Water Conservation and Xeriscaping Save Water. Save Money Reno Green Landscaping offers many services to help clients conserve water, while still maintaining beautiful outdoor spaces.  We can provide solutions for existing yards as well as designing new landscapes that provide beauty while conserving water and money. The following are a list of our services and options: 1. Efficient irrigation A good irrigation system should give your plants sufficient amount of water without waste. You will need to consider irrigation that treats different plants zones (turf vs. garden, plants vs. trees, etc.) separately.  We have experts who can audit your existing irrigation system and provide solutions for any inefficiencies to maximize water use while maintaining optimum plant and turf health. In addition, smart clocks help utilize state of the art technology to provide maximum irrigation efficiency.  2. Practical turf areas Grass can require a tremendous amount of water use. Considering the many drought-tolerant grass types that are available is a key step to conserving water and money.  Improving the irrigation coverage in turf areas or altering existing turf areas can lower costs and conserve water. 3. Creating a xeriscape space that balances beauty and water conservation What is xeriscaping? Xeriscaping is not a specific style of landscaping nor does it refer to use of a specific group of plants. Xeriscaping is a set of landscaping and gardening principles that have the intent of saving water while creating a lush and colorful landscape. Derived from the Greek word "xeros", meaning "dry" and combined with "landscape", xeriscaping means gardening in a way that requires less than average water use over the long term. Reno Green Landscaping can create a xeriscape design for your yard that will not only be beautiful, but provide savings both financially and environmentally.   Is xeriscaping right for me? Many home and commercial property owners are considering “Xeriscaping” when they think about landscaping.  Could xeriscaping be right for you? Yes! Below, we have answered some of the most common questions about xeriscaping so you can educate yourself on this growing trend in landscaping. And of course, Reno Green’s professional staff is always available to answer any questions you have or to provide a consultation about your yard or property.  What are the principles of xeriscaping? 1. Planning and design Xeriscape begins with a plant and hardscape design for water conservation and beauty. 2. Appropriate plant selection Appropriate plant selection will keep your landscape in harmony with our local natural environment. There is a wide variety of plants that thrive in our climate. You can visit local nurseries or see our links page to get more information.   3. Mulching Proper mulching naturally controls weed populations, prevents soil compaction, and creates favorable conditions for healthy plant life. Mulch layers in flower and shrub beds conserves water by reducing moisture evaporation from the soil. There are many mulch options available to choose from. 4. Maintenance plans Although most xeriscapes are low maintenance, proper pruning and irrigation inspections are critical to achieve healthy landscapes. How do I make a xeriscape beautiful? Many people think xeriscaping means they are limited to planting cactus and other desert plants. Not true! Many native flowering and other lush plants fit perfectly with a xeriscape plan. Reno Green Landscaping can help you select plants that are tailored to your expectations. By choosing the right combination of plants, you can have a colorful, attractive xeriscaped landscape that looks great year round. Is it true that xeriscaping can mean more work upfront? A xeriscape requires more planning but in the long term, xeriscapes are relatively low maintenance and will use far less water than traditional landscapes and gardens. How much water does xeriscaping save? Compared to a traditional landscape of similar size, a xeriscape will use 50-75 percent less water. Do xeriscapes cost more? Not really. The initial costs for xeriscape will probably be slightly higher, primarily due to the higher cost of native plants and the increased emphasis on establishing healthy soil. However, the savings in irrigation, fertilization and maintenance make it highly cost-effective over its lifetime.