“Waterwise”, “RainWise” and “FireWise” landscapes are similar in several ways. Those similarities can include their design, landscape elements and landscape products used, and even similar drought resistant plant choices. And yet they each have a very specific function and unique characteristics that set them apart from one another.
Some of the similarities and a few of the differences are briefly outlined below. The function and characteristics of each “Wise” landscape design will help save water and natural resources while enhancing your landscape.
WaterWise, RainWise, And FireWise Landscapes
WaterWise Landscapes
For instance, a “WaterWise” landscape typically includes water saving irrigation systems, reduced lawn areas (some are even “lawnless”), drought resistant plant, shrub and tree choices in borders and scattered throughout the landscape, landscape borders that utilize stone ground covers or rock mulch around shrubs or trees to help reduce water evaporation in those areas, and more pathways, patios and other areas throughout the landscape that don’t require irrigation.
The main purpose of a well-planned “WaterWise” landscape design is to reduce irrigation water use in the landscape, saving on water consumption and irrigation costs, while still creating a beautiful landscape to enjoy. A beautiful landscape that is usually much easier and more cost-effective to maintain than a traditional landscape design.
For a few “WaterWise” landscape design ideas, drought resistant plant suggestions, money-saving installation tips and more…
RainWise Landscapes
A “RainWise” landscape focuses on capturing rainwater for irrigation throughout the landscape. This includes storage systems that “capture” rainwater. And landscape features that “capture and redirect” rainwater to other areas of the landscape for irrigation purposes and erosion control.
“RainWise” landscapes can be as simple as installing barrels along roof eaves or in downspout areas to capture rainwater for use in other areas of the landscape. Or it might include adding a pond as a “capture” area and a stream to redirect water away from foundations and problem areas of the landscape to other areas that will utilize and benefit from the captured rainwater.
A well designed “RainWise” landscape can capture almost all of the rainwater your site receives keeping it in your landscape (for free irrigation) and away from erosion prone areas while preventing virtually all run-off from reaching streets and gutter systems where pollutants from the curb or street area are washed into city systems. “RainWise” elements can easily be incorporated into a “WaterWise” landscape design, as well…
FireWise Landscapes
“FireWise” landscapes are designed in firescaping “zones” throughout your landscape, on your property and around your home or business to create wildfire defense spaces that reduce the threat to your home and other structures in the event of a wildfire.
Each zone includes fewer combustibles than the previous zone and more non-combustible elements the closer you get to your home or other structures on your property. The 30 feet closest to a structure is the most critical defensible space area or “zone”. This zone keeps highly flammable fuels to a minimum and plants are kept green throughout the fire season. Perennials work well here provided they are kept irrigated. Low-growing or non-woody deciduous plants are another choice. An irrigated grass lawn is also practical as a wildfire safety feature. However, lawns aren’t for everyone. Some good alternatives include clover, ground covers, and conservation grasses that are kept green during the fire season. Rock mulches are very good choices. Patios, masonry, or rock planters are excellent fuel breaks and increase wildfire safety. Be creative with boulders, riprap, and dry streambeds.
To protect your home, your investment and potentially your family, find out how to design a “FireWise” landscape to develop wildfire defense spaces with a design and plant choices that offer the best defensible, survivable space while enhancing your property…
Creating A “Wise” Plan That’s Perfect For You
While “WaterWise”, “RainWise” and “FireWise” landscapes are each designed with a specific purpose in mind, it’s not only possible but can be very practical to create your own landscape design that combines elements from all three “Wise” landscape categories while you plan your own landscape, if you choose.
With a little research and “smart” planning you can create the landscape design that is best suited for your own home or property. Or be well-prepared by knowing exactly what you want if you plan to hire a professional to design your landscape. Once your landscape design is complete and you have a game plan, you can have your landscape project installed all at once or implement it in stages, if you choose, tackling the easiest, quickest and the most important parts of your plan first.
Then, whether you do the work yourself or hire a landscape professional, just move on to other parts of your landscape plan as you have the time, resources or money necessary to complete those phases. Before you know it, you’ll have a landscape that’s easier to maintain, saves time, natural resources and maintenance costs year after year while enhancing your property and protecting your home and family during wildfire season.
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**As with any landscape project, be sure to check with the proper local planning and zoning committees or officials to make sure your project, plan or design complies with all federal, state, county and local regulations and obtain the permits required, if applicable, prior to starting your project. Also, be sure to have your local utility company do a “locate” to determine where gas and utility lines are located prior to digging trenches or holes.