- How Xeriscaping Works<\/a><\/li>
- 7 Principles of Xeriscaping<\/a>
- 1. Thoughtful Planning and Design<\/a><\/li>
- 2. Soil Improvement<\/a><\/li>
- 3. Efficient Irrigation System<\/a><\/li>
- 4. Mulching<\/a><\/li>
- 5. Appropriate Plant Selection<\/a><\/li>
- 6. Limited Turf Areas<\/a><\/li>
- 7. Proper Maintenance<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- FAQ About Xeriscaping<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
How Xeriscaping Works<\/h2>
Xeriscaping, derived from the Greek word \u201cxeros\u201d meaning \u201cdry,\u201d combined with \u201clandscaping,\u201d is an eco-friendly gardening method that focuses on creating beautiful, drought-resilient landscapes<\/a>. Xeriscape landscaping was initially introduced by the Denver Water Department in the early 1980s as a solution to reduce water consumption during droughts.<\/p>
The core concept of xeriscaping<\/a> involves replacing thirsty grass lawns with drought-tolerant plants, mulch, and rocks and using water-wise irrigation systems. This approach not only conserves water but also encourages biodiversity<\/a> and reduces water bills. By incorporating a beautiful mix of native grasses<\/a>, flowers, shrubs, and trees, you can save up to 60% on watering costs.<\/p>
Pro Tip: <\/strong>If you\u2019re new to xeriscaping, consult a professional landscaper<\/a> experienced in water-wise designs. They can assess your site, recommend suitable native plants, and create a personalized xeriscaping plan that fits your preferences and climate.<\/p>
7 Principles of Xeriscaping<\/h2>
Back in 1981, the Denver Water Department defined 7 principles to guide homeowners to create functional xeriscape gardens. Let\u2019s see how these simple and practical guidelines look.<\/p>
1. Thoughtful Planning and Design<\/h3>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/1024px-Xeriscape_garden_2014_-_2.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: James Steakley<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Plan and design the garden with functionality and purpose. A xeriscape shouldn\u2019t be random or spontaneous.<\/p>
\u201cEvaluate sunlight patterns, soil type, drainage, and existing elements, such as trees, buildings, or slopes. This helps tailor your design to site-specific conditions,\u201d says Chris Blaha, an agriculture technician at NC State University who has taught classes on xeriscaping for the past 7 years and personally installed dozens of xeriscape landscapes.<\/p>
Here are some ideas to get you started:<\/p>
- Gravel and <\/strong>rock gardens<\/a>:<\/strong> Use different sizes, colors, and textures of gravel and rocks. Add cacti<\/a>, succulents<\/a>, and other tough plants.<\/li>
- Cactus gardens: <\/strong>Use various kinds of cacti and succulents to create a desert-like landscape with rocks, gravel, and more sturdy plants.<\/li>
- Rain gardens<\/a>: Dig a shallow area in your garden to collect and filter rainwater. Plant xeriscape plants around it.<\/li>
- Prairie gardens:<\/strong> Use colorful native grasses, wildflowers<\/a>, and other prairie-like plants.<\/li>
- Xeriscape lawns:<\/strong> Try low-water grasses like buffalograss<\/a> and tall fescue<\/a> for a nice lawn that doesn\u2019t need lots of water.<\/li> <\/ul>
These are just a few xeriscaping ideas<\/a> to think about. To succeed, pick the right native plants for your climate. \u201cNative species typically require less water, are more pest-resistant, and support local wildlife,\u201d says Blaha.<\/p>
See Related:<\/strong><\/p>
- Rock Garden Design: Stones, Water, and Plants<\/a><\/li>
- How to Design a Rain Garden<\/a><\/li>
- How to Build a Rain Garden: 6 Steps<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
2. Soil Improvement<\/h3>
Healthy soil is the foundation of a successful xeriscape garden. Consider the soil type<\/a> in your yard and which types of plants will thrive in it. Test and amend the soil to ensure proper drainage and water absorption.<\/p>
Utilizing the right organic fertilizers<\/a> and soil amendments<\/a> enhances soil structure and fertility. These components work together to ensure proper drainage, improve plant health, and support the water-efficient nature of xeriscaping. Here are a few to consider:<\/p>
- Rock dust <\/strong>is fine dust fertilizer made from ground rock pebbles. It improves soil health and fertility.<\/li>
- Gypsum<\/strong> is a mineral that breaks up compacted soil.<\/li>
- Compost<\/strong> is decomposed organic matter that is rich in nutrients and beneficial microorganisms. Use it to improve soil structure and fertility. You can prepare compost using our DIY composting guide<\/a>.<\/li> <\/ul>
