Water-conserving landscapes: An evaluation of landscape drought response and homeowner preference.

摘要

This research assessed landscape drought tolerance and homeowner perceptions and knowledge of three xeriscapes(TM) in Davis County, Utah. Stress ratings, stomatal conductance, and turfgrass canopy temperatures were measured among the xeriscapes(TM) during a six week dry-down period. An on-site survey was used to provide specific homeowner preferences under well-watered conditions and at the end of the dry-down. Xeriscapes(TM) were categorized as low, medium, and high water use, based on the plant type and water needs of each landscape. Low and medium xeriscapes(TM) showed little visual and physiological stress under drought conditions and homeowners preferred them to the high water use xeriscape(TM) under drought conditions. This suggests that overall homeowners are responding favorably to xeriscaping(TM). Greater focus on xeriscape(TM) education, practices, and visual exposure will likely have the greatest impact in further reduction of residential water use.