Xeriscaping in Boise

What is Xeriscaping?

Xeriscaping (pronounced "ZER-i-scaping") is a landscaping approach designed to reduce water consumption while maintaining attractive outdoor spaces. The term comes from the Greek word "xeros" meaning dry. Xeriscaping is particularly well-suited to Boise's climate, where water conservation is increasingly important and native plants naturally thrive.

Contrary to common misconceptions, xeriscaping doesn't mean creating a barren landscape of rocks and nothing else. A well-designed xeriscape is attractive, diverse, and often requires less maintenance than traditional landscaping while using significantly less water.

Water Savings with Xeriscaping

Studies by the University of Idaho Extension and Idaho Department of Water Resources show that xeriscaped landscapes can reduce water consumption by 30 to 38% compared to traditional landscapes. In Boise's water-constrained environment, this savings is substantial.

Water savings come from several sources: selecting drought-tolerant plants that need less water, using efficient irrigation systems, reducing lawn areas, and employing mulching and soil amendment techniques that improve water retention.

Seven Principles of Xeriscaping

1. Planning and Design

Start with a plan that accounts for your site's specific conditions: sun exposure, soil type, slope, and existing vegetation. Group plants by water needs so you can water different areas appropriately. This "hydrozoning" approach is essential to xeriscape efficiency.

2. Soil Improvement

Boise soil is often alkaline and clay-heavy. Improving soil with compost and organic matter increases its water-holding capacity, allowing plants to access moisture between waterings. A 2-3 inch layer of compost worked into the top 12 inches of soil significantly improves drainage and water retention.

3. Appropriate Plant Selection

Select plants adapted to Boise's climate and soil. Native plants, adapted species, and proven drought-tolerant ornamentals require less water and maintenance. Eliminate plants that need frequent watering to survive.

4. Practical Turf Areas

Reduce or eliminate lawn areas, or replace them with xeriphytic grasses that need minimal water. Focus remaining turf on functional areas like play spaces, while replacing ornamental lawn with xeriscape plantings.

5. Efficient Irrigation

Use drip irrigation and low-flow systems that deliver water directly to plant roots. Automated systems with moisture sensors ensure plants get water when they need it, not based on arbitrary schedules. Eliminate spray irrigation over hardscape and pavement.

6. Use of Mulches

A 2-3 inch layer of mulch reduces surface evaporation, keeps soil temperatures moderate, suppresses weeds, and improves soil as it decomposes. Use organic mulches like wood chips or compost in planting beds.

7. Appropriate Maintenance

Maintain plants properly through pruning, weed removal, and seasonal care. Well-maintained plants are healthier and more drought-tolerant. Avoid over-fertilizing, which promotes tender growth that needs frequent watering.

Best Plants for Xeriscaping in Boise

Groundcovers and Perennials

• Penstemon species
• Blanket flower (Gaillardia)
• Coreopsis
• Lamb's ear (Stachys byzantina)
• Russian sage
• Sedums and groundcover succulents
• Idaho fescue and other ornamental grasses

Shrubs

• Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata)
• Bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata)
• Mountain mahogany
• Juniper species
• Serviceberry
• Rabbitbrush

Trees

• Quaking aspen
• Douglas fir
• Ponderosa pine
• Utah juniper
• Serviceberry (multi-stem)

Xeriscape Design Examples

Front Entry Xeriscape

Replace traditional lawn with a layered planting of native shrubs and perennials. Use mulched planting beds for visual interest and to suppress weeds. Add a simple pathway with stepping stones leading to the entrance. Install drip irrigation on timer to maintain plants through establishment. Result: reduced mowing, less water, more character than typical lawn.

Sloped Xeriscape

For slopes where lawn is difficult to maintain, plant densely with low-growing shrubs and groundcover perennials. Spacing and mulch prevent erosion while reducing water needs. Once established, maintenance drops dramatically.

Shade Xeriscape

Even under tree canopy, xeriscape principles apply. Select shade-tolerant plants, improve soil with compost, apply mulch, and use drip irrigation. Many native plants thrive in partial shade under mature trees.

Transitioning to Xeriscaping

You don't need to rip out your entire landscape overnight. Xeriscaping works as a gradual transition. Start by installing drip irrigation to reduce water waste. Add mulch to existing beds. As plants age and need replacement, substitute with xeriscape-appropriate species. Over time, your landscape becomes more water-efficient and requires less maintenance.

Common Xeriscape Misconceptions

• "Xeriscapes are just rock and cactus." False. Well-designed xeriscapes include diverse plants, colors, textures, and seasonal interest.
• "Xeriscapes are more expensive." Initial design and installation may cost more, but long-term savings in water and maintenance often offset initial investment.
• "Xeriscapes require no maintenance." All landscapes need some care, but xeriscapes typically need less fertilizer, fewer pesticides, and minimal watering once established.
• "You can't have a lawn in a xeriscape." You can reduce lawn and keep functional areas, or replace lawn with low-water grass alternatives.