Which landscape approach focuses on using drought-tolerant plants to reduce water use?

• A. Biogeography
• B. Permaculture
• C. Xeriscape
• D. Green roof

Answer: (C)

Reducing water use in landscapes comes from designing with plants that survive well with little water, which is the idea behind xeriscaping. This approach emphasizes choosing drought-tolerant or native species, grouping plants by their water needs, and using water-smart practices like deep, infrequent irrigation, mulch to retain moisture, and soil improvements to improve moisture retention. By prioritizing low-water plants and efficient irrigation, the landscape stays healthy while using much less water, which is exactly what this method aims for.

Biogeography is about where plants come from and how their distributions change. Permaculture is a broad design philosophy for sustainable ecosystems and can include drought strategies but isn’t defined by drought-tolerant plant choices alone. Green roofs focus on planting vegetation on rooftops for insulation and stormwater management, rather than specifically reducing outdoor water use through plant selection.