{"id":6401,"date":"2021-11-06T11:23:07","date_gmt":"2021-11-06T11:23:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/?p=6401"},"modified":"2026-08-07T23:55:54","modified_gmt":"2026-08-07T23:55:54","slug":"what-is-xeriscaping","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-is-xeriscaping\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Xeriscaping?"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes has-medium-font-size\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Key takeaways<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>\u2022 <strong>Xeriscaping cuts outdoor water use<\/strong> by 50%\u201375% compared to a traditional lawn.<br>\u2022 <strong>Xeriscaping uses drought-tolerant plants<\/strong> rather than just rocks and gravel.<br>\u2022 <strong>It works in every climate<\/strong>. The plant choices change, but the principles stay the same.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Xeriscaping cuts outdoor water use by 50% to 75% compared to a traditional lawn. It uses living, drought-tolerant plants and smart design to work with your local climate rather than fight it.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want a beautiful yard without the constant maintenance and high water bills, Lawn Love connects you with <a href=\"https:\/\/quotes.lawnlove.com\/near-me?service=xeriscaping\" rel=\"nofollow\">local pros<\/a> who can design, plant, and maintain the perfect xeriscape for your home.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-8280a8f9-9005-40ed-8e61-14ace52927d0\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\">In this article:<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-is-xeriscaping\/#0-how-xeriscaping-works-and-how-it-saves-water\" style=\"\">How xeriscaping works (and how it saves water)<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-is-xeriscaping\/#1-how-to-start-a-xeriscape-garden\" style=\"\">How to start a xeriscape garden<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-is-xeriscaping\/#2-the-7-principles-of-xeriscaping\" style=\"\">The 7 principles of xeriscaping<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-is-xeriscaping\/#10-xeriscaping-vs-zeroscaping-whats-the-difference\" style=\"\">Xeriscaping vs. zeroscaping: What&#8217;s the difference?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-is-xeriscaping\/#11-how-much-does-xeriscaping-cost\" style=\"\">How much does xeriscaping cost?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-is-xeriscaping\/#12-rebates-available-in-2026\" style=\"\">Rebates available in 2026<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-is-xeriscaping\/#13-faqs\" style=\"\">FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 id=\"0-how-xeriscaping-works-and-how-it-saves-water\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"how-xeriscaping-works-and-how-it-saves-water\">How xeriscaping works (and how it saves water)<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AdobeStock_446349727.jpg\" alt=\"A tropical home with a backyard swimming pool surrounded by palm trees and lush green landscaping\" class=\"wp-image-46784\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AdobeStock_446349727.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AdobeStock_446349727-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AdobeStock_446349727-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AdobeStock_446349727-610x406.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A tropical home with a backyard pool surrounded by palm trees and lush landscaping. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/tropical-home-with-a-pool\/446349727\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Allison<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Xeriscaping works by using plants that need less water, building healthier soil, and watering more efficiently through hydrozoning, which means grouping plants with similar water needs together.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here is how xeriscaping saves water:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Less thirsty plants:<\/strong> Native and drought-tolerant species use up to 60% less water than turfgrass, according to <a href=\"https:\/\/watermanagement.ucdavis.edu\/application\/files\/1413\/8255\/4517\/02_Group_Shapiro_Chan_Carson_Tayag.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">UC Davis Watershed Management<\/a> research.<\/li>    <li><strong>Healthier soil:<\/strong> Compost-rich soil holds moisture for days instead of hours.<\/li>    <li><strong>Hydrozoning:<\/strong> Grouping plants by water needs eliminates overwatering that occurs when one zone is sized for the thirstiest plant.<\/li>    <li><strong>Efficient delivery:<\/strong> Drip lines and soaker hoses can reduce water use by about 30% to 50%, which <a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/watersense\/outdoors\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">EPA WaterSense<\/a> says is lost to wind, evaporation, and runoff from inefficient systems.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The savings show up on the meter. