For the most efficient use of water, irrigate turf areas separately from other plantings. Proper irrigation choices can also save water. Turf lawns are best watered by sprinklers. Trees, shrubs, flowers, and groundcovers can be watered efficiently with low-volume drip emitters, sprayers, and bubblers. Mulching Mulches cover the soil and minimize evaporation, cool the soil, reduce weed growth and slow erosion.
Mulches can also provide landscape interest and offer protective cover until plants mature.
Inorganic mulches, such as gravel and decomposed granite, can be used to add texture and color under trees and around shrubs. It prevents the soil from breathing and encourages shallow plant roots. Although most successful xeriscapes are low maintenance, they are not no maintenance. Keeping your xeriscape beautiful and water thrifty through a program of well-timed mowing, fertilizing, pruning, pest control, and weeding will ensure that your landscape will develop beautifully. To ensure continued water saving, keep irrigation systems properly adjusted.