Steve Napora © 2009
BobVilaContractors.com
If you live in Los Angeles, CA you know that the climate in your area is suitable for growing a huge variety of landscape plants. The abundant sunshine, warm days and comfortable nights are conditions that many plants love - provided there is ample water. The last few years have been some of the driest on record, and gardeners have had to learn to adapt to the current conditions. However, there are many ways you can have a beautiful summer landscape that's also suitable for your area's growing conditions.
Get Rid of Your Lawn
Traditional lawns are very water intensive and the extended and severe drought in the Los Angeles area has made keeping a lawn impractical for many residents. If you must have green grass around your property, replace your lawn with a variety of grass that requires less water. Also, there are eco-friendly artificial lawns on the market that can give your landscape a traditional-looking lawn without the need to water, fertilize and mow.
Plant Drought Tolerant Plants
Xeriscaping is a term that is becoming commonly used by Los Angeles gardeners and landscapers. It means growing plants in a way that doesn't require supplemental watering from sprinkler systems or backyard hoses. In addition to needing less moisture, these types of landscapes also require less maintenance, which means you save time and money. There are beautiful plants from all over the world appropriate for this type of gardening, and you can easily find suitable plants to populate your home's landscape.
Plant Native Plants
The best way to go green in your landscape is to incorporate plants that are native to the Los Angeles region. The summer climate in southern California is characterized by months of little or no rain. This is typical of a Mediterranean climate, and it may only rain in the winter or spring. California native plants have had thousands of years to adapt to the local climate and could be a perfect solution for your home's landscape.
Firescape
The drought conditions in Los Angeles means that wildfires will continue to be a major problem. Reducing the vegetation immediately around your house will make it less vulnerable to wildfires and easier for fireman to defend against encroaching flames. A landscape professional can evaluate your property and suggest ways to decrease its wildfire risk, including defining zones for appropriate plantings, adding fire-resistant and native species, and removing flammable features from around your house.
Conserve Water
Once your landscape is installed, there are ways to cut down on watering. Over irrigating is a common problem, and your plants may be able to get by with less. Preparing the beds during the dry summer months, but planting during wet months is a good way to conserve moisture. Putting mulch around trees and plants reduces their water requirements significantly. You can install a line to direct moisture draining from your air conditioner to your beds or trees.
Drought conditions in Los Angeles may continue indefinitely, and watering restrictions may not abate for years. Incorporating the tips above into your plans will help you have a thriving, sustainable landscape for many, many years. Remember to choose a good, reputable contractor to ensure the best work and a maximum return on your landscaping project budget.
