A Sourcebook for Green and Sustainable Building

Xeriscape



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XERISCAPE CONTENTS:

CSI NUMBERS
DEFINITION
CONSIDERATIONS
COMMERCIAL STATUS
IMPLEMENTATION ISSUES
GUIDELINES

RESOURCES

CSI NUMBERS:

DEFINITION:

Xeriscape landscapes are defined as "quality landscaping that conserves water and protects the environment." There are seven principles associated with Xeriscape landscapes:

Xeriscape principles overlap into several of the options in the Green Building Guide. They will all be addressed in this section.

CONSIDERATIONS:

Xeriscape expertise and materials are readily available in Austin. Thirty eight percent of the water consumed in Austin is attributable to outside watering. From a water conserving perspective, Xeriscape landscapes are very valuable. Additionally, Xeriscape landscapes can be designed to aid in energy conservation and reduce the need for chemical and fertilizer use. Efficient irrigation is perhaps one of the easiest principles to achieve, but has much to do with the water user's habits and system design.

Commercial
Status		 Implementation
Issues
technology suppliers cost financing public regulatory
Buffalo Grass green green yellow green yellow green
Xeriscape green green red green yellow green

Legend
green Satisfactory
yellow Satisfactory in most conditions
red Satisfactory in Limited Conditions
black Unsatisfactory or Difficult

COMMERCIAL STATUS

Technology:

Xeriscape-related expertise is readily available. Extensive research and marketing has been conducted to promote Xeriscape. Automatic irrigation technology is well-developed.

SUPPLIERS:

Plentiful except for buffalograss for turf areas. There are limited producers of buffalograss.

COST:

Xeriscape landscapes can initially cost more than conventional landscapes due to the comprehensive nature of Xeriscape design and replacement of inexpensive turf with other plants. A Xeriscape landscape can be phased in by the owners of a new home after the builder has initiated some early stages, and thereby minimize the cost impact. Buffalograss may cost more than other turf grasses but the cost is becoming more competitive. Xeriscape will decrease the life cycle maintenance costs of landscaping. There is ample competition to insure competitive pricing of items such as water conserving irrigation systems. However, the best irrigation systems are initially the most costly.

IMPLEMENTATION ISSUES

FINANCING:

Available.

PUBLIC ACCEPTANCE:

Xeriscape is misconceived by some to be unattractive, or predominantly cactus or rock landscaping. The decreased turf area in some Xeriscape designs is not preferred by some and is associated as the predominant characteristic of these landscapes. However, there are appropriate turf grasses that can be used in Xeriscape type landscapes that ascribe to the basic Xeriscape principles.

REGULATORY:

There are no regulatory barriers to the use of Xeriscape landscapes. Xeriscapes are favored by local authorities and currently rebates are available for residential applications from the ECSD Water Conservation Program.

GUIDELINES

Click for a description of each of the Seven Principles of Xeriscape:

1) Planning and Design
2) Soil Improvement
3) Appropriate Plant Selection
4) Practical Turf Areas
5) Efficient Irrigation
6) Use of Mulches
7) Appropriate Maintenance

RESOURCES

PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE:

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COMPONENTS / MATERIALS / SYSTEMS:

Irrigation - see "Irrigation Systems and Equipment" in Yellow Pages

Mulches and Dillo Dirt are readily available in Austin - See "Landscaping Equipment and Supplies" and "Stone" in Yellow Pages

Plant and Seed Sources

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Beneficial Insects:

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GENERAL ASSISTANCE

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This file last updated on Thursday, June 19, 2008