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1) Careful planning and design <br />2) Appropriate, smaller lawn areas <br />3) Thorough soil preparation <br />4) Appropriate use of plant materials <br />5) Effective and efficient watering methods <br />6) Use of mulch on trees, shrubs, and flower beds <br />7) Proper landscape maintenance <br /> <br />Microclimates <br />Microclimates are areas within the design that have environmental conditions that differ from <br />adjacent areas, such as the cool, shady north side of a building. Other microclimates would <br />include the hottest places in full sun on the south side of a building. Areas that receive more <br />water, such as rainfall runoff from the roof or low spots that collect water, should also be noted. <br />Microclimates influence plant selection. For example, cooler, shady areas on the north side of <br />buildings are a good environment for shade-loving plants. Some plants thrive in the cool morning <br />sun of an eastern exposure, but wilt in the hot afternoon sun of a west-facing exposure. <br /> <br />Hydrozones <br />To achieve the greatest water efficiency, the landscape plan can incorporate “hydrozones” – <br />areas within a design that receive either low, moderate or high amounts of water. All plants <br />within a zone have similar water requirements and can be watered as a group. Plants groups in <br />this way make the most efficient use of irrigation water. For example, certain planting areas may <br />be designated low-water zones and would contain plants with low water requirements. These <br />areas receive little or no extra water after plants are established. <br /> <br />Appropriate Lawn Areas <br />The concept of appropriate lawn areas is a key principle when designing Xeriscapes. Irrigated <br />turf areas should be limited to the highest impact locations in the landscape. Lawn areas usually <br />receive more water and require more maintenance than any other area in the landscape. <br />Grasses should be carefully selected depending on location, use and desired maintenance <br />programs. <br />Common Bermuda grass is among the best grass choices for very low irrigation regimes. This <br />grass is an excellent choice for many Xeriscape designs. Several other warm-season grasses <br />become dormant and may wilt or become brown during severe water shortages if they are not <br />irrigated, but they will often "green-up" as soon as rains return. These non-irrigated turf areas <br />provide useful control of erosion and provide play areas without wasting valuable water. <br />45