What Is Xeriscape Landscaping and How It Saves Water in Your Yard

Austin has always loved outdoor spaces, but the climate doesn’t make it easy to keep a yard green. Summers stretch long and hot, storms roll in without warning, and drought is a constant challenge. That combination makes traditional lawns more of a struggle than a joy.

Xeriscape landscaping offers a smarter path. Often called drought-tolerant landscaping, it’s about building gardens that look vibrant without guzzling water. With the right mix of native plants, smart irrigation, and thoughtful design, our team helps homeowners create xeriscape yards that feel alive year-round while staying in step with Austin’s climate.

What Is Xeriscape Landscaping

Xeriscape landscaping, or xeriscaping, is the art of designing gardens that require little supplemental water. The term comes from the Greek “xeros,” meaning dry—but it doesn’t mean a yard of bare gravel. Instead, it combines smart soil prep, hardy plants, efficient drip irrigation, and mulch to keep moisture where it belongs.

In Austin’s hot summers, this approach allows us to create landscapes that stay green, save water, and feel welcoming year-round.

Benefits of Xeriscape Landscaping

The advantages of xeriscaping extend far beyond water savings. By working with our team, homeowners gain landscapes that are easier to care for, more resilient, and financially sustainable.

• Lower water bills: A yard designed to conserve water can cut usage dramatically, sometimes by half or more.

• Reduced maintenance: Less mowing, fertilizing, and upkeep thanks to plants that thrive naturally in Austin’s climate.

• Resilience during droughts: Gardens stay green and welcoming even in challenging conditions.

• Support for pollinators and local ecology: Native plants attract butterflies, bees, and birds, strengthening the ecosystem.

• Long-term savings and durability: By avoiding constant plant replacement and stressed lawns, homeowners enjoy landscapes that last.

Together, these benefits show why xeriscaping is more than a passing trend. It’s a forward-looking approach to outdoor living that aligns beauty with responsibility.

Best Plants for Xeriscape

A xeriscape doesn’t mean giving up beauty. With thoughtful plant selection, we create landscapes that are colorful, textured, and inviting while requiring far less water than traditional lawns.

Drought-Tolerant Flowers and Groundcovers

• Coneflower (Echinacea)

• Tickseed (Coreopsis)

• Lavender

• Yarrow (Achillea)

• Moss Rose (Portulaca)

• Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)

Succulents and Architectural Plants

• Agave

• Yucca

• Cacti varieties

• Sedum

Shrubs and Woody Plants

• Texas Sage (Leucophyllum)

• Red Yucca (Hesperaloe)

• Butterfly Bush (Buddleia)

• Juniper

• Oregano (ornamental and culinary)

Grasses That Add Movement and Texture

• Mexican Feather Grass

• Fountain Grass

• Switch Grass

• Zebra Grass

• Maiden Grass

Using these plants, we build xeriscapes that handle drought with ease, attract pollinators, and remain vibrant through even the hottest Austin summers. With the right combinations, gardens stay green, colorful, and alive with minimal upkeep.

7 Principles of Xeriscaping

Xeriscaping follows a clear set of guiding principles. These seven ideas help us design successful, water-smart landscapes for any space—from a small front yard to a larger outdoor retreat.

1. Planning with purpose: Every landscape starts with a plan. We consider sun patterns, soil, and water flow to design a layout that works naturally.

2. Improving the soil: Healthy soil retains nutrients and moisture, allowing plants to thrive with less water. Adding compost and adjusting soil structure makes a big difference.

3. Choosing the right plants: Native and drought-tolerant plants are the backbone of xeriscaping. They survive Austin summers while bringing color and texture with minimal care.

4. Smart turf use: Lawns often use the most water. We reduce turf areas or replace them with hardy groundcovers that stay green without constant watering.

5. Efficient irrigation: Drip irrigation and smart controllers deliver water exactly where and when it’s needed, reducing waste.

6. Mulching for protection: Mulch keeps soil cool, locks in moisture, and prevents weeds from stealing resources.

7. Easy maintenance: A xeriscape requires less work overall. Once established, it needs only occasional trimming, cleaning, and seasonal check-ins.

What Xeriscaping is NOT

Xeriscaping often gets misunderstood, so let us set the record straight:

• It is not a yard made only of rocks: Plants remain the star, while stones support the design.

• It is not colorless: Native Texas plants provide vibrant blooms, foliage, and seasonal variety.

• It is not zero maintenance: Trimming, mulching, and occasional irrigation keep it thriving.

• It is not only for large properties: Even small yards and patios benefit from xeriscape principles.

• It is not more expensive in the long run: Upfront costs may be higher, but long-term savings on water, fertilizers, and plant replacement make it cost-effective.

Conclusion

In Austin, xeriscaping is more than a way to conserve water—it’s a smart, stylish approach to outdoor living. By working with the climate instead of against it, our team helps homeowners create spaces that stay vibrant through heat, drought, and sudden storms. With the right plants, smart irrigation, and thoughtful design, a xeriscape yard becomes both sustainable and inviting, offering long-term beauty and value.

FAQs

What is the difference between xeriscape and zeroscape?

Xeriscape uses water-smart landscaping with drought-tolerant plants, mulch, and efficient irrigation. Zeroscape typically means little to no plants at all, just rocks or gravel. Xeriscaping creates a living, sustainable garden—not a barren yard.

How much does xeriscaping cost?

Costs vary based on yard size, soil prep, plant selection, and irrigation. Smaller projects are budget-friendly, while larger designs may be more of an investment. Over time, savings on water and reduced upkeep balance the initial cost.

What is drought-tolerant landscaping?

Drought-tolerant landscaping is designed to thrive with minimal supplemental water. Xeriscaping is one form, using hardy plants, mulching, and smart irrigation to maintain beauty efficiently.

What is the difference between landscaping and xeriscaping?

Traditional landscaping often requires more water, fertilizers, and maintenance. Xeriscaping works with the climate, using drought-tolerant plants and efficient irrigation systems while keeping your yard attractive.

What type of irrigation is best for xeriscapes?

Drip irrigation is ideal. It delivers water directly to plant roots with minimal waste, and pairing it with smart timers maximizes efficiency.

What time of year is best to xeriscape?

Fall and early spring are optimal. Cooler weather and seasonal rains help plants establish strong roots before the heat of Austin’s summer sets in.