3. Efficient Irrigation System<\/h3>
![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/sprinkler-system-controller.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Natali<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure> One of the most significant advantages of xeriscaping is water conservation. By using desert landscape plants and efficient irrigation methods, xeriscaping can reduce the amount of water needed to maintain a landscape by up to 60%. <\/p>
\u201cUse drip irrigation<\/a> or soaker hoses to water at the root zone, reducing evaporation and runoff,\u201d says Blaha. <\/p>
Place the right plants in the right spot based on their water and light requirements. Grouping plants with similar watering requirements together is known as hydrozoning, which reduces water waste and makes it easier to maintain your lawn. To hydrozone, place plants with low-water needs close together, and cluster plants with high-water needs together.<\/p>
There are additional steps you can take to maintain a green and healthy xeriscape with minimal water usage. Consider the following tips and tricks:<\/p>
- Avoid watering on windy days: <\/strong>If you use sprinklers, refrain from turning them on in windy conditions. Wind can disperse water away from the soil, resulting in waste.<\/li>
- Practice deep and infrequent watering:<\/strong> Implementing this method helps plants develop strong, lengthy roots that penetrate deep into the soil, accessing moisture that\u2019s sheltered from the heat. This enhances their drought resistance.<\/li>
- Opt for early morning or late evening watering:<\/strong> \u201cWater early in the morning or late evening to maximize absorption,\u201d says Blaha. By irrigating during these times, when temperatures are cooler, more water will reach the roots instead of evaporating.<\/li>
- Harvest rainwater: <\/strong>Barrels, swales, or cisterns are used in some xeriscaping designs to harvest rainwater<\/a>. Rainwater is often healthier for plants compared to tap water, and it serves as a valuable reserve during extended dry periods.<\/li>
- Adjust irrigation with seasonal changes: <\/strong>Decrease watering when it rains and increase it during dry spells. This approach prevents overwatering your grass<\/a>, which can cause plant rot, and ensures your landscape remains beautiful and thriving throughout the year.<\/li> <\/ul>
See Related:<\/strong><\/p>
- The Pros and Cons of a Drip Irrigation System<\/a><\/li>
- How Much Does Drip Irrigation Cost?<\/a><\/li>
- Best Time to Water Your Grass<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
4. Mulching<\/h3>
Mulch acts like a blanket for your yard by retaining water, preventing your yard from drying out too quickly. By conserving moisture in the soil, mulching also prevents soil crusting.<\/p>
\u201cSpread 2\u20134 inches of mulch<\/a> around plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and insulate soil from temperature extremes,\u201d says Blaha.<\/p>
- Organic mulch <\/strong>is made from organic materials, such as wood chips, bark, grass clippings<\/a>, dried leaves, pine needles, straw, and newspaper. Over time, organic mulch<\/a> breaks down and needs to be replaced. The benefit of organic mulch is that it provides nutrients to the soil as it decomposes.<\/li>
- Inorganic mulch <\/strong>includes materials such as pea gravel<\/a>, lava rock, river rock<\/a>, cobblestone, decomposed granite, and other types of rocks that add structure, color, and volume to the landscape. Although you don\u2019t need to replace inorganic mulch<\/a>, it does not have the nutrient benefits of organic mulch.<\/li> <\/ul>
See Related:<\/strong><\/p>
- Organic vs. Inorganic Mulch: What\u2019s the Difference?<\/a><\/li>
- Mulch Guide: Types, Pro Tips, and Where to Mulch<\/a><\/li>
- Mulch Calculator: How Much Mulch Do You Need?<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
5. Appropriate Plant Selection<\/h3>
![\"Creeping](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/thyme-g867788963_1280.jpg?wsr\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Drought tolerant plants include herbs, shrubs, trees<\/a>, and wildflowers that need minimal water. They can be native to your area or from similar climates in regions such as Africa, Asia, or the Mediterranean.<\/p>
Choose xeriscaping plants<\/a> that suit the climate and soil of your outdoor space. Mix various species to create a rich ecosystem and have drought-tolerant flowers from early spring to late fall.
