Xeriscaping is a method of landscaping that uses native drought-resistant plants, and eliminates the need for excessive watering and maintenance. This totally eco-friendly method will save you money on your water bill in the summer, while making you feel like you’re making an environmental difference. Score!

Xeriscaping can be so much more than a dry garden with cacti and succulents. Tall grasses, groundcovers, native plants (like lavender or sage in the West) and shrubs can be used to create your Xeriscaped oasis.  Successful Xeriscaped landscapes require research and planning, but little else afterwards. Whether transforming your entire yard at once, or bit by bit, the following tips will help you get the most out of your low-maintenance, earth friendly and beautiful landscape.

Research the Needs of Your Space

The first step in creating a glorious Xeriscaped oasis of a garden is to know the needs of your plants. Do they require lots of sun? Partial shade? A mixture of both? Keep track of where the sun shines during the day on your desired Xeriscaped area. The goal is to use plants that are low maintenance and require minimal water

Determine the Zones

When planning and researching your Xeriscaped garden or landscape, figure out the three planting zones: Oasis, Transition and Arid. This is perhaps the most important step for your garden, as it can help you achieve your desired visual effect while ensuring that your plants are in the appropriate areas. One way to think about the flow of your zones is to consider a cascade effect from the Oasis zone to the Transition zone, and then on to the Arid zone. Check out this list for zones and appropriate plants.

• The Oasis zone is close to a large structure or focal point. It can benefit from shade and rain runoff. This is an area where you can use tall and colorful plants to accentuate your focal point.
• The Transition zone is a buffer area between the oasis and arid zones. Here, you should utilize plants that are smaller than those in your Oasis zone.
• The Arid zone is farthest from focal points or structures. This area receives a lot of sunlight and the least amount of traffic. Low-lying plants like ground cover are ideal in this area.

Use Landscaping/Weed Block Material

After you dig up the earth, lay down some weed block fabric.  On top of the fabric, lay down soil, rocks or mulch, or a mixture of all three.  This, combined with the weed block material, will effectively block weeds from invading your garden. You’ll have to cut out a spot for your plant(s) in the weed block material. Make sure you allow enough space around the plant to allow it to spread its roots and grow.

Pick Your Plants

Check out this site to help you research plants that are native and appropriate for your region of the country. Select a variety of plants that can handle a low-water environment. There are many plants that are capable of thriving in more sunlight and heat than others. Arrange your more sunlight tolerant plants where they will receive the most afternoon light.

Mulch

Mulch retains moisture, which helps your native, water-wise plants thrive. The soil decomposition improves the earth over time, however it should be replenished often. Gravel does not need to be replaced or replenished, but if you use this method make sure to use weed block fabric to keep weeds from growing through. The gravel will attract fewer insects.

Nice newsletter. Good article. Good information. Thank you. Carol

For conventional financing, borrowers with scores at 740 or anywhere above generally receive the same loan pricing (rate and cost). That being said, the better your credit the higher your chances of receiving loan approval with high debt to income (up to 50%) or high loan to value (up to 95%) which can be a major benefit when applying for a new loan. For Jumbo financing, borrowers with credit scores above 800 are generally rewarded with both better pricing and easier guidelines. There are no situations where better credit is a negative when obtaining new financing so we should all continue to strive to reach and then stay in the 800’s.

What are the advantages of a score over 800

Thank you Mike for this information. As a residential realtor the information that you provide is crucial to a successful transaction for my clients. You are indeed a pleasure to recommend to all of my clients. You are so professional, thorough, conscientious and pleasant to work with. !!

Hi Dane! Wanted to make sure I'm clear on this. Am I right in saying that on whichever remodel is done you still take a loss rather than an increase in value - the ROI will never exceed 100% of cost?