel of real grass without the need for watering, mowing, or fertilizing. While it does require an initial investment, it can save significant amounts of water and money in the long run.
At Aeroscape, we understand that every landscape design is unique and requires customized solutions. That’s why our team works closely with clients to create personalized drought-tolerant landscape designs that meet their specific needs and preferences while also promoting sustainability and conservation efforts. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you create a beautiful landscape that saves water and stands up to Utah’s dry climate, whether you’re in SLC, South Jordan, Sandy, Draper or any nearby area!
While it still may not technically be that close to summer around the great state of Utah, warm temperatures will roll around before you know it. This will mean a few important priorities within landscaping and yard care, and watering your grass is a top example.
At Aeroscape, we’re here to provide the best landscape contractor services around Salt Lake City, South Jordan, Draper, Sandy and nearby areas, with professionals who offer a huge range of landscape design and landscape maintenance services, including lawn care assistance. As the temperatures heat up, here’s a guide on the best time to water grass in hot weather, plus some other general tips on watering frequency and other watering approaches to ensure an excellent lawn without overusing your water supply.
The specific time of day when you water is quite important during the hottest parts of the year, particularly in Utah where temperatures often get over 100 degrees and conditions are very dry. For instance, if you water your grass in the middle of the afternoon on a hot day, you’re more likely to see the water evaporate before it can properly soak into the soil and reach the roots of your grass.
Instead, try watering in the early morning or evening when temperatures are cooler. Most prefer the morning period, as it allows the water to soak fully into the soil – and then dry throughout the rest of the day. Because wind tends to be calmer during the day period, the water will land evenly and directly on your lawn, instead of being blown away from it. This also gives enough time for the grass to dry out before nightfall, reducing the risk of fungal growth caused by excess moisture.
In general, watering deeply and infrequently is better than watering lightly but often – longer periods between watering helps promote deeper root growth. So while daily sprinkler runs may be great during cooler months or times when rainfall isn’t as frequent, they’re not recommended for extreme heat periods in Utah.
If you’re unsure whether your lawn needs to be watered or how much water it should receive, try this simple trick: step on an area of grass and see if the blades spring back up. If they don’t, it’s time to water.
One vital part of this entire conversation is ensuring your sprinkler system is working correctly and covering the entire lawn. There are a few small steps you can take to make sure this happens – double check for leaks, adjust any nozzles that aren’t hitting the right spots, and make sure all valves are open.
It’s also worth investing in a rain sensor for your sprinkler system, which will automatically shut off the system if it senses enough moisture from rainfall. This helps prevent overwatering and saves water resources.
Speaking of overwatering, it’s important to know the signs of this issue and address them promptly. Overwatered grass will often have a spongy feel when walked on, or may even be discolored or feel slimy. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to cut back on watering immediately.
Remember that maintaining a healthy lawn during hot weather is all about balance – not too much water, but also not too little. By following these tips and keeping an eye on your lawn’s condition, you can ensure a beautiful and healthy landscape all summer long with minimal effort.
A couple other basic tips to keep in mind when watering during hot periods:
By following these tips and properly managing your watering schedule during hot weather periods, you can maintain a healthy and lush lawn without wasting precious resources.
And if you ever need professional assistance with landscape design or maintenance, don’t hesitate to contact Aeroscape for all of your landscaping needs! Our team is here to help clients around SLC, South Jordan, Draper, Sandy and nearby areas with all their landscaping needs, no matter the season or weather conditions. Let us help you create and maintain your dream outdoor space!