Here are the main categories to consider:<\/p>- Drought tolerant grasses and ground covers: <\/strong>Ground covers and ornamental grasses<\/a> can replace traditional thirsty lawn grasses to conserve water. Some popular options are buffalograss and fescue grass.<\/li>
- Shrubs: <\/strong>Shrubs provide structure and create eco-friendly habitats for wildlife. Consider drought-resistant species such as sagebrush, rabbitbrush, and manzanita.<\/li>
- Cacti and succulents: <\/strong>Succulents and cacti can survive with minimal water. They are common in gravel and rocky gardens and in cactus gardens. Some beautiful examples are San Pedro cactus, red yucca, and beavertail cactus. <\/li>
- Mediterranean plants:<\/strong> Consider olive trees, lavender, and rosemary if aiming for a Mediterranean style. They are lovely additions and bring a charming fragrance to your home and outdoor space.<\/li> <\/ul>
Only some drought-tolerant plants are suitable for your area. Consult with a horticulturist or a local nursery expert to find the best xeriscaping plants for your garden. They can also help you amend the soil properly.<\/p>
6. Limited Turf Areas<\/h3>
Grass drinks up a lot of water, so replacing sections of your lawn with drought-tolerant landscaping<\/a>, rockbeds, and hardscapes such as patios<\/a> or walkways<\/a> will reduce the amount of work and water required to maintain your landscape.<\/p>
For areas where you still have sections of turfgrass, try replacing them with a hardy drought-tolerant grass<\/a> such as buffalograss.<\/p>
7. Proper Maintenance<\/h3>
![\"xeriscaped](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_3479.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jeff Herman<\/a> \/ LawnStarter<\/figcaption><\/figure> Ensure regular maintenance of your xeriscape garden. Xeriscaping requires less maintenance due to the use of native, drought-resistant plants, which require fewer fertilizers and pesticides than imported species. However, that doesn\u2019t mean it requires no maintenance. <\/p>
\u201cRegularly prune<\/a>, weed<\/a>, and monitor irrigation systems to ensure optimal performance. Adjust watering as seasons and plant needs change,\u201d says Blaha.<\/p>
FAQ About Xeriscaping<\/h2>
How Much Does Xeriscaping Cost?<\/strong>The average xeriscaping project costs<\/a> between $15,120 to $18,400<\/strong> with installation. Pricing differs depending on multiple factors:
Are There Rebates for Xeriscaping?<\/strong>Some regions and municipalities offer incentives, rebates, or tax benefits for property owners who adopt water-saving practices like xeriscaping. \u201cThese rebates can help offset the cost of converting a traditional lawn to a water-wise landscape,\u201d says Blaha.\u00a0
Can You Xeriscape in Any Part of the Country?<\/strong>Yes. Xeriscapes are a low-maintenance option for homeowners in any part of the U.S. Even in areas that receive a lot of rainfall, you can install native plants, water-efficient irrigation systems, and mulch. This will prevent water waste and reduce yard maintenance.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div>
Is Installing a Xeriscape Bad for Trees?<\/strong>So long as a xeriscape is done correctly, it should not harm the trees in your yard. \u201cIt can also be beneficial when done with proper planning and techniques,\u201d says Blaha.