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.denverwater.org\/residential\/rebates-and-conservation-tips\/remodel-your-yard\/xeriscape-plans\/xeriscape-principles\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Denver Water<\/a>, which coined the term in 1981, reports that a Kentucky bluegrass lawn in Colorado needs 40 to 60 gallons of water per square foot per year<a href=\"https:\/\/www.denverwater.org\/residential\/rebates-and-conservation-tips\/remodel-your-yard\/xeriscape-plans\/xeriscape-principles\">,<\/a> while a proper xeriscape uses only 10 to 15 gallons.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/benefits-of-xeriscaping\/\">Benefits of Xeriscaping<\/a><\/p>    <h2 id=\"1-how-to-start-a-xeriscape-garden\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"how-to-start-a-xeriscape-garden\">How to start a xeriscape garden<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You don&#8217;t need to convert your whole yard at once. Most homeowners start with one bed and expand. Here&#8217;s the 5-step starter path:<\/p>    <ol class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Map your yard.<\/strong> Note sun, shade, drainage, and slopes.<\/li>    <li><strong>Test the soil.<\/strong> Your local Extension office runs&nbsp; inexpensive soil tests and will tell you exactly what your soil needs.<\/li>    <li><strong>Group plants by water need.<\/strong> High-water-need plants near the house and drought-tolerant ones farther out.<\/li>    <li><strong>Install drip irrigation.<\/strong> Skip the sprinklers.<\/li>    <li><strong>Mulch 2 to 4 inches deep.<\/strong><\/li> <\/ol>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Allow a full year for plants to establish. Year one is mostly roots; the visible growth comes in year two.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"2-the-7-principles-of-xeriscaping\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"the-7-principles-of-xeriscaping\">The 7 principles of xeriscaping<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 7 basic principles let you design a yard that&#8217;s both beautiful and water-efficient.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"3-1-planning-and-design\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"1-planning-and-design\">1. Planning and design<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Daniel Crowley, CEO at <a href=\"https:\/\/hellogravel.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hello Gravel<\/a> in New Orleans, Louisiana, says a lack of planning is the biggest mistake people make.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHomeowners assume that xeriscape is so simple to achieve. They think that by removing the grass and adding rocks as a feature on it, it\u2019s done,\u201d Crowley says. \u201cHowever, they fail to recognize that it is not a good landscape. It often leads to more problems, especially in water movement and growing weeds between rocks.\u201d<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You need a thoughtful plan, so start looking at your site conditions: where the sun shines most, where shade falls, where water collects after rain, and how the slope runs.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;If you know what your weather zone is, you can use that temperature guidance,&#8221;&nbsp; says Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp, award-winning garden writer behind <a href=\"https:\/\/hoosiergardener.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Hoosier Gardener<\/a>.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Group plants with similar light and water needs together. Keep water-loving plants in one zone and drought-tolerant ones in another, which makes everything from watering to maintenance much easier.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;re not ready to convert your whole yard, start with a strip or front-yard corner as a test bed. For inspiration, see our guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/xeriscape-ideas\/\">Xeriscape Ideas for a Water-Wise Yard<\/a>.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"4-2-soil-analysis-and-improvement\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"2-soil-analysis-and-improvement\">2. Soil analysis and improvement<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Soil-test.jpeg\" alt=\"Gloved hand inserting a digital soil nutrient meter into garden soil to measure nitrogen content while wearing yellow rain boots\" class=\"wp-image-38376\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Soil-test.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Soil-test-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Soil-test-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Soil-test-610x406.jpeg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A gardener using a digital soil meter to test nutrient levels in garden soil. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/in\/images\/nutrients-soil-meter-measure-soil-for-nitrogen-content-with-digital-device-woman-farmer-in-a-garden\/281354994\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Deyan Georgiev<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Good soil holds water that plants can use later. Most of us don&#8217;t have great soil naturally, but if you can work compost and organic matter into the soil, it will help it retain water. Compost is the rare amendment that fixes both problems: it improves drainage in heavy clay and boosts water retention in sandy soils.