Water is the driving force of all nature.” –Leonardo Da Vinci
I’m sure I don’t need to remind you that we’ve had a very dry winter here in Northern Colorado! Now, we’re having a very warm – actually HOT – spring. Part of the reason for the heat this spring is because of the dry winter.
On a nice, clear day, the sun warms the soil and the water in the soil absorbs this radiant energy. During the day the heat is absorbed, then released at night like a natural heatsink. Normally, this process helps mitigate temperatures and protects plants from night time frost damage. However, the soils are so dry right now that the heat is just radiated back up into the air, making it warmer and warmer. The water that would have absorbed the daytime sunshine or evaporated would have cooled our spring temperatures.
While we need to conserve water this year more than ever, we don’t want to live without plants, trees, and grass! If you’re considering removing some or all of your turf grass in favor of Xeriscape, remember that Xeriscape is not zero-scape. Rather, it is intentionally removing high-water requiring plants and planting lower-water use plants instead.
I reiterate: Xeriscape is NOT zero-scape! Covering the soil with rocks but without plants and trees will only contribute to the heat island effect of the city. If you’re considering revamping an area of your yard, please email me or call me at 970-988-3808 for a consultation and to get started on a landscape design.