Switch to a Drought-Friendly Landscape<\/h2>
With its various design styles, xeriscaping can be aesthetically pleasing and cost-effective, saving up to 60% in water usage compared to traditional landscaping. Not only will a xeriscape reduce your water bills, it will also decrease the amount of maintenance compared to a standard lawn. <\/p>
If a thirsty lawn is causing your water bills to skyrocket or you are overwhelmed by the amount of care that a traditional lawn requires, then find a professional landscaper<\/a> to help you design a drought-friendly xeriscape for your yard.<\/p>
\t\t\t\t\t\tSources:<\/strong><\/p> \t\t\t
<\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\t- Chris Blaha<\/a>, agriculture technician at NC State University Extension, Barco, NC. Personal interview.<\/li>
- \u201cThe Benefits of Xeriscaping: A Beginner\u2019s Guide to Drought-Tolerant Landscaping.<\/a>\u201d By John Murgel, horticulture expert at CSU Extension. Colorado State University.<\/li>
- \u201cXeriscape Colorado<\/a>.\u201d Colorado WaterWise.<\/li>
- \u201cXeriscape Landscaping<\/a>.\u201d By Bob Neier, Sedgwick County extension agent. K-State Research and Extension.<\/li>
- \u201cXeriscape Plans.<\/a>\u201d Denver Water.<\/li> <\/ul> <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>
Main Image Credit: Potomacpalms<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Xeriscaping is a drought-friendly approach to landscaping that conserves water and decreases lawn maintenance. Discover the 7 principles, including soil improvement and appropriate plant selection, in our article.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":132,"featured_media":133571,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[25],"class_list":["post-81280","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-landscaping","tag-landscaping-2"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Xeriscaping-1.jpg?wsr","author_info":{"display_name":"Danielle Gorski","author_link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/author\/danielle-gorskilawnstarter-com\/"},"yoast_head":"\n
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garden featuring drought-tolerant plants like agave, succulents, ornamental grasses, and rocks, designed for water-efficient landscaping.\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/what-is-xeriscaping\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"What is Xeriscaping?\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"name\":\"Lawnstarter\",\"description\":\"The LawnStarter 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Gorski\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/09\\\/Danielle-Gorski-150x150.jpg?wsr\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/09\\\/Danielle-Gorski-150x150.jpg?wsr\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/09\\\/Danielle-Gorski-150x150.jpg?wsr\",\"caption\":\"Danielle Gorski\"},\"description\":\"Danielle Gorski combines her love of plants with her love of writing to create informative articles on lawn care. Her favorite part about her yard is decorating it for the holiday season.\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/danielle-gorskilawnstarter-com\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/what-is-xeriscaping\\\/#faq-question-1746850299886\",\"position\":1,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/what-is-xeriscaping\\\/#faq-question-1746850299886\",\"name\":\"How Much Does Xeriscaping Cost?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The average <a href=\\\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/cost\\\/xeriscaping-price\\\/\\\">xeriscaping project costs<\\\/a> between <strong>$15,120 to $18,400<\\\/strong> with installation. Pricing differs depending on multiple factors:<br\\\/><br\\\/>\u2022 Materials used<br\\\/>\u2022 Location<br\\\/>\u2022 Climate<br\\\/>\u2022 Soil<br\\\/>\u2022 Garden size<br\\\/><br\\\/>\u201cXeriscaping can be costly, especially at the beginning, due to the need to remove existing landscaping, install new irrigation systems, and purchase native plants,\u201d says Blaha. Work with a <a href=\\\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/landscaping\\\">landscape contractor near you<\\\/a> to make the process faster and simpler.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/what-is-xeriscaping\\\/#faq-question-1746850316445\",\"position\":2,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/what-is-xeriscaping\\\/#faq-question-1746850316445\",\"name\":\"Are There Rebates for Xeriscaping?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Some regions and municipalities offer incentives, rebates, or tax benefits for property owners who adopt water-saving practices like xeriscaping. \u201cThese rebates can help offset the cost of converting a traditional lawn to a water-wise landscape,\u201d says Blaha.