Reuters, September 9, 2021, “Southwest U.S. drought, worst in a century.” Columbia University, “The drought that has enveloped southwestern North America for the past 22 years is the region’s driest megadrought—defined as a drought lasting two decades or longer — since at least the year 800.” February 14, 2022, The Washington Post, “The long-running drought, which has persisted since 2000, can now be considered the driest 22-year period of the past 1,200 years ….”
Living in the desert oasis of Bullhead City, Arizona along the Colorado River can make it difficult to get a clear picture of epic historic event. The desert southwest is experiencing a drought unprecedented in modern history.
This, however, does not mean that your landscaping has to look like a wasteland. Somewhere between planting a lush green lawn and a stark rock garden is landscaping that enhances your home, gives the property an inviting feel for visitors, and yet saves water.
Begin with a comprehensive desert landscaping plan designed by the experts at Baron Services, the Colorado River Valleys landscpaing specialists. An integral component will be a drip irrigation system.
A drip system may save as much as 75% more water over a sprinkler system, even if they are on timers. Operating with lower water pressure there is little evaporation as the moisture is applied directly to the root zone of plants.
River rocks, gravel, and decorative boulders also figure prominently in a properly designed, water frugal landscaping plan. But so do cacti, flowering shrubs and even shade trees.
Topping the list of trees to consider is the drought-resistant mesquite, a native to the area. As a bit of trivia, the mesquite bean was a staple of the Mohave people that lived along the Colorado River. There are various types of acacia trees that are ideally suited to our climate and current drought conditions. As a bonus these trees provide lush foliage that shade the home and patio, and blossom with bright colors.
One of the most impressive small desert trees is the ironwood tree. Native to the Sonoran Desert these hardwood evergreen trees also blossom with bright purple or red flowers.
Topping a list of trees ideally suited for drought resistant desert landscaping is the palo verde. Thick foliage of green leaves makes it ideal for shade. When it blossoms the trees fill with white and yellow flowers that have a rich fragrance. The down side is that leaves fall from the deciduous tree seasonally. But here too assistance from Baron Services is just a phone call away.
The African sumac tree is an import to the desert southwest that is ideally suited for our climate. Native to the African deserts it is is a small, bushy desert tree ideally suited for sweltering heat and dry condition. And it is also a towering shade tree that can grow to twenty feet in height or more.
In a drought such as this, every little bit of water savings helps. So, if you want to transform your yard into a desert oasis but also want to do your part, give the prfessionals at Baron Services a call.
Written by Jim Hinckley of Jim Hinckley’s America