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Drip systems, soaker hoses, and subsurface systems have a low profile in the landscape, so <br />vandalism is almost completely eliminated. These systems use much less water than <br />conventional irrigation systems and create lush, green Xeriscape landscapes and gardens. <br /> <br />Mulching <br />As much as 75 percent of the rainfall landing on bare ground is lost due to evaporation and <br />runoff. This loss can be enormously reduced when the proper mulch is utilized. Mulch helps to <br />insure plant survival and is an important component of Xeriscapes. <br />The best mulches are usually fine-textured and non-matting organic materials. An organic mulch <br />should decompose slowly, be free of weed seed, and should not be easily washed away by <br />rainfall. <br />Woody landscape plants need an application of three to five inches of a good mulch. This should <br />be applied under the plant and at least out to the drip line. <br />Organic mulches have many benefits in the landscape because they: <br />1) increase water-holding capacity of the soil <br />2) reduce the amount of water lost by runoff <br />3) moderate extreme soil temperature fluctuations <br />4) reduce weed competition <br />5) reduce the incidence of soil-nelated diseases <br />6) prevent soil erosion <br />7) reduce soil compaction, improve soil structure, and add nutrients and humus to the soil <br />8) create an aesthetically pleasing design feature <br />9) prevent mechanical damage to trees and shrubs caused by mowers and weedeaters <br />10) prevent splash-back and staining of house foundations and siding <br /> <br />Mulching increases the water-holding capacity of the soil. Soil moisture can be increased 5 to 25 <br />percent or more above that of a non-mulched area. The amount of water lost by runoff can be <br />reduced significantly. Fine-textured mulches conserve water by allowing water to percolate <br />down into the soil instead of being lost to runoff. <br />One of the important qualities of mulching is that it moderates extreme soil temperature <br />fluctuations. The temperature of the soil surface and that of the soil directly beneath the mulch <br />are partially controlled. Summer heat is dissipated by the mulch and the soil is insulated from the <br />winter cold. Therefore, plant roots are kept cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. <br />When plant roots are not stressed, they use less water. <br />48