Unless you have unlimited time and patience to hand water or move hoses, it is probably in your best interest to install a sprinkler system to water your lawn. The following tools and tips will assist you in planning an efficient system that saves both water and energy.

Establishing the ground rules. Determining your water pressure and strategically planning your layout to optimize that pressure will help to ensure the best possible performance from your system. For a fee, you can obtain help in developing your layout from the manufacturers of the equipment. If you are working with a landscaping contractor, he or she should be experienced in this area. (more…)

Xeriscaping is a term that refers to a form of landscaping that doesn’t require additional irrigation than the native climate provides. Originating from the Greek root “xeros” which means dry, xeriscaping is encouraged in dry areas where water is in short supply.

According to this article, “Experts Fear Much of U.S. Could Face Water Shortage,” up to 36 states will potentially face water shortages in the next five years. The article points to rising temperatures, growing populations, waste and excess, and drought as some of the causes of this dire situation. With such a looming crisis, it may be wise to incorporate some xeriscaping into your landscape design. (more…)

Edging is that often unnoticed barrier that holds your lawn, planter beds, and pathways in place. Is your landscape suffering from lack of control? Maybe it can use some controlling definition by adding some boundaries. Edging materials can actually be quite attractive, and can be used as a key part of your landscape design. All of the following materials work well for edging.

Wood. Bender board is a very commonly used form of wood edging. It is intended to be more inconspicuous, and is a flexible board that can be contorted to fit various designs. Quite inexpensive, it works well around lawns, or anywhere else you may choose to use it around your yard. Other wood edging options include pickets, railroad ties, or landscape timbers. These are attractive, but will break down over time.

Cement Curbing. This style of edging requires more work to install, but provides a clean, durable surface that will not deteriorate. (more…)