Xeriscaping and the Utah Desert - Weber County

1. drinking water supply will be depleted, our
Xeriscaping and the recreation areas jeopardized, and our natural You don’t have to take
Utah Desert habitats compromised. drastic measures like
tearing out all of your
Other Reasons to Xeriscape existing plants in order to
What is Xeriscaping? begin xeriscaping. Start
Saving water isn’t the only reason to small.
Xeriscape is a word created by combining
Xeriscape. Other reasons
the Greek word “xeros” which means dry and • Consider removing a
include reducing storm water run
“scape” from the word “landscape”. few feet of grass along
off preventing erosion and
decreasing the effects of soil your driveway and
Xeriscaping is water-wise expansion which causes sidewalk. Plant these areas with ground
landscaping. pavement to crack. cover, small shrubs or perennials.
This practice of landscaping focuses on Reducing Storm water run off • Or maybe replace a part of your sloping
using natural forces such as rainfall and lawn with a rock garden, rock wall or some
careful plant selection to create beautiful If your property has even a mild to moderate low-spreading evergreens.
sites that requires minimal maintenance. slope it invites runoff. If you do not have the
Usually the plants chosen are native plants necessary plants to hold it in place the runoff Xeriscaping Helps Utah
or those that can survive in the local habitat increases. Using mulches and other plants
with little intervention. With patience and that require little water will decrease the
planning, this method can be a successful Remember with xeriscaping you will get the most
occurrence of run off by allowing the water out of every gallon of water you apply to the
and worthwhile venture that is beneficial and time to absorb into the soil. This also landscape and that means you are helping to
compatible with the Utah habitat. decreases erosion of the soil. save one of our most precious resources, Water!
Decreasing Soil Expansion
Soil expansion happens when soil expands
when it gets wet. This is also
known as soil swelling.
When the soil swells it can
cause cracking in pavement
and foundations. Xeriscaping
can help prevent this
because it requires little water thus For more
Why is water-wise gardening so preventing the soil from expanding and information including lists of Utah native plants
important in Utah? cracking the pavement. and where to purchase them visit-
Most simply stated because Utah is a desert www.unps.org
www.slowtheflow.com
As our population increases the demand for
www.xeriscape.org
drinking and irrigation water increases. www.hort.usu.edu
Water can not be created. If water
How to get Started
conservation is not practiced our future

2. For additional information on Storm Water Protection refer to
the following brochures: Spill Response
Erosion Control
Fresh Concrete and Mortar Application
Dial 911
-or- Xeriscaping
Household and Vehicle Maintenance Environmental Health Division of the
Impervious Surfaces Weber/Morgan Health Department
Landscaping, Gardening, and Yard Maintenance (801)591-7168
Paint and Household Hazardous Waste
State Of Utah
Pet Waste Water Quality Environmental Response
Utah and its Water, Why Conserve (801) 536-4123
Water Conservation Inside the Home
Water Conservation Outside the Home Utah Division of Water Quality
(801) 538-6146
Xeriscaping
1-800-458-0145
Used Oil Recyclers
(for DIYers in Weber County)
Weber County Transfer Station
For more information about the Weber County Storm water quality Auto Zone Stores
management program and additional pamphlets, contact: Checker Auto Parts Stores
NAPA Auto Parts Stores Getting the most out of
Weber County Storm Water Management Pep Boys Stores
Dr. George S. Burbidge every gallon of water!
Little Tire & Lube
444-24th St. Ogden, UT 84401
Office (801)399-8677 Jiffy Lube
Fax (801)625-3699
www.co.weber.ut.us/stormwater.
The preceding list is not all encompassing nor does it constitute an
endorsement by Weber County of any particular company
Brochure created by Salt Lake County Engineering Division modified by
Weber County Storm water Management Division