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-is-a-county-extension-service\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">local extension office<\/a> offers inexpensive <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-soil-test-your-lawn\/\">soil tests<\/a> that show you what your soil needs and which drought-tolerant plants will thrive in it. Test before you plant. Sandy soil suits succulents and Mediterranean plants like lavender and rosemary, while heavier soil supports native grasses and perennials.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tammy Sons, founder and CEO at <a href=\"https:\/\/tnnursery.net\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TN Nursery<\/a> in Altamont, Tennessee, warns people not to go overboard amending the soil for their new native plants.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cA lot of these hardy species do better when you let them get on with it in the ground as nature intended,\u201d Sons says.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"5-3-smart-plant-selection\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"3-smart-plant-selection\">3. Smart plant selection<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Forget the idea that xeriscaping is just cactus and rocks.Pick plants that naturally grow in your region. Native plants support birds and pollinators and rarely need supplemental water once established.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sons says natives are the secret to an attractive yard.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe best water-wise gardens are still very much about the plants,\u201d she says. \u201cYou need your drought-tolerant natives for the color and texture and to give the space some seasonal appeal. They see landscapes with native shrubs, ornamental grasses and flowering perennials that don\u2019t drink as much as turf yet stay attractive from one end of the year to the other.\u201d<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-xeriscaping-plants\/\">best xeriscaping plants for your landscape<\/a> depend on where you live, but some popular options include:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Succulents:<\/strong> Agave, yucca, sedum, hens-and-chicks<\/li>    <li><strong>Drought-tolerant flowers:<\/strong> Lavender, salvia, Russian sage, coneflower, blanket flower<\/li>    <li><strong>Ornamental grasses:<\/strong> Blue grama, little bluestem, Mexican feather grass<\/li>    <li><strong>Shrubs:<\/strong> Manzanita, ceanothus, sumac, juniper, rosemary<\/li>    <li><strong>Ground covers:<\/strong> Creeping thyme, sedum, kinnikinnick (PNW), ice plant (Southwest)<\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 id=\"6-4-mulch\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"4-mulch\">4. Mulch<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch can reduce evaporative water loss by 10 times, according to <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.usu.edu\/cwel\/research\/water-wise-landscaping-mulch\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Utah State University<\/a>. It also blocks weeds and gives your landscape a polished look. Use our <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/mulch-calculator\/\">mulch calculator<\/a> to estimate your job size.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most xeriscape <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-use-rocks-in-your-landscaping\/\">landscapes use rocks<\/a>, like pea gravel, river rock, or lava rock. Crowley points out that gravel is not a magic fix for weeds.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHomeowners must understand that putting gravel doesn\u2019t automatically stop weeds from growing,\u201d he says. \u201cThey should begin by removing weeds first before adding gravel. It is better to spend time regularly pulling or trimming the weeds so that they may not grow out of control.\u201d<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you use <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/organic-vs-inorganic-mulch\/\">organic or inorganic mulch<\/a>, keep mulch a few inches away from plant stems and tree trunks. Mulch piled against bark traps moisture and invites rot.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"7-5-smart-watering\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"5-smart-watering\">5. Smart watering<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/drip-irrigation-1.jpg\" alt=\"close-up of drip irrigation next to a small plant in soil\" class=\"wp-image-27647\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/drip-irrigation-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/drip-irrigation-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/drip-irrigation-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/drip-irrigation-1-610x406.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A drip irrigation line delivering water directly to the soil near a young plant. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/image-photo\/drip-irrigation-412575241\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AJCespedes<\/a> \/ Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Drip irrigation and soaker hoses are your best friends. They put water right at the roots without overspraying onto your sidewalk.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Angelene Padilla, specialist at <a href=\"https:\/\/bloomfieldfarmstn.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bloomfield Farms<\/a> near Nashville, Tennessee, recommends <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-long-should-water-lawn\/\">watering deeply and infrequently<\/a>.