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Xeriscaping — Hot Idea or Terrible Investment? Homeowners Share Their Take
When droughts hit hard, you may start looking toward other options. Xeriscape landscaping, or "xeriscaping," is all about using limited water. You may have heard about it.
We asked 110 homeowners how likely they were to consider using xeriscaping in some form. We've also taken a deeper look at xeriscaping: what it is, its benefits, and how you can incorporate it into your lawn.
Survey Results
Not at all likely - 18 | Not very likely - 24 |
Somewhat likely - 31 | Very likely - 17 |
Extremely likely - 12 | Already have xeriscaping - 8 |
What is Xeriscaping?
"Xeros" in Greek means dry. Easy. "Dry scaping." That's what xeriscaping encompasses — it's right there in the definition. It provides homeowners in the desert and areas prone to drought with good-looking landscaping options they couldn't achieve without spending large amounts of water on typical turf grasses.
But it's more than rocks and cacti; it means picking plants that work with the area's climate, adding nutrients to the soil to hold in moisture, and using drip irrigation. Xeriscaping allows homeowners a green life without too much water usage.
Core Principles of Xeriscaping
Xeriscaping touts native and drought-resistant plants over non-native water hogs; it promotes healthier soils and attention to the overall ecosystem; it reduces waste and makes smart use of the land.
According to New Mexico State University, a few core principles make up the heart and soul of xeriscaping.
Design and planning: It all starts with good design. That means assessing your space. How does the sun cross your lawn? What areas get lots of shade? You'll want to answer these types of questions to ensure you have a feasible plan that maximizes water conservation.
Mindful watering: Xeriscaping watering uses efficient systems, such as drip irrigation. It focuses on applying water only where needed and avoiding systems like pop-up sprinklers that tend to be wasteful.
Prepping the soil: Start with a soil test. This test will help you decide which plants work best for your yard.
You'll have different zones, as we’ll talk about shortly, to maintain, and getting the soil right in those areas goes a long way.
Plant zones: Arranging plants by watering needs into zones avoids overwatering and ensures all plants receive the correct amount of moisture. Native and low-maintenance plants help eliminate the need for fertilizers and pesticides.
Choosing the right grass: Turfgrasses have their place in xeriscaping. Don't miss this fact — they're perfectly fine to include. Consider drought-tolerant grasses and maximize the space so you do not overdo it when watering.
RELATED: 7 Steps to Xeriscape Your Lawn
The Benefits of Xeriscaping
Traditional landscapes require thousands of gallons of water per year. The average American family uses about 96 gallons of water daily for their lawns and gardens. Xeriscaping is engineered to use little water. For many of the 29 survey-takers who said they were likely to xeriscape, conserving water was a big deal.
They wanted to cut back on their usage — especially during drought. And cutting back on their water bill was appealing, too.
It also doesn't take much to upkeep. Maintenance is simplified. Xeriscaping means less mowing, less fertilizing, and less pesticides. Using native vegetation creates places for wildlife, such as native bees and butterflies. These plants are more attuned to the local climate and conditions — meaning they are better able to handle harsh conditions and are less susceptible to lawn diseases.
And where a uniform look with little variety often dominates traditional landscaping, the xeriscape landscape provides room for lush colors and unique design layouts.
The xeriscaped garden contains different textures, colors, and plant heights. It calls for stones, succulents, flowers, and even ornamental grasses. Through this method, homeowners can enjoy a beautiful landscape that is as personal as it is sustainable.
Drought-Tolerant Plant Choices
Choosing the right plants is one of the key components of xeriscaping. Some plants, such as lavender, sage, and yucca, are all perennials and can go without water for extended periods. Native plants are the way to go since they already know their climate. Organizing plants according to water requirements (hydrozoning) means that every part of the garden gets proper watering.
There are tons of plants that are great for xeriscaping. Here are a few:
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RELATED: Russian Sage: A Guide to Growing and Caring for Salvia Yangii
For most of these types of plants, placing mulch on them keeps the soil cooler and less likely to invite weeds. The mulches can be bark chips or stones with various moisturizing qualities. Mulch is also a critical part of xeriscaping to help save water and to keep plants healthy.
How To Xeriscape
It's important to begin a xeriscape project by measuring how much sunlight different areas of your yard receive. Note the parts that get sun all day, partial shade, or full shade. Then, test the soil. See if you also need to add compost or sand for better drainage.
Now, it's time to choose appropriate plants. A good xeriscape design has useful areas for various kinds of plants. Plan a separate space for succulents, grasses, perennials, and shrubs. In the desert, succulents such as agave, aloe, and cacti are common xeriscaping plants. They store water in their leaves and can go for long periods without rainfall. Other plants like yucca and desert marigolds can brighten up the landscape.
For a xeriscape that will be beautiful year-round, plant diverse annuals and perennials. Include flowering perennials. Add shrubs. Lastly, work in hardscaping. Stones, gravel paths, and boulders add texture, visual contrast, and a practical element.
Of course, looks are subjective. Several respondents of the 42 who said they were unlikely to xeriscape mentioned they didn't like the look of many of the xeriscape projects they'd seen.
Xeriscaping FAQs
Does xeriscaping work for all climates?
While xeriscaping is typically used in desert environments, xeriscaping strategies work everywhere. Even in wet or cold climates, xeriscaping minimizes waste and increases sustainability. Just choose native plants.
How do you xeriscape on a budget?
Xeriscaping costs can add up, but you can minimize some of them by making small changes. Using mulch, creating your own compost, and researching native plants that won't break the bank can help manage costs. Although the initial investment may seem like a lot, the money you save on watering and maintenance will cover the difference before long.
What are the best plants for xeriscaping?
Your climate determines what plants work best. Succulents such as agave, cactus, and drought-tolerant perennials like lavender do well in dry environments. Consider decorative grasses and coneflowers if you live in an area with high humidity. The plants should be native since they adapt to your soil, water, and climate.
Do xeriscaped gardens attract pollinators?
Xeriscaped gardens invite bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It all depends on the plants you use. The addition of yarrow, sage, and lavender looks beautiful and is good for local pollinators.
What is the best irrigation system for xeriscaping?
Drip irrigation is the best xeriscaping method. It pumps water right to the roots, saving a lot of waste while giving the plants just enough water without evaporation. Rainwater can also be collected and used for even more efficiency.
Xeriscaping is a way to create beautiful landscapes that require minimal water. A few principles guide the process:
Design and planning
Prepping the soil
Mindful watering
Plant zones
Choosing the right grass
Although some people believe xeriscaping is about adding a bunch of rocks and gravel to a landscape, that's not it at all. Xeriscaping, done right, is about planning carefully to conserve water and utilize native plants.
While xeriscaping is typically done in arid environments, it can be done anywhere. It's mindful. It saves water. Xeriscaping reduces the work it takes to have a healthy lawn.
