It’s Not Easy Being Green

           

            I know I have talked about this before but one of the most important things to get people interested in your home or to look at if you are buying a home is the first impression the home makes on you, or in other words is the curb appeal.  If the outside of the home, including the landscaping, looks a mess and is unkempt, then there is a strong likelihood that the inside of the home will match.  Now this a broad sweeping statement and I know there are always exceptions, and in the past they were few and far between.  For example, some people may be able to handle things inside the home where it is air-conditioned, but the heat of working outside just may be too much for them.  With the recent drought conditions and water restrictions, we are seeing a lot more of these exceptions.  I drive through my neighborhood and at just about every other home; the people have let their landscaping go brown because of the restrictions.  So in a time when water has become so scarce, what are we to do to up our curb appeal and still follow the restrictions imposed on us?

I know I now sound like a broken record and seem to be repeating myself a lot, but when in drought, xeriscape.  This is by far the most drought conscious option out there, but this option may not be for everyone.  Don’t get me wrong, I am a huge fan of xeriscaping and think if you can afford, it is the way to go.  Replacing existing landscaping with plants and lawn that are drought friendly and help you to reduce your water usage is a smart idea.  Xeriscaping is also quite beautiful, whether you opt for a lush green environment with vibrant colors, or a rock garden.  The problem is that while xeriscaping will eventually save you money in the long run, not everyone can afford the initial outlay of money needed to enact such a change.  Another option that has recently made a rise in popularity because of the drought is lawn painting.  Your grass will be greener and you are still reducing your water usage.  How soon you need to reapply depends on how fast your lawn grows and how often you mow it.  It is a much more economical way to keep your lawn green and the paint used is nontoxic to the environment.  So, both options are great options to reduce your water usage and in the long run your water bills.  Also, they keep your yard looking good and boost your curb appeal.