Inspiring Xeriscape Ideas For Your Home

Curb appeal is the first impression that neighbors, visitors and potential home buyers have of your home, and one of the most important elements of curb appeal is landscaping. While a lush green yard can be beautiful, it can also be high maintenance and less sustainable on your budget and the environment over time.

If you want to refresh the look of your outdoor space while also saving on your water bill each month, xeriscaping might be the right option for you. But what on Earth is xeriscaping? Let’s dive into what xeriscaping is, where it works best and how to incorporate xeriscaping ideas into your home’s yard.

What Is Xeriscaping?

Xeriscaping is a form of eco-friendly, low maintenance landscape design that utilizes native plants and grasses to conserve water. Although it has a sci-fi ring to it, the term “xeriscape” is derived from the Greek word “xeros,” which translates to “dry” in English.

Xeriscaping is not the same as zeroscaping. Zeroscape is a style of landscaping where the yard is filled predominantly with dirt and gravel and contains very few, or no, plants at all.

Because this landscaping needs less watering compared to traditional grass yards, it is most popular in dry environments. In the United States, xeriscaping is seen mostly on the west coast and in southwestern states, where there are often droughts and water shortages.

The Benefits Of Xeriscaping

The biggest benefit is that you will be working with nature by using native plants, which results in a lower-maintenance yard. Native plants are best at adapting to the climate they are in and have had generations of evolution to help them thrive with the amount of water that is typical for that region. This is ideal for homeowners who live in drier climates and consistently deal with drought conditions or water shortages, as switching to xeriscaping is estimated to reduce outdoor water usage by 50%.

Considering that most outdoor water usage is wasted if not used correctly, implementing some xeriscaping ideas in your own backyard can make a significant impact on the water supply (and your water bill), even if you don’t live in a dry climate.

For those living in dry areas, xeriscaping can allow for a beautiful yard without the heavy costs and environmental impact of trying to keep a lawn of green grass alive. Initially, xeriscaping can be more work to install, but is usually easier to maintain over time compared to a grassy yard, especially in arid environments. Additionally, the investment can boost your curb appeal and this can increase your home's value.

Finally, planting native plants can create an ideal environment for local wildlife and insects. And, removing grass and the need for weed killer can help to keep toxic chemicals out of our ecosystem.

6 Xeriscaping Ideas For Your Yard

Here are some top ideas for xeriscaping a yard.

1. Mulch

Mulch has plenty of benefits for xeriscape yards, as it helps prevent evaporation and weed growth. Use the recommended 2 to 3 inches of natural mulch to help maintain your native plants and improve the aesthetics of your yard. Add new mulch every year for a fresh look.

2. Use The Right Plants

Select plants that are native to your area and align with your desired aesthetics. Remember, different types of plants require different amounts of sunlight and water, so group plants accordingly. 

Native Plants

It is important to choose native plants for your xeriscaping project. Native plants will vary greatly depending on your specific location, but they will be naturally suited for your exact environment and ecological conditions.

Native plants are most likely to be happy with the natural rainfall and will not need additional watering. But, be sure to pay attention to your yard’s lighting – even if a plant is native to the area, it will not thrive unless it is getting the proper amount of light and shade that it requires.

Grass Alternatives

If you want a plant cover instead of more mulch, consider drought-tolerant ground cover. Some common native grass alternatives include clover, creeping thyme, creeping jenny and sedum. These plants are no-mow, low water and will grow in as a ground cover over time.

Succulents

Succulents are gorgeous, drought-tolerant plants that can add texture, height and interest to your xeriscaped yard. Succulents come in low ground cover, bushy plants, and even tall, tree-like plants, and are a great water saving alternative to more traditional plants. Even though succulents and cacti are very drought-tolerant, they don’t do their best in direct sun and prefer to have some shade to thrive.

3. Maximize Your Shade

Adding shade to your outdoor space can help minimize evaporation, protect delicate plants and maximize the benefit of rainfall. Shade could come from a plant like a tree or a large bush, or a structure such as a trellis or pergola.

4. Collect And Use Rainwater

Homeowners can collect and reuse rainwater to irrigate their xeriscape yards. It can be great to divert water away from a home and protect your home’s foundation in case of any significant rain events. The use of rain barrels or strategic rain gardens can be a great way to reduce your water bill, conserve water and keep your yard looking as good as possible. Plus, rainwater is much better for plants than the water from your tap, as it is free from chemicals.

5. Consider Gravel And Pavers

Xeriscaped yards do not have to include hardscape, but adding elements like stone, pavers and gravel is a great way to add interest to your outdoor space without needing any additional water or energy use.

Pavers are a great addition to any yard, especially one that is xeriscaped. Pavers are great for defining an area, such as a patio or path. They can also be stacked or turned sideways to create a border around garden beds.

Gravel can be an alternative to mulch and placed around plants or in garden beds. It can also be spread between or around pavers to help fill in and define a patio area.

Hardscape elements such as pavers, gravel, stepping stones, fire pits and rock gardens can be a great way to take your xeriscaped yard to the next level.

6. Efficient Irrigation

Even though xeriscaping requires less water, a properly functioning irrigation system that eliminates water waste is crucial. Drip irrigation systems save water and are more effective than using sprinkler heads. If you do use above-ground sprinklers, have them run in the early morning hours to avoid evaporation loss or overwatered plant roots that allow them to begin to rot. You can also consider a smart irrigation controller, which can water your plants based on local weather and can even be hooked up to a moisture meter for the most effective use of rainfall.

Xeriscaping Design FAQs

Here are some common FAQs about xeriscaping.

What is not good about xeriscaping?

The biggest negative to xeriscaping is that it does not result in a traditional looking yard. This could be a problem for homes in an HOA neighborhood or if you plan to resell your home. However, if done correctly, xeriscaping can be beautiful. Many HOA neighborhoods in traditionally dry climates will also be fine with, and expecting, xeriscaped yards.

How do you xeriscape on a budget?

You can xeriscape on a budget by doing the labor yourself and selecting inexpensive plants and materials. Consider adding additional plants and materials over time as your budget allows.

How do you prepare ground for xeriscaping?

To prepare your yard to be xeriscaped, you will need to remove all existing grass. The grass can be dug out and relocated or removed. If you don’t remove all of the grass, it can grow back where you don’t want it.

Is xeriscape cheaper than grass?

Xeriscape can be more expensive to install compared to grass, depending on the materials that you choose. However, it should be cheaper to maintain compared to grass over time due to less need for water, mowing and other forms of lawn upkeep.

Can I DIY xeriscape my yard?

It is easy to xeriscape your yard yourself. Take some time to research native plants that will succeed in your area. Remove all grass, add native plants and top with mulch or rocks.

The Bottom Line: Xeriscaping Can Save Water And Add A Modern Look

With some preparation and creativity, xeriscaping can have a big impact on your wallet and water conservation efforts and is a great way to decrease your carbon footprint!

By taking inspiration from these xeriscape ideas and principles, as well as other tips for eco-friendly landscaping, you can elevate your outdoor space to new levels.

Ready to get to work? Fund your xeriscape project by applying for a cash-out refi with Rocket Mortgage^® to get started.