Almost 60% of water consumption in Utah go directly into the landscape and make it the greatest chance for personal effects. To save water, many people let off their lawns and go to “Zlenzape” thinking of stones instead of roots. While the intention is correct, it seems that the green through gravel is by replacing the Greens, it seems. It turns out that these rock gardens save water, but at the expense of other environmental advantages.
Zero is not hero
Eliminating plants from a landscape creates a gap in the local ecosystem. Plants look more than just pretty (although they definitely Do that too). They are power players to support local pollinators, to feed wild animals, to keep the soil healthy, to prevent erosion, to store carbon and to cool our neighborhoods naturally. Let's not forget the mood thrust – a little green makes a long way for mental health.
Turn the heat
The saving of water should not come at the expense of our cities' cooking. During the landscape in the water in the water, everything revolves around the balance: reducing water consumption without create new environmental problems. Nullenzapes can backfire here. One of the biggest problems? You turn on the heat. With fewer plants and more heat flake surfaces, these stone farms actually fuel the urban Heat island effect make our neighborhoods hotter, drier and less worth living.
Welcome to Heat Island, where cities sizzle and not even cool nights. According to EPA, heat islands are urban areas that are hotter than their rural neighbors. Why? Concrete, asphalt and buildings suck the sun on during the day and radiate heat all night, push the temperatures up and make our cities feel like stoves.
According to the Utah Climate Center, Salt Lake City is reported as one of the three best cities in the city's Heat Island in the United States
Most of the country is paved or built up in Utah's urban and suburban rooms. Landscapes only make up about 7% of the surface, but this small slice keeps great strength. With the right plants in the right places, we can cool down things and push back against the heat.
Hot stones, high costs
Urban heat islands not only reveal the temperatures – they also steal quieter more water. While the surfaces heat up, evaporation accelerates, which loses the moisture faster. This means that even if a zeroscape sips less, there may be more swallowing nearby to survive. When we try to save water with stones, we can actually lose more elsewhere. It is a classic case of good intentions, unintentional consequences.
Throw shadow
The best way to hit the heat island is to keep the sun away from heat-hogging surfaces such as brick, asphalt and rock. Shadow is the secret weapon. Think big and sheet: trees, vines, climb the fences, dress large shrubs and duplicate perennials twice as beauty and cooling machines. These green heroes not only block the sunlight, but also leave moisture free from evapotranspiration (the built -in air conditioning system of nature).
Shredded Bark Mulch (in areas where it won't bubble or was gone) is another excellent option for landscape design. His low density enables him to keep warmth. If you use stones, choose a lighter color and avoid black.
We love to see Utahns to save water! Try to exchange all your plants for pebbles instead of performing the functions of Waterwisewise landscape design that works with Nature, not against it. Start with intelligent swaps:
- Hold only as much lawn as you will actually use it.
- Add your plant and vegetable beds to drip irrigation.
- Use rotors for efficient water grass.
- Mulch these beds to lock up the moisture.
- Fill the remaining room with more beautiful, water-crazy plant-not more grass.
Resources for growing
Following principles of the local cape is one of the best ways to create a garden that saves water, looks great and supports the environment. Do you want help with the start? Take a local capes course near you and check whether you qualify for cash incentives via our landscape incentive program. And don't miss our aqueous landscape manual. It is full of experts tips with which you can design a water cannon without affecting the attractiveness of the curb.