Why Xeriscaping Doesn’t Mean“Zero-scaping”: How to Build a Beautiful, Low-Water Garden and Yard
Xeriscaping has become a popular choice for homeowners along the Boulder County Front Range, and for good reason. With Colorado’s dry climate and ongoing drought concerns, reducing outdoor water use is a smart investment. But one major misconception still persists: xeriscaping means a yard full of boring gravel and nothing else.
The truth is, xeriscaping doesn’t mean “zero-scaping.” When done well, it creates a vibrant, welcoming landscape filled with color, texture, and life, all while using significantly less water than traditional lawns.
How Xeriscaping Can Be Lush and Beautiful
Xeriscaping is a style of landscaping that reduces the amount of lawn and water used in yards while maintaining the integrity and beauty of the space. Instead of relying on thirsty turf, xeriscapes use native and drought-tolerant plants, mulch, rock, and boulders to create an intentional and inviting outdoor space.
On average, xeriscapes reduce landscape water consumption by 40 to 60 percent compared to regular lawn landscapes. That means homeowners can enjoy a beautiful garden while cutting down on irrigation costs and long-term maintenance.
A Smart Choice for Homes Around Boulder County
Boulder-area homeowners looking to upgrade their landscape design often want an outdoor space that looks stunning but does not demand constant upkeep. Xeriscaping delivers exactly that, with landscapes that are water-wise, colorful, and well-suited to Colorado’s climate.
A successful xeriscape isn’t about stripping everything out and covering the yard in stone. It’s a thoughtful design process that balances water savings with beauty, structure, and year-round interest.
At Boulder Landscape and Design, we love mixing textures like mulch and river rock, altering heights with retaining walls and boulders, and adding seasonal movement with plantings that thrive in Colorado’s climate. The result is a landscape that feels alive, not barren.
Xeriscaping: What to Expect
Here are a few key steps homeowners typically go through when planning a xeriscape with a professional landscape designer:
1. Evaluate the site
Every yard is different. Sun exposure, slope, soil, and drainage all play a role in creating a landscape that will thrive.
2. Reduce lawn with intention
Xeriscaping doesn’t mean eliminating grass entirely. Many homeowners keep a small usable lawn area while replacing the rest with planting beds, patios, or walkways.
3. Select drought-tolerant and native plants
The foundation of xeriscaping is choosing plants that bring color and texture while requiring far less irrigation once established. Determining the right plant for the right spot is key especially with our changing climate and weather rollercoasters.
4. Add structure with stone and natural materials
Mulch, river rock, boulders, and retaining walls help define the space, retain moisture, and create visual interest.
5. Upgrade irrigation for efficiency
Drip systems and smart irrigation zones reduce water waste and can significantly lower outdoor water bills over time.
6. Build for long-term simplicity
A well-designed xeriscape is low maintenance, drought resilient, and beautiful across all seasons.
Whether you want a front yard refresh or a full backyard transformation, working with an experienced Boulder landscaping company ensures your xeriscape is functional, inviting, and built to last.
Using a Trusted Landscape Designer
As an experienced landscape design and installation company with tenured designers on staff, Boulder Landscape and Design (BLD) provides fully custom landscape transformations across the Boulder County Front Range. Our approach to residential landscape design includes using quality materials, thoughtful planning, and a customer experience rooted in transparency.
If you are ready to transform your outdoor space with xeriscaping and create a low-water garden full of life, contact Boulder Landscape and Design today. We would love to learn more about your project goals, please Fill out our new project form here so we can talk more about next steps!