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe morning is often the best time because the grass dries out before the evening and so reduces the incidence of fungal disease,\u201d she says.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While established xeriscapes need very little water, Taylor Olberding, franchise owner at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.heroeslawncare.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Heroes Lawn Care<\/a> in Alvin, Texas, reminds homeowners to be careful during the first year.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cDrought-tolerant plants still need regular watering while their roots get established,\u201d Olberding says. \u201cIn the beginning, they may need deep watering two to three times a week, depending on the weather and soil. After a few months, you can reduce watering gradually.\u201d<\/p>    <h3 id=\"8-6-limited-turf\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"6-limited-turf\">6. Limited turf<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A xeriscape lawn isn&#8217;t a no-lawn yard. It&#8217;s a smaller, smarter one. According to EPA WaterSense, outdoor watering accounts for more than 30% of household water use nationwide, up to 60% in arid regions, so shrinking decorative turf is one of the biggest <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-have-green-lawn-using-less-water\/\">water-saving<\/a> moves you can make.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you keep a patch of grass for a play area, or a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/dog-friendly-backyard-landscaping-ideas\/\">dog zone<\/a>, Olberding says you absolutely must separate the irrigation zones.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cLawn and drought-tolerant plants have very different water needs, so mixing sprinklers with drip lines can lead to overwatering one area and underwatering another,\u201d he says. \u201cWe recommend separating the grass with metal edging, stone edging, or a header board to keep the lawn from spreading into the planting beds.\u201d<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To know exactly when to water that small patch of grass, Padilla has a simple trick.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWalk on the grass and see what happens,\u201d Padilla says. \u201cIf the blades rebound, it is not yet time to water. If they appear flat and dull or blue-gray, they are a sign that they need water.\u201d<\/p>    <h3 id=\"9-7-regular-upkeep\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"7-regular-upkeep\">7. Regular upkeep<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Low maintenance doesn\u2019t mean zero maintenance. You&#8217;ll still have to do some basic weeding, light pruning, and pest control.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOnce a xeriscape is mature, the maintenance is lighter than a traditional lawn. Instead of weekly mowing, edging, and heavy watering, most of the work is seasonal,\u201d Olberding says. \u201cThat means pruning dead growth, cutting back ornamental grasses, checking drip lines, pulling weeds, and refreshing mulch or gravel as needed.\u201d<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here&#8217;s what an established xeriscape actually needs:<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Year 1 (establishment):<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>First 2 weeks:<\/strong> Water new plants every 1-2 days so the root ball never completely dries out.<\/li>    <li><strong>Weeks 3 to 6<\/strong>: Reduce to 2\u20133 deep waterings per week, adjusting for heat and soil type.<\/li>    <li><strong>First 30 days:<\/strong> Watch for transplant stress. Wilting or yellow leaves mean more water, not less.<\/li>    <li><strong>Through the first growing season:<\/strong> Drop to weekly watering once roots take. Pull weeds before they seed (mulch will block most of them).<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>After year 1 (established):<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Weekly (10 to 15 min.):<\/strong> Walk the yard, pull small weeds, scout for pests.<\/li>    <li><strong>Monthly:<\/strong> Light pruning of dead or overgrown stems. Check drip emitters for clogs.<\/li>    <li><strong>Quarterly:<\/strong> Top up mulch in thin spots.<\/li>    <li><strong>Annually:<\/strong> Refresh the mulch layer to a full 2 to 4 inches deep. Cut back ornamental grasses in late winter.<\/li>    <li><strong>During heat waves (above 95 degrees):<\/strong> Give established plants a deep soak once if they look stressed. Otherwise, leave them alone.<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 id=\"10-xeriscaping-vs-zeroscaping-whats-the-difference\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"xeriscaping-vs-zeroscaping-whats-the-difference\">Xeriscaping vs. zeroscaping, what&#8217;s the difference?<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Xeriscape-vs-zeroscape.jpg\" alt=\"Side-by-side comparison showing a xeriscaped yard with gravel and drought-tolerant plants on the left versus a zeroscaped yard with bare gravel and few plants on the right\" class=\"wp-image-47022\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Xeriscape-vs-zeroscape.