Xeriscaping Guide by City
Drought-tolerant landscaping plans for 500+ US cities. Find native plants for your USDA zone, water restriction information, rebate programs, and step-by-step xeriscape guides tailored to your local climate.
Outdoor irrigation accounts for 30% of US residential water use — over 9 billion gallons per day.
Xeriscaping reduces outdoor water use by 50–75%. Many states now offer rebates of $1–$3 per square foot to replace traditional lawns with drought-tolerant landscapes.
The 7 Principles of Xeriscaping
1. Plan and Design
Start with a water-efficient landscape plan that groups plants by water needs. Place high-water plants (if any) closest to the house and low-water plants further away.
2. Improve Soil
Amend soil with compost to improve water retention in sandy soils and drainage in clay soils. Healthy soil holds more moisture and supports deeper root systems.
3. Reduce Turf Area
Limit conventional lawn to areas that serve a functional purpose (play areas, pathways). Replace decorative turf with native plants, ground covers, or mulch.
4. Choose Low-Water Plants
Select native and adapted plants suited to your USDA zone. Native plants have evolved with local rainfall patterns and typically need no supplemental irrigation once established.
5. Mulch Generously
Apply 5–10cm of organic mulch (or gravel in desert climates) around all plantings. Mulch reduces evaporation by up to 70%, suppresses weeds, and moderates soil temperature.
6. Irrigate Efficiently
If irrigation is needed, use drip systems or soaker hoses rather than sprinklers. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Water before 9am to reduce evaporation.
7. Maintain Appropriately
Proper maintenance reduces water waste. Keep mulch refreshed, prune to reduce water demand, and adjust irrigation seasonally. A well-maintained xeriscape improves over time.
States with Critical Water Restrictions
These states have the most aggressive water conservation policies and often offer the best rebate programs for xeriscaping.
High Water Restriction States
Browse All States
Frequently Asked Questions
What is xeriscaping?
Xeriscaping is a landscaping method that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental irrigation. It uses drought-tolerant native plants, efficient irrigation, soil improvement, and mulching to create attractive landscapes that thrive on natural rainfall. The term comes from the Greek word 'xeros' meaning dry. A well-designed xeriscape can reduce outdoor water use by 50–75%.
How much water does xeriscaping save?
Xeriscaping typically reduces outdoor water use by 50–75% compared to traditional landscaping. For an average US household, this translates to saving 15,000–60,000 gallons per year depending on climate zone. In hot, dry states like Arizona and Nevada, savings can exceed $500–$800 per year on water bills.
Does xeriscaping mean a yard full of rocks?
No. Modern xeriscaping uses a diverse palette of native and adapted plants that provide colour, texture, and seasonal interest year-round. While gravel and decomposed granite are used in desert climates, most xeriscape designs feature flowering perennials, native grasses, shrubs, and trees chosen for their low water needs.
Are there rebates for xeriscaping?
Yes, many US states and municipalities offer rebates for converting traditional lawns to xeriscape. Nevada offers up to $3 per square foot, Arizona cities offer $1,500+ for conversions, and California provides $1–$3 per square foot through various water district programs.
Can I xeriscape in a cold climate?
Absolutely. Xeriscaping works in every US climate zone from 4b to 10b. In cold climates, native prairie grasses like Buffalo Grass and Blue Grama, along with perennials like Echinacea and Black-Eyed Susan, create beautiful low-water landscapes.