Converting to Xeriscape
 
Did you know that 60 to 70 percent of your water bill could be from outdoor water use?  Here in the desert, we receive about 7 inches of rainfall in an average year. With such little rainfall, it makes sense to have a landscape with low water-use plants.

Converting grass to low water use landscaping has many benefits:

• Reduces water bills
• Cuts fertilization costs
• Reduces maintenance
• Minimizes green waste going to landfills
• Attracts native wildlife (hummingbirds, butterflies, etc.)
• Brings many colors, textures, and interest to your yard
• Increases your home value
  

Before	After

Now that you are ready to convert, follow these simple steps to ensure your conversion is a success.

Step 1: Evaluate Your Site
Sketch your lot showing property lines and dimensions.  Determine sun exposures. Observe how water flows on your property when it rains.  Identify slopes, overflow drainage, and any existing low spots.  You do not want water pooling near your foundation, but you may want to grade your landscape to direct rainwater to planting areas and trees. 

Take an inventory of your current plants, materials, and the irrigation system.  Indicate on your sketch the plants you want to keep. Determine if there are on-site resources that can be used, such as old bricks or concrete.  Will your irrigation system easily convert or are you going to abandon it and start over? You may need an irrigation specialist to evaluate your system.

Before digging be sure to call the Blue Stake Center (1-800-STAKE-IT) to have them identify your utility lines.

More detailed information on landscape design can be found in "Xeriscape – Landscaping with Style in the Arizona Desert."

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