# Xeriscaping Tips for Thriving Drought-Resistant Yards - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/06/xeriscaping-tips-for-thriving-drought-resistant-yards/ - Published: 2015-06-05T01:21:00-04:00 - Author: greenlivingguy ## Xeriscaping Tips: 4 Things to Know for Water-Conscious Yard Design Let’s get ready with xeriscaping tips for this summer. In many parts of the U.S.— especially in the West and Southwest—severe drought has put an emphasis on water conservation. Xeriscape (pronounced “zeri-scape”) is a water-efficient landscaping method growing in popularity. Homeowners look to limit daily water usage with alternative landscaping materials and techniques. With xeriscaping, yards can become environmentally friendly. They can still be impeccably well [designed with native plants](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/07/8-design-ideas-for-native-plants-eco-friendly-backyard-summer-soiree/) and landscapes that require little to no water. Here are a few things to keep in mind for planning the perfectly xeriscaped yard. ### 1. Pick the Right Plants It may seem obvious, but it’s crucial to choose plants that don’t require a lot of water. Succulents are a great [solution that don’t need](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/03/global-climate-challenge-innovative-solutions-needed/) a lot of water and are easy to grow. Aeonium, a succulent shrub, is a good option for rocky areas. If you’re looking for something other than succulents, African Daisies thrive in the sun and come in a mix of hues. Another key factor is finding plants that are [native to the region](https://web.archive.org/web/20160315025545/http://builtfromscratch.homedepot.com:80/garden-center-regions-2015/), especially for areas that consistently face dry conditions. These plants will have an easier time surviving since they are naturally equipped to handle the environment. ![A vibrant xeriscaped garden featuring various succulent plants colorful flowers and decorative stones](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/ 06/image-4-400x300.png?resize=400%2C300&ssl=1 "image - The Green Living Guy") A vibrant xeriscape garden featuring colorful succulents and native plants designed for water conservation ### 2. Soil Prep is Key Finding the right mix of soil can be tricky, but necessary. Especially in a dry climate, the soil needs to hold the small amount of moisture and nutrients available for the plant. The Home Depot has [soil testing kits](https://www.homedepot.com/s/soil+test+kit?NCNI-5) that help determine the pH of the area for adding those xeriscaping tips. From there, you can find out what you need to alter, or identify what mixes you need for the soil. Mulch can also be helpful for retaining moisture and preventing weed growth. New [online tools](https://web.archive.org/web/20160322145431/http://builtfromscratch.homedepot.com:80/online-tools-interactive-gardening/) help you find the right amount of mulch you need for your space. It’s also important to take note of unleveled areas of the yard. These can affect water drainage and might increase evaporation, keeping certain [plants from receiving water](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/12/how-to-reduce-water-waste-when-growing-cannabis/). You may need to decrease the slope, or reconsider where you place certain plants. ### 3. Watering and Irrigating Determine the best irrigation [plan for your plants](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/01/tree-plan-plant-great-green-wall-africa-grows/). Drought-tolerant [plants often need a lot of water](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/10/plant-water-damage-protect-your-garden-from-extreme-weather/) in the beginning. However, once they’ve established deep roots, they require very little water. Irrigation systems are sometimes the most efficient [way to give the plants the water](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/03/water-outdoor-plants-6-ways-to-develop-it-eco-friendly-paradise/) they need. By supplying water directly to the plant’s base, there’s less opportunity for the [water to evaporate and be wasted](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/01/epa-proposes-waste-water-discharge-permits-for-oil-and-gas-exploration-in-alaskas-beaufort-and-chukchi-seas/). ![A beautifully landscaped xeriscaped using our tips on the yard featuring a pathway surrounded by various drought resistant plants including succulents and vibrant flowers designed for water conservation](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp- content/uploads/2015/06/IMG_5718.webp?resize=400%2C300&quality=50&ssl=1 "IMG_5718- The Green Living Guy") A beautifully xeriscaped yard showcasing drought resistant plants and colorful succulents designed for water conservation Home automation allows you to customize your irrigation system—even while [away on vacation—helping to decrease water waste](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/03/each-person-in-the-uk-throws-away-equivalent-of-two-burgers-a-day-in-food-waste/). As more and more homeowners want to increase yard efficiency, this [smart gardening trend is on the rise](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/02/with-gas-prices-on-the-rise-smart-driving-means-avings/). New outdoor tools are becoming available. For example, the [Rachio Smart Irrigation Controller](https://www.homedepot.com/) is about intelligent water use through an irrigation system that you control from anywhere. It helps to reduce water use by more than 20 percent. The [Smart Robotic Sprinkler](https://web.archive.org/web/20171004033602/http://www.homedepot.com:80/p/Droplet-Smart-Robotic-Sprinkler-DR01/205424704) by Droplet assesses local weather. It adapts watering times and amount based on real-time information. ### 4. Rocks Add Design and Texture While succulent [gardens and soil](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/03/garden-soil-for-protecting-the-environment-this-year/) can play a big role in your xeriscaped yard, there are also ways to use non-living outdoor materials. These [materials add a unique design](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/07/green-design-materials-for-impressive-home-decor/) dynamic. Hardscaping elements, such as stones, pavers, and pebbles, allow creativity with different patterns and colors while keeping out weeds. They also protect soil from high temperatures. Landscape additions like marble chips and pea gravel come in a variety of shapes and sizes—ready for you to mix and match. ### Conclusion Xeriscaping has a lot of benefits. You can save time, money, and water by gardening in a way that requires less water and fewer resources. This fosters a sustainable environment. This method is perfect not only for water-thirsty yards but also for those looking to minimize their ecological footprint. [Homeowners who lack a green](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/01/homeowners-missing-out-on-disclosing-green-certifications-when-selling-their-home-by-10/) thumb or want a low-maintenance yard can take advantage of xeriscaping options. This ensures that their outdoor space remains vibrant and beautiful without excessive upkeep. By selecting drought-resistant plants, strategically placing them, and incorporating mulch, you can create a welcoming landscape that conserves resources. It also reduces the need for chemical [fertilizers and pesticides](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/03/naturally-wash-away-pesticides-fertilizer-dirt-road-grit-mold-fungi-wax-or-worse/). Embrace the creativity that xeriscaping offers and pick out your favorite [plants and designs to transform your garden](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/07/gardens-planting-worldwide-a-horticultural-adventure/) into a thriving, eco-friendly haven. _**[Courtesy of Home Depot](https://web.archive.org/web/20160531025107/http://builtfromscratch.homedepot.com:80/xeriscaping-2015/)**_ ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)