Timberlines

By Shelly L. Van Landingham

August 27, 2004

Xeriscape vs. Zero-scape

Mulching is an essential part of xeriscaping. It covers the soil and is used to minimize evaporation, reduce weed growth, cool the root zone, and slow erosion. All mulch must be kept off the bark of trees and shrubs and should be laid at no more than 2 to 4 inches deep. Mulches give beds a finished look, increasing a garden's visual appearance.

There are two types of mulch: organic and inorganic. Organic mulches are good because they will decompose, adding nutrients to the soil. The most common, and most recommended, organic mulch is woodchips. If using grass clippings, make sure the clippings are dried out and applied very thin (2 inches). Leaves can also be used, but again they are better if dried when applied, or mixed with woodchips.

Inorganic mulches include gravel, stone or weedbarrier fabrics. AVOID black plastic, as this will prevent water from penetrating the soil. Weedbarrier fabrics should be water permeable and need to be monitored annually for girdling—as plants grow, the fabric will cut into them if the barrier is not cut back from the base of the plant. Adding organic mulches to the top of weedbarrier fabric gives the area a very natural look and will help retain moisture that much more. Stone and gravel can be used to add color and creativity to a xeriscape garden, but consider keeping rock areas to a minimum, as they tend to increase air and soil temperatures.

Often, woodchips in combination with stone or gravel provide a very finished, aesthetically pleasing landscape.

Xeriscape can provide a very attractive landscape, while at the same time significantly reducing water use. If you have any questions regarding this article, please call Shelly at 719.384.9087. Or visit www.ext.colostate.edu.

Sources for this article: "At Home with Xeriscape", Xeriscape Colorado; "Xeriscaping: trees and shrubs for low-water landscapes", Colorado State University Cooperative Extension no. 7.229, 1987; "Proper Mulching Techniques", International Society of Arboriculture, 2002; "Xeriscaping: Retrofit Your Yard", Colorado State University Cooperative Extension no. 7.234, 2003.