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Xeriscape-vs-zeroscape-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Xeriscape-vs-zeroscape-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Xeriscape-vs-zeroscape-510x382.jpg 510w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Xeriscape-vs-zeroscape-610x458.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Side-by-side comparison showing a xeriscaped yard with  a zeroscaped yard. Photo Credit: Xeriscape: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/drought-tolerant-residential-landscaping\/286549649\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Simone<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock, Zeroscape: Jeff Herman \/ Lawn Love<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The two get mixed up regularly. Here&#8217;s the short version:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Xeriscaping<\/strong> is a planned, water-efficient landscape that uses drought-tolerant plants, mulch, and smart design. Still a garden, just one that drinks less.<\/li>    <li><strong>Zeroscaping<\/strong> (sometimes spelled &#8220;zeroscape&#8221; or &#8220;zero scape&#8221;) usually means replacing the yard with rocks, gravel, or hardscape, and using very few, or no, plants.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Xeriscaping<\/strong> costs more up front but supports pollinators, cools the yard, and looks alive year-round. Zeroscaping is cheaper to install and easier to maintain, but it heats up in summer, sheds runoff, and can look stark.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Zeroscaping<\/strong> works well for tight side yards, between pavers, or HOA-restricted spaces where any landscaping is a step up. For most front and back yards, xeriscape gives you a healthier landscape and qualifies for rebates. Most rebate programs (such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.snwa.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SNWA<\/a> and California&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bewaterwise.com\/turf-replacement-program.html?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23014273585&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADi8fUFDQ9_1k1fEBAlnOsnVGhMrG&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwrNrQBhBjEiwAoR4VO91fax4XmEwZ8-G9HfUaf-nIBWUf7KefCjU-6ZnHQvbCbxPzHzk1gxoCE4sQAvD_BwE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cash for Grass<\/a>) require living plants. Pure rock yards don&#8217;t qualify.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"11-how-much-does-xeriscaping-cost\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"how-much-does-xeriscaping-cost\">How much does xeriscaping cost?<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The average <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/xeriscaping-cost\/\">cost of xeriscaping<\/a> is around $17,000 for a standard yard, though most projects fall between <strong>$15,120 and $18,400<\/strong>. Professional installation runs <strong>$5 to $20 per square foot<\/strong>. That covers labor, plants, mulch, and irrigation.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What pushes the price up or down:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Plants:<\/strong> A specimen agave costs more than a seed-grown native.<\/li>    <li><strong>Hardscape:<\/strong> Flagstone costs more than pea gravel.<\/li>    <li><strong>Irrigation:<\/strong> Drip systems add $1.70 to $4.80 per square foot.<\/li>    <li><strong>Site prep:<\/strong> Slopes, drainage issues, and turf add more labor.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Going DIY saves a lot. Doing a 500-square-foot area yourself runs about $4,500 to $5,500 in materials, versus $3,500 to $9,165 to hire a pro. Many homeowners start with one bed and add to it each season, which spreads the cost out over time.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are on a tight budget, you don\u2019t have to do it all at once.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cTackle the lawn in sections. A small bed done right can have an outsized impact,\u201d Sons says.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"12-rebates-available-in-2026\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"rebates-available-in-2026\">Rebates available in 2026<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you live in a drought-affected state, your water utility may offer cash incentives to remove turf.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The biggest 2026 programs include:<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Region<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Program<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Rebate<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Notes<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Las Vegas \/ Southern Nevada<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.snwa.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SNWA Water Smart Landscapes<\/a><\/td><td>$5\/sq. ft. (min. 400 sq. ft.)<\/td><td>Living plants required; AB 356 commercial deadline Jan 1, 2027<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Las Vegas city proper<\/td><td>SNWA + <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lvvwd.com\/conservation\/rebates\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LVVWD<\/a><\/td><td>Up to $7\/sq. ft.<\/td><td>400 sq. ft. min.; $1.50\/sq. ft. over 10,000 sq. ft.