Water-Wise landscaping, also known as “Xeriscape,” is quality landscaping that conserves water and protects the environment. Using seven common-sense principles, you can create a lush, beautiful landscape that saves time, money and energy and prevents water pollution and water waste. Water-Wise landscaping consists of the following seven principles.

1. Start with a plan. Consider soil type, drainage, water availability and views. Consider how the space will be used—for play, entertaining, gardening, storage, etc. Plan areas for different amounts of water—hand water, frequent water, occasional water and natural rainfall. Develop a plan that can be installed in phases as your budget and time permit.
   
   
2. Analyze and improve the soil. To have your soil tested, check with the County Extension Office or your local nursery. Most soil will benefit from adding organic matter such as compost. This will improve drainage, moisture penetration and the capacity of the soil to hold water.
3. Use practical turf areas. Grass usually needs more water than any other part of the landscape. Think about how you will use the area and if grass is the best choice for that area. It may be, but ground covers, shrubs, a deck or a patio may work better in some cases.
4. Select appropriate plants. As much as possible, use native or drought-tolerant plants. There are hundreds of beautiful plants that naturally thrive on the amount of rainfall we receive in North Texas, so they rarely need additional water once they are established. But if your favorite plant is a water guzzler, go ahead and use it. Just place it with other water-loving plants.
5. Water efficiently to make every drop count. Watch for signs that plants need water, and water only when it's necessary. When you do water, water deeply. This will save water and help plants develop healthier root systems, making them more likely to survive hot summers and cold winters. Water early in the morning when the sun is low and the wind is calmer. The most efficient hose-end sprinklers throw large drops of water close to the ground. When you use misting sprinklers or sprinklers that throw water high into the air, the water often evaporates before it hits the ground. Soaker hoses are inexpensive, easy to install and ideal for planting beds. Drip irrigation applies water slowly to the soil directly surrounding plant roots.
6. Use organic mulches to conserve water and slow weed growth. Mulches reduce soil water loss and erosion. Some common organic mulches include pine bark, shredded cypress, pecan hulls, cotton seed hulls, composted leaves, shredded cedar and shredded landscape clippings.
7. Maintain appropriately. Water-wise landscapes need less maintenance than traditional landscapes. But please keep in mind that low maintenance does not equal no maintenance. Properly maintained landscapes are hardier and better able to withstand drought, freezing and pest problems. Remove weeds so they don't compete with other plants for water. Raise the height of the lawn mower so grass blades shade the roots. Fertilize in moderation. Excessive fertilizer increases plants' water needs and can be washed away by rain, polluting our rivers and streams. Allow grass clippings to remain on the lawn as a natural fertilizer. Flowering perennial plants may need frequent pruning to stimulate blooming and keep a neat appearance. Check woody plants, such as trees and shrubs, for pruning needs once a year. Dead, diseased or damaged wood can be removed any time.

To learn about native and adapted drought-tolerant plants that do well in the North Texas area, please see our Natural Beauties brochure or go to our Virtual Resource Center page for web links.

Water-Wise Landscape Tour

Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) invites you to attend its 14th Annual Water-Wise Landscape Tour on Saturday, June 6, 2009 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The self-guided, free tour showcases Water-Wise landscapes throughout Dallas and surrounding cities. Feel free to choose your own route and visit as many of the landscapes as you like. The Dallas County Master Gardeners are partnering with us again this year and they will be conducting free, 15-minute Micro Talks on Water-Wise landscape topics. The Micro Talks will start at the top of each hour at the tour’s headquarter locations. Check this site closer to tour day for a schedule of the session topics at each headquarters.

Past Water-Wise Landscape Tours

2008 Water-Wise Landscape Tour Map (Click on the numbers for a virtual tour)
2007 Water-Wise Landscape Tour Map (Click on the numbers for a virtual tour)
2006 Water-Wise Landscape Tour Map (Click on the numbers for a virtual tour)

Water-Wise Demonstration Gardens

Visit these public Water-Wise demonstration gardens to see native and adapted plants “in action:”

Joe Field Demonstration Garden - 2311 Joe Field Road - Dallas, TX 75229
Alger Park - "Dale's Garden" - 9530 Ash Creek Drive - Dallas, TX 75228
Oak Cliff Founders Park - 1300 N. Zang Boulevard - Dallas, TX 75203
City of Coppell - Wagon Wheel Tennis Park - 950 Creekview Drive - Coppell, TX 75019
City of Irving - Valley View Municipal Complex - 333 Valley View Lane - Irving, TX 75061
Upper Trinity Regional Water District - 900 N. Kealy Street - Lewisville, TX 75057

Water-Wise Landscaping Seminars

Dallas Water Utilities offers free Water-Wise landscaping seminars every spring and fall. Homeowners learn how to develop their own landscape designs and see examples of native and adapted plants that allow for lush, green, low maintenance landscapes that save water and money.

Fall 2008 Seminars
September 20, 2008
Location: Mountain View College, 4849 W. Illinois Ave., Dallas 75211. The seminars will be held in Room W171 in the West Building, first level.
Speaker: Bonnie Reese, local Water-Wise landscaping expert and author will be the speaker at both sessions. One free consultation with Ms. Reese will be given away in a drawing at the conclusion of both sessions.

Water-Wise Landscape Design 101
Saturday, September 20, 2008 — 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The common denominator in all beautiful landscapes is a good design. This informative program teaches the basics of good landscape design with an emphasis on how to create a beautiful landscape that requires little or no supplemental watering and helps prevent water pollution.

Fantastic Plants for North Texas
Saturday, September 20, 2008 — 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Illustrated with colorful slides, this presentation focuses only on quality native and adapted plants that are recommended for and easily available in this area. Learn when, where and how to plant each of the recommended plants, their size and height at maturity, seasonal color, texture and more. This program includes perennials, turf grasses, shrubs, vines, ground covers, shade trees and ornamental trees.

Reservations and Directions
Register for the seminars online at Water Conservation Contact Form in the comment/question section. Let us know which seminar you would like to attend, and how many will be attending in your group. You may also register by calling us at (214) 670-3155.

For directions to the seminars and where to park, see the Mountain View College map. If you want to know where to have lunch nearby, see the restaurant map.

Seminars co-sponsored by City of Dallas Water Utilities and Mountain View College. Seminars are presented in English.