As water shortages become more common and extreme weather events increase, it is increasingly important to consider the environmental impacts of landscaping. Xeriscaping is a type of landscape design that focuses on low-water usage and plant selection that is suited to the local climate. For commercial landscapes, xeriscaping offers a number of benefits—both for the environment and for businesses.
What Is Xeriscaping?
At its core, xeriscaping is about using plants and techniques in landscaping design that require minimal amounts of water to maintain. Design elements such as mulching, rainwater harvesting, and native plants are all key components of xeriscaping. These practices help conserve water while also creating a desirable landscape without sacrificing aesthetics or functionality.
Benefits for Businesses
For businesses looking to reduce their environmental impact, xeriscaping can provide a number of advantages. It helps reduce water use and energy costs associated with irrigation systems. It also supports local ecosystems by promoting native plants, which are adapted to the local environment and thrive with minimal maintenance or resources.
In addition, native plants typically require less maintenance than non-native species—which means lower labor costs over time. And because native plants are adapted to their local environment, they tend to be tougher than non-native species—which means fewer plant replacements due to drought or other extreme conditions.
How To Get Started with Xeriscaping
The first step in implementing xeriscape landscaping is an audit of existing landscape features such as trees, shrubs, grasses, and other vegetation. From there you can assess which elements should be kept versus replaced with more appropriate alternatives (i.e., native plants).
This process should be done in consultation with a professional landscape designer who understands your local climate and has experience working with commercial landscapes. Once the audit is complete you can move forward with selecting the best native plants for your area and designing a planting plan that meets both aesthetic and practical requirements (i.e., low maintenance).
Finally, install an irrigation system that deploys efficient practices, such as drip irrigation or rainwater harvesting, to reduce water usage for your new landscape.
Get Started with Hammers Construction
If you’re interested in learning more about how xeriscape landscaping could benefit your business then contact Hammers Construction in Colorado Springs today!
We will provide expert advice on how best to design your space while staying within budget constraints and reducing your environmental footprint at the same time.