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Southern California (MWD)<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/socalwatersmart.com\/en\/residential\/#\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SoCal Water$mart<\/a><\/td><td>Starts at $3\/sq. ft. + $100\/tree (up to 5)<\/td><td>Drip irrigation conversion recommended<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>California statewide<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.ca.gov\/2022\/09\/28\/california-is-making-it-cheaper-to-replace-your-lawn-to-save-water-and-save-money\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cash for Grass<\/a><\/td><td>Starts at $3\/sq. ft.<\/td><td>Renewed through 2026; drip add-on available<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most programs require pre-inspection and use of living plants (not rock-only). Apply before you start any work because most won&#8217;t reimburse you retroactively.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"13-faqs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"faqs\">FAQs<\/span><\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1781540726644\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can xeriscaping be done in any climate?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes. The seven principles apply everywhere, and only the plant choices change:<br><br><strong>In arid climates (Phoenix, Las Vegas, Denver)<\/strong>: Use desert natives like agave, yucca, and ocotillo.<br><strong>In transition zones (Texas, Oklahoma)<\/strong>: Mix drought-tolerant perennials with native grasses.<br><strong>In wet climates (Pacific Northwest, Southeast)<\/strong>: Use native ferns, salal, kinnikinnick (PNW), or beautyberry, muhly grass, and palmetto (SE).<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1781540738478\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Is a xeriscaped yard the same as a xeric garden?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">A &#8220;xeric&#8221; garden is any low-water garden using drought-tolerant plants. Xeriscaping is a comprehensive design system (7 principles) that includes plants, soil, mulch, watering, and turf decisions. Every xeriscape is xeric; not every xeric garden is a formal xeriscape.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1781540774496\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Will my HOA let me xeriscape my front yard?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">In several Western states, it&#8217;s now illegal for HOAs to ban water-wise landscaping. California, Nevada, Colorado, and Texas have all passed turf-replacement protection laws. Check your local statute before assuming the HOA can stop you.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1781540784091\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How long until a xeriscaped yard looks finished?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Most xeriscapes look established by year two and fully filled in by year three. Year one is mostly about growing deep roots, and the visible growth comes after.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 id=\"14-enjoy-a-beautiful-low-water-yard\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"enjoy-a-beautiful-low-water-yard\">Enjoy a beautiful, low-water yard<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Getting a water-wise landscape right takes planning, the right plants, and a lot of free time.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;d rather hand off the heavy work like turf removal, mulching, planting, and ongoing care, Lawn Love can help you connect you with an <a href=\"https:\/\/quotes.lawnlove.com\/near-me?service=xeriscaping\" rel=\"nofollow\">experienced local pro<\/a> who\u2019ll handle the design, planting, and ongoing care while you watch your water bill drop.<br><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Main Image: A xeriscaped residential front yard with colorful succulents, boulders, and decorative pebbles. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/drought-tolerant-residential-landscaping\/286549649\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Simone<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Xeriscaping is a landscaping approach that uses drought-tolerant plants and smart design to reduce water use while maintaining a beautiful yard.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":68,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[298],"tags":[222],"class_list":["post-6401","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-landscaping","tag-landscaping"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":null,"author_info":{"display_name":"Adrian Nita","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/adrian-nita\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6401","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/68"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6401"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6401\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":48269,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6401\/revisions\/48269"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6401"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6401"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6401"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}