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does a new Xeriscape need a Irrigation System?

19 years ago

Hi, we are planning our 1/3 acre landscaping (90x150' lot, including house), and wish for it to be xeriscaped and mostly native plants. At least 85% of the plants we have chosen fall into the xeriscape category, the only exception is a couple patches of lawn for contrast. We have rainbarrels for catching roof run-off, and will hook up soaker hoses to these to water with.

Our landscape architect is NOT familiar with xeriscaping or native planting (but there were no professional alternatives in the city I live in- it is not very 'progressive'). I had to do most of the research for the landscape plans. My concern is that he has tried to convince my husband that we need to spend many MANY $1000's to install an irrigation system so that the plants can get established in the first few years. He has told us that it would take 'all day, every day or 2' to water these plants, for the first few years. Even after that, it will be 'often' that they need watering.

I think this is wasteful, both resource and money-wise. Our summer season is only 3-4 months maximum (our winters get to -30degrees!), and these are mostly evergreens that grow wild all around our province (state). The whole reason for xeriscaping is to reduce water use and save time as a bonus.

Can someone please comment?

Thanks!!

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Comments (7)

decklap
19 years ago
Im no expert but it doesn't sound like
your landscape guy is either. The native
drought tolerant plants in my garden
hardly ever get watered other than
rainfall and they thrive. Im with
you. The whole point of Xericsape is
to preserve water.
JAYK
19 years ago
Even drought tolerant plants often need irrigation in their first few seasons to establish. Many "xeriscape" plantings fail when this principle is ignored. How much water depends on many factors, and your LA may not be correct in what they need, but I would not dismiss the concept completely.
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ladyslppr
19 years ago
I think your landscape architect is wrong. I would thoroughly water everything daily for the first week, every two days the second week, then taper off to twice per week through the hot part of the first summer. Keep the soil reasonably moist until it freezes the first fall. The second summer I would water thoroughly only if you encounter dry spells more than a week long. After that you should be fine.

I wouldn't spend any money to install an irrigation system. You can use hose-end sprinklers and water without too much effort the first year or two and it will save lots of money.
laceyvail 6A, WV
19 years ago
I think putting in an irrigation system for a xeriscape is a contradiction in terms. All plants need proper watering their first and sometimes second season (in the case of trees), but to put in an expensive system for just one summer is ridiculous.
laurabs
19 years ago
You should be able to find drought-tolerant ground covers that are as green as grass and will take nearly as much foot traffic. Then you won't have to spend all the money on water or chemicals to keep grass healthy and green.

http://www.stepables.com/index.htm

Here is a link that might be useful: Stepable ground covers.
westhighlandblue
19 years ago
Snake a soaker hose through your new xeriscape beds. Water every four to five days for the first year the plants are in place. Next year, only water when experiencing a drought or when you notice the plant leaves indicate the need for water. The soaker hose is a cheap, cheap, cheap alternative to irrigation. I've used it in a large yard in Dallas with great success. My yard in Philadlphia is small enough that it is not needed. Use landscape staples to hold the hose in place. They are cheaper than the special hooked spikes manufactured for this purpose.
kwoods
19 years ago
Another vote for the soaker hose idea. They work great for me and conserve water. I also agree that putting in a complete system to simply establish drought tolerant plants seems very wasteful.

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