\u00a0<br\\\/><br\\\/>It\u2019s worth checking with your local authorities or environmental agencies to see if such incentives are available in your area.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/what-is-xeriscaping\\\/#faq-question-1746850333912\",\"position\":3,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/what-is-xeriscaping\\\/#faq-question-1746850333912\",\"name\":\"Can You Xeriscape in Any Part of the Country?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes. Xeriscapes are a low-maintenance option for homeowners in any part of the U.S. Even in areas that receive a lot of rainfall, you can install native plants, water-efficient irrigation systems, and mulch. This will prevent water waste and reduce yard maintenance.\u00a0\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/what-is-xeriscaping\\\/#faq-question-1746850340962\",\"position\":4,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/what-is-xeriscaping\\\/#faq-question-1746850340962\",\"name\":\"Is Installing a Xeriscape Bad for Trees?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"So long as a xeriscape is done correctly, it should not harm the trees in your yard. \u201cIt can also be beneficial when done with proper planning and techniques,\u201d says Blaha.<br\\\/><br\\\/>However, careless installation can be detrimental to the health of your trees. \u201cInstalling xeriscaping around trees can be harmful if not done correctly, particularly regarding soil and root health,\u201d warns Blaha.\u00a0<br\\\/><br\\\/>Blaha shares some common risks to watch out for if you are planning to xeriscape a yard with trees:<br\\\/><br\\\/>\u2022 <a href=\\\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/lawn-care-2\\\/signs-compacted-soil\\\/\\\">Soil compaction<\\\/a><br\\\/>\u2022 <a href=\\\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-mulch-around-trees\\\/\\\">Mulching around tree trunks<\\\/a><br\\\/>\u2022 Insufficient water<br\\\/>\u2022 Noxious compounds from construction materials such as concrete\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"What is Xeriscaping?","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/what-is-xeriscaping\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"What is Xeriscaping?","og_description":"Xeriscaping is a drought-friendly approach to landscaping that conserves water and decreases lawn maintenance. Discover the 7 principles, including soil improvement and appropriate plant selection, in our article.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/what-is-xeriscaping\/","og_site_name":"Lawnstarter","article_published_time":"2023-02-07T04:08:16+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-06-05T17:27:32+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1200,"height":979,"url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Xeriscaping-1.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Danielle Gorski","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Danielle Gorski","Est. reading time":"10 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/what-is-xeriscaping\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/what-is-xeriscaping\/"},"author":{"name":"Danielle 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garden featuring drought-tolerant plants like agave, succulents, ornamental grasses, and rocks, designed for water-efficient landscaping."},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/what-is-xeriscaping\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"What is Xeriscaping?"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/","name":"Lawnstarter","description":"The LawnStarter 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Gorski","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Danielle-Gorski-150x150.jpg?wsr","url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Danielle-Gorski-150x150.jpg?wsr","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Danielle-Gorski-150x150.jpg?wsr","caption":"Danielle Gorski"},"description":"Danielle Gorski combines her love of plants with her love of writing to create informative articles on lawn care. Her favorite part about her yard is decorating it for the holiday season.","url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/author\/danielle-gorskilawnstarter-com\/"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/what-is-xeriscaping\/#faq-question-1746850299886","position":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/what-is-xeriscaping\/#faq-question-1746850299886","name":"How Much Does Xeriscaping Cost?