Xeriscaping Fallacies and Realities Concerning

Xeriscaping

Fallacies and Realities Concerning Xeriscaping

Argument:

The region that I live in is not hospitable to xeriscaping.

Fallacy:

Base Rate Fallacy

Persuasive Argument: In fact, most regions are suitable to xeriscaping. One of its great advantages is the adaptability of this model to all manner of climate.

Argument:

It would require too much work to replace my existing garden.

Fallacy:

Argument from Ignorance

Persuasive Argument:

Quite to the contrary, the investment of the initial efforts at replacing one's lawn with a xeriscaped garden would ultimately result in significantly less word demand for the gardener. A key to xeriscaped gardening is that the plants selected are often largely self-sustaining, requiring less care and attention.

Argument:

My current gardening practices are not wasteful enough to justify the change.

Fallacy:

Is-ought Problem

Persuasive Argument:

The assumption that gardening practices are not wasteful simply because they have been in practice for so long overlooks the opportunity to improve one's habits.

Argument:

I do not know how to plant a garden using xeriscaping.

Fallacy:

Fallacy of necessity

Persuasive Argument:

This suggests that one could not ultimately learn to use xeriscaping methods. Indeed, the development of this knowledge is within anybody's reach.

Argument:

I don't believe that xeriscaping is an effective way to preserve water.

Fallacy:

Suppressed correlative

Persuasive Argument:

Though there are other ways to save water, xeriscaping is a method which is proven effective as well.

Argument:

I don't believe in conservation.

Fallacy:

Negative Proof Fallacy

Persuasive Argument:

Conservation is a realistic need with economic, environmental and practical implications that are not shaped by political or philosophical ideologies. These are shaped by real conditions.

Argument:

I use my lawn for recreational activities and fear that this would impede on these.

Fallacy:

False Dilemma

Persuasive Argument:

Special breeds of grass can be used to create lawns and recreational spaces that carry the characteristics of a traditional lawn.

Argument:

I am afraid that it would be too costly to create a specialized garden.

Fallacy:

Argument from Ignorance

Persuasive Argument:

A xeriscaped garden will ultimately reduce the amount of waste which is produced by the use of water, fertilizers or pesticides. It will also reduce the amount of money spent on these resources. The xeriscaped garden will actually be far more cost effective in the long run.

Argument:

I don't want to be limited in plant choices for my landscape.

Fallacy:

Base Rate Fallacy

Persuasive Argument: