Xeriscape is a landscaping style that reduces or eliminates the need for irrigation by replacing thirsty lawns with drought-tolerant plants and water-efficient design principles. The term comes from the Greek word “xeros,” meaning dry.
A common example of xeriscaping is pairing colorful, drought-tolerant plants with decorative rock, mulch, and other native species to create an attractive space that thrives in arid regions and without supplemental irrigation.
To learn more about the many advantages of this approach, check out our comprehensive guide on Benefits of Xeriscaping.
How xeriscaping works
Xeriscaping works by using plants that need less water, making soil healthier, and watering more efficiently by hydrozoning – grouping plants together with similar water needs. Basically, you work with your local climate instead of fighting it. Colorado is generally credited with developing this smart landscaping method during a severe drought in the 1980s.
Learn how this clever technique can completely revitalize your landscape in our guide on the “Benefits of Hydrozoning.”
Principles of xeriscaping
The seven basic principles of xeriscaping allow you to design a yard that is both beautiful and water-efficient.
1. Planning and design
Create a comprehensive landscape plan that considers site conditions, microclimates, existing vegetation, and how the space will be used. This includes analyzing sun/shade patterns, drainage, and soil conditions.
You analyze things like where the sun shines most and where water collects after rain, then put native plants with similar light and water needs together. Keep your water-loving plants in one area and the more drought-resistant ones in another to make taking care of your yard much easier.
Take a look at our guide “Xeriscape Ideas for a Water-Wise Yard” for suggestions.
2. Soil analysis and improvement
Good soil holds water that your plants can use later. Most of us don’t have great soil naturally, so we need to help it out by adding organic matter like compost to help the soil retain water.
Your local extension office offers inexpensive soil tests, and they’ll tell you exactly what your soil needs and which plants will grow best in your yard. If you’re new to their services, check out our guide “What is a County Extension Service and How Can it Help Me?“ to learn more.
Also, check out our guide on “How to Soil Test Your Lawn” for more info.
3. Smart plant selection
Forget the idea that xeriscaping only means cactus and rocks. You can have colorful flowers, ornamental grasses, and shrubs by choosing plants that naturally grow in your area. Native plants are always a good choice as they’re adapted to the seasons and often provide habitats for local birds and pollinators.
Check with your local extension office and see what the Master Gardener recommends for your area. Groundcovers are a great addition as they’re no-mow alternatives to traditional grass that can easily grow to fill in spaces. Check out our guide on the “Best Ground Covers as Grass Alternatives” for more ideas.
4. Mulch
Invest in the mulch. A 2 to 4-inch layer of mulch can reduce water loss by up to 70 percent, help keep weeds under control, and give your landscape a clean, finished look. You can quickly figure out how much you’ll need with our mulch calculator. Measure the area, pick your depth, and the calculator will do the rest.
For many xeriscape designs, inorganic materials like pea gravel, river rock, or lava rock work best because they provide excellent drainage and complement the natural look of drought-tolerant plants. If you’re not sure which mulch is right for you, check out our guide on “Organic vs Inorganic Mulch.”
5. Smart watering
Even native plants need water sometimes, especially when first planted. Drip irrigation and soaker hoses are your best friends in water-saving landscapes. They put the water right at the plant’s roots where it’s needed without overspraying onto your sidewalk.
It takes about a year or two to fully establish a xeriscaped area, but you won’t need to water much after that. Remember to water deeply but infrequently, and water your plants early in the morning, best before 9 am to prevent evaporation and encourage strong roots. The EPA WaterSense program provides excellent guidance on efficient irrigation techniques.
My tip: Soaker hoses and drip irrigation systems are helpful if you have hard water like we do here in West Texas, which can damage the leaves of your plants. However, make sure you get a calcium filter to prevent mineral buildup from damaging your system.
6. Limited turf
The Denver Water Department reports that reducing lawn size can cut outdoor water use up to 70 percent. While traditional lawns use a lot of water, it’s reasonable to designate an area that extends your outdoor living space for active families or pets.
When setting up these landing zones, opt for drought-resistant native grasses and groundcovers. Focus on areas you actually use versus the decorative sections of your yard. Xeriscape around active areas and add pavers to define borders, connect landscaped zones, and reduce the amount of turf.
My tip: Think long-term when planning your landscape. Keep your hobbies, kids, and fur babies in mind.
For help planning your space check out our guides on:
- Dog-Friendly Landscaping Ideas for Your Backyard
- Backyard Play Area Ideas for Kids
- Backyard Landscaping Ideas for Cat Lovers
7. Regular upkeep
Low maintenance does not mean no maintenance. While xeriscaping significantly reduces work, you’ll still need to handle basic tasks like weeding, occasional pruning, and monitoring for pests or plant diseases. However, you don’t spend your weekends mowing or constantly adjusting sprinklers on top of that.
New plants need regular water, once or twice a week for the first month or so for them to develop strong roots. You won’t see much going on up top during this time as the plant’s energy is focused underground, but once they’re established your plants will perk up and start to grow.
My tip: I’ve killed more drought-tolerant plants with attention than with neglect. For my big rosemary bush, I poked holes in the bottom of a large plastic soda bottle and buried the bottom next to the new plant. Then I would open the cap, fill up the bottle with water and it would slowly absorb as the plant needed. It worked well, the plant is thriving, and I haven’t watered it in years.
How much does xeriscaping cost?
The average price is between $5 and $20 per square foot for a professional to do the job with materials. As with any project, the cost of xeriscaping can vary based on materials, plants, yard size, and how much has to be done. But you don’t have to overhaul your entire landscape at once. Many homeowners start with one small area and expand over time.
Your Water-Wise Paradise Awaits
Xeriscaping saves water while creating beautiful yards. It works with nature rather than against it by incorporating drought-tolerant plants alongside decorative rocks and mulch. Follow the seven fundamental principles: develop a plan, enhance your soil, use efficient watering, use mulch, select suitable plants, minimize turf, and provide regular care.
Whether starting small or transforming your entire yard, Lawn Love can connect you with local lawn care pros who can help. From weekly lawn mowing services and weed control to full yard cleanups, we’ll connect you to a pro in your neighborhood.
Main Photo: Xeriscaping with drought-tolerant plants in gravel. leighklotz | Flickr | CC BY 2.0
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