While we don’t deal with serious issues with drought like some states out west, we still see our fair share of drought conditions here in Chicago.
In general, designing a landscape that can withstand a period of drought is a great way to keep your property relatively low-maintenance.
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- Which Illinois Native Plants Can Withstand Drought?
- How to Design a Low-Water Landscape in Chicago?
- What Are the Best Features for Low-Water Landscaping?
- Choosing Commercial Landscape Design in Greater Chicago
Although there is no such thing as a completely maintenance-free property, low-maintenance commercial landscapes are becoming increasingly popular. Property managers don’t want any extra maintenance tasks, so choosing plant material that doesn’t require frequent watering is key.
In this article, we will discuss ways to design the best landscapes for droughts.
Which Illinois Native Plants Can Withstand Drought?
When designing with drought in mind, we do aim to use more native plant material as these are plants that are already well-adapted to the region and its conditions. In general, we prefer using native plants in our designs because they tend to perform well with fewer surprises.
For example, Purple Coneflower is native to the Chicago area and is a nice choice for drought-tolerant plants that still make an attractive addition. Particular species of Allium and of Wild Roses are also native to Chicago and make nice drought-tolerant selections.
But it’s not just natives that are drought-tolerant.
Some of the toughest plants in Chicago are not natives. Many of these are “naturalized” selections, meaning they are plants that have adapted well to our region, even though they do not originate from here.
For example, we like using Russian Sage and various ornamental grasses as drought-tolerant plant choices, even though they aren’t natively found here.
We also like using a lot of evergreens (like Boxwood) as foundation plantings that become mainstays in the plant bed. We often design a landscape using evergreens as foundation plantings with perennials and annuals in front of them.
How to Design a Low-Water Landscape in Chicago?
Our strategy for designing a low-water landscape begins with selecting the right plant material. Using drought-tolerant plants that won’t guzzle excess water makes for an excellent foundation.
If our clients do not already have an existing irrigation system, we might also discuss drip irrigation, which helps to minimize water waste.
Mulching is also an incredibly beneficial practice that helps plant beds to sustain moisture in the soil.
Often, the small details go a long way.
In terms of caring for a low-maintenance commercial landscape, we also try not to use a lot of high-shedding plant material that leaves behind a mess. Minimizing clean-up also helps keep a property looking tidy without lots of extra work.
What Are the Best Features for Low-Water Landscaping?
Strategic plant selection is the key to a drought-tolerant plant selection. But some elements can be incorporated that do not require any water at all. While the mulch plays a valuable role in helping plant beds to retain moisture, it also looks great as an aesthetic feature.
Mulch itself requires no water
and helps your plant beds look great, even in areas with gaps.
Stone elements, such as boulders, can also enhance the aesthetic appeal of your plant beds and require zero maintenance.
Finally, the irrigation system itself also plays a role in low-water landscaping. If you don’t already have an irrigation system or are due for an upgrade, considering drip irrigation can help minimize water usage.
Choosing Commercial Landscape Design in Greater Chicago
At the end of the day, a strategic landscape design will help ensure that you have a great-looking landscape with the best plant choices and features to meet your needs.
A drought-tolerant, low-maintenance landscape can still be beautiful when you work with a landscape designer who has experience with this.
If you’re looking to create a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant landscape, KD Landscape can help. We have years of experience working with a multitude of plants and know which ones have proven to work well in commercial landscapes and which ones haven’t.
We know that making decisions for your property can be stressful, but when you partner with us, it doesn’t have to be. We’ll take your ideas and needs into account as we help you make the best choices for your commercial landscape.
Ready to see how KD Landscape can transform your Chicago property with low-maintenance plants? We’d love to share our design and installation expertise with you. Get started today with a free consultation.
