Services
Xeriscape & Water-Wise Landscaping
Less water, less mowing — a landscape made for Colorado.
Xeriscaping means designing a landscape around low water use — and it was invented right here: Denver Water coined the term in 1981. Done well, a xeriscape is colorful and full of life, not a yard of gravel and cactus.
We design and install water-wise landscapes that combine Colorado-adapted plants, efficient drip irrigation, mulch, and smart layout. The result is a yard that needs less water, less mowing, and less fuss — without looking bare.
A xeriscape doesn't have to be all-or-nothing. Many customers convert a hard-to-water strip, a slope, or the front yard first and keep some traditional lawn where they actually use it.
We'll be honest about trade-offs: xeriscapes still need some water and some maintenance, especially in the first couple of years while plants establish. We'll show you what to expect before anything is planted.
What's included
Water-wise landscape design tailored to your property
Turf removal and conversion of lawn areas
Colorado-adapted, low-water plant selection
Drip irrigation for beds, trees, and shrubs
Mulch and rock installation to hold soil moisture
Guidance on utility turf-replacement rebate programs
Field notes
What 20+ years here taught us
The word "xeriscape" was coined by Denver Water in 1981 — the concept was developed here specifically for Colorado's semi-arid climate.
Denver averages only about 14 to 15 inches of precipitation a year, which is why low-water landscaping makes long-term sense across the metro.
Many Colorado water utilities offer turf-replacement rebates for converting lawn to water-wise landscape — check your local utility's current program before starting a conversion.
Common questions
- Is xeriscape right for my yard?
- It's a good fit if you have areas of lawn you don't really use, spots that are hard to keep watered, or you simply want lower water bills and less mowing. It's less of a fit for areas where kids and pets need turf to play on. We'll walk the yard with you and give a straight answer.
- Does xeriscape mean no watering at all?
- No. New plants need regular water for the first season or two while they establish. After that, a well-designed xeriscape needs far less water than lawn — but 'low water' is not 'no water.'
- Will a xeriscape look like a gravel lot?
- Not if it's designed well. Good xeriscapes use layered plantings, seasonal color, and varied textures. Rock and mulch are part of the design, not the whole design.
Free estimates · Aurora, Denver & the Denver metro area
Get a free xeriscape & water-wise landscaping estimate
Serving Aurora, Denver, and the Denver metro. Tell us about your project and we'll be in touch.