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The average <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/cost\/xeriscaping-price\/\">xeriscaping project costs<\/a> between <strong>$15,120 to $18,400<\/strong> with installation. Pricing differs depending on multiple factors:<br\/><br\/>\u2022 Materials used<br\/>\u2022 Location<br\/>\u2022 Climate<br\/>\u2022 Soil<br\/>\u2022 Garden size<br\/><br\/>\u201cXeriscaping can be costly, especially at the beginning, due to the need to remove existing landscaping, install new irrigation systems, and purchase native plants,\u201d says Blaha. Work with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/landscaping\">landscape contractor near you<\/a> to make the process faster and simpler.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/what-is-xeriscaping\/#faq-question-1746850316445","position":2,"url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/what-is-xeriscaping\/#faq-question-1746850316445","name":"Are There Rebates for Xeriscaping?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Some regions and municipalities offer incentives, rebates, or tax benefits for property owners who adopt water-saving practices like xeriscaping. \u201cThese rebates can help offset the cost of converting a traditional lawn to a water-wise landscape,\u201d says Blaha.\u00a0<br\/><br\/>It\u2019s worth checking with your local authorities or environmental agencies to see if such incentives are available in your area.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/what-is-xeriscaping\/#faq-question-1746850333912","position":3,"url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/what-is-xeriscaping\/#faq-question-1746850333912","name":"Can You Xeriscape in Any Part of the Country?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes. Xeriscapes are a low-maintenance option for homeowners in any part of the U.S. Even in areas that receive a lot of rainfall, you can install native plants, water-efficient irrigation systems, and mulch. This will prevent water waste and reduce yard maintenance.\u00a0","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/what-is-xeriscaping\/#faq-question-1746850340962","position":4,"url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/what-is-xeriscaping\/#faq-question-1746850340962","name":"Is Installing a Xeriscape Bad for Trees?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"So long as a xeriscape is done correctly, it should not harm the trees in your yard. \u201cIt can also be beneficial when done with proper planning and techniques,\u201d says Blaha.<br\/><br\/>However, careless installation can be detrimental to the health of your trees. \u201cInstalling xeriscaping around trees can be harmful if not done correctly, particularly regarding soil and root health,\u201d warns Blaha.\u00a0<br\/><br\/>Blaha shares some common risks to watch out for if you are planning to xeriscape a yard with trees:<br\/><br\/>\u2022 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/signs-compacted-soil\/\">Soil compaction<\/a><br\/>\u2022 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-mulch-around-trees\/\">Mulching around tree trunks<\/a><br\/>\u2022 Insufficient water<br\/>\u2022 Noxious compounds from construction materials such as concrete","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/81280","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/132"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=81280"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/81280\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/133571"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=81280"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=81280"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=81280"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}} - \u201cThe Benefits of Xeriscaping: A Beginner\u2019s Guide to Drought-Tolerant Landscaping.<\/a>\u201d By John Murgel, horticulture expert at CSU Extension. Colorado State University.<\/li>
- Shrubs: <\/strong>Shrubs provide structure and create eco-friendly habitats for wildlife. Consider drought-resistant species such as sagebrush, rabbitbrush, and manzanita.<\/li>
- Mulch Guide: Types, Pro Tips, and Where to Mulch<\/a><\/li>
- Inorganic mulch <\/strong>includes materials such as pea gravel<\/a>, lava rock, river rock<\/a>, cobblestone, decomposed granite, and other types of rocks that add structure, color, and volume to the landscape. Although you don\u2019t need to replace inorganic mulch<\/a>, it does not have the nutrient benefits of organic mulch.<\/li> <\/ul>
- How Much Does Drip Irrigation Cost?<\/a><\/li>
- Practice deep and infrequent watering:<\/strong> Implementing this method helps plants develop strong, lengthy roots that penetrate deep into the soil, accessing moisture that\u2019s sheltered from the heat. This enhances their drought resistance.<\/li>
- Gypsum<\/strong> is a mineral that breaks up compacted soil.<\/li>
- How to Design a Rain Garden<\/a><\/li>
- Cactus gardens: <\/strong>Use various kinds of cacti and succulents to create a desert-like landscape with rocks, gravel, and more sturdy plants.<\/li>
- 2. Soil Improvement<\/a><\/li>
- 7 Principles of Xeriscaping<\/a>