Discover Xeriscaping: The Water-Smart Way to Transform Your Denver Yard

If you’ve ever wondered how to create a beautiful, low-maintenance yard that fits perfectly with Colorado’s climate, xeriscaping might be the answer you’ve been looking for. With growing concerns about water scarcity and the cost of maintaining traditional lawns, more Denver homeowners are turning to xeriscaping as a way to make their outdoor spaces both eco-friendly and delightful to use. But what does xeriscaping really involve, and how can you enjoy a vibrant landscape without giving up everything green? Let’s walk through the essentials together.

What Is Xeriscaping and Why Is It Right for Denver?

Xeriscaping isn’t just rock gardens and a few spiky plants. At its heart, xeriscaping is about working with nature instead of against it. In Denver, where dry spells are common and summers can be scorching, this means designing your landscape with plants that thrive on minimal water, building healthy soil, and making smart use of every drop. When done thoughtfully, xeriscaping slashes your water bills and reduces yard work, while still providing beautiful colors, textures, and even room for a little bit of lawn. Living Landscapes takes the idea further by focusing on ecological design, native plants, and holistic planning tailored to your specific yard.

Native and well- adapted plants flourish in this front yard xeriscape project.

How Much Does Xeriscaping Cost in Denver?

It’s natural to wonder if xeriscaping fits your budget, especially since you may have heard that it can get expensive. The cost can range quite a bit, depending on the size and complexity of your yard. For a smaller front yard makeover, using a DIY approach with mulch, native perennials, and a streamlined design, you might spend as little as $3,000 to $8,000. For larger spaces or a full design-build experience like what Living Landscapes offers

—which includes Site Assessments, custom designs, and quality hardscape installations—the investment might range from $10,000 to $30,000 or more.

Why do costs go up? It’s all about the details. Professional xeriscaping uses quality materials, skilled craftspeople, and plants suited for Denver’s unique conditions. Elements like stone patios, walkways, irrigation upgrades, rock mulch, and thoughtful edging all add to the total but also provide decades of value.

Why Is Xeriscaping Sometimes So Expensive?

At first glance, removing thirsty grass and adding drought-tolerant plants seems simple enough. However, the up-front costs tend to reflect not just the price of plants, but the entire transformation: removing sod, upgrading irrigation, focusing on plant selections that thrive on Denver’s lean soil profile, and installing premium features like patios or dry creek beds. Native plants can cost a bit more up front, but they last longer and need less care overall. Plus, you’ll enjoy significant savings on water, fertilizer, mowing, and repairs over the years. With Living Landscapes, the goal is to create a landscape that lasts and grows in beauty each season. Everything from design to installation is tailored for resiliency and long-term enjoyment, so your investment pays back for years to come.

Hardscaping with local materials can make a monumental impact on the overall garden design and circulation. We built a polymeric sand infilled flagstone walkway to connect the driveway to the front porch for this project.

When Is the Best Time to Start a Xeriscaping Project?

Here in Denver, the best time for new xeriscaping projects is spring or early fall. The moderate temperatures and seasonal moisture help new plants settle in and reduce transplant shock. While summer installations are possible, they require a bit more watering until the plants are established. Site Assessments or planning can happen year-round, so you can start the conversation as soon as you’re ready—even mid-winter, if you’re

planning ahead for next year.

Can You Still Have Grass in a Xeriscaped Yard?

Absolutely. Xeriscaping doesn’t require saying goodbye to all lawn, but it does encourage thoughtful placement and choosing varieties that need less water. Many homeowners opt for reduced lawn areas or switch to low-water grasses like buffalograss, blