Limited turf welcome in desert landscape

In last week's column I used the concept of an oasis used to represent the xeriscape model. In this example, lush plant material is utilized near the living area and gradually the landscape transitions to less-consumptive plant material. By properly hydrozoning a xeriscape, one correctly irrigates the variety of plant types within his or her respective zones. This is what xeriscaping is all about.

Many people have the misunderstanding that turf grass is forbidden from use in today's landscape. The way the local ordinance reads, turf is prohibited only in the front yard of new properties and is restricted to only 50 percent of the total area within the back or side yards to a maximum of 5,000 square feet. So, actually, one can have a nice area of turf in Southern Nevada. Although the plot may be small, it will be more than ample to allow for family recreation.

For more information on the turf restrictions for our area, log on to: www.lvvwd.com/html/ws_turf_limits.html.

Turf should not be installed just for the sake of having it. There are numerous responsibilities that go along with turf ownership. Lawns should be properly irrigated, fertilized and mowed to remain attractive and functional. If you have a tendency to ignore or neglect such chores, then why waste the money (and water). But if you are committed to the oasis concept, then why not reap the benefits.

And the primary benefit is cooling. The temperature difference between nonturf and turf areas is often 10 or more degrees, which can be substantial during the midsummer. All you have to do is walk near a lawn on a summer eve to feel the soothing coolness. Plants utilize water to cool their leaves, a process known as transpiration. Plant leaves transpire water vapor during the heat of the day, creating a more humid environment in the surrounding area. Coupled with the shade of a well-placed tree, the oasis is complete.

If you plan to perform a turf reduction to conserve water, then design the landscape to get the most from the remaining turf. Keep the lawn close to living areas such as patios and pools. Maintain sections of turf near existing trees and large shrubs so that their roots can continue to benefit from the irrigation provided to the grass. Make an effort to eliminate any and all turf that has no function or that is distant from living areas. This also would include difficult-to-maintain areas like slopes, tight locations, or where obstacles may make mowing a challenge.

Overspray from irrigation can damage structures (especially stucco), sidewalks, driveways and masonry walls. Pull turf away from areas where overspray occurs. If possible, maintain open expanses of turf that can be properly irrigated. If you plan to make drastic changes in the dimension of the lawn, consider an irrigation make-over. Properly designed irrigation systems are more efficient, which can save a ton of water. Consult with a sprinkler design technician if you are uncertain about the efficiency of your system.

To make your lawn even more sustainable, don't bag your grass clippings. If you have not done so already, consider converting your mower to mulch when you mow. Mulching or recycling mowers cut the grass blades repeatedly so that they melt into the lawn. The benefit is less waste going to the landfill and the lawn utilizes the nutrients from the clippings so that less fertilizer is required.

Dennis Swartzell is the marketing director for Mountain States Wholesale Nursery. As an ISA board-certified master arborist and a member of the Southern Nevada Arborist Group, Swartzell has been helping Southern Nevadans with their gardening questions for over 25 years. If you have a question about a particular plant, or a general gardening issue, send them to Swartzell at treemender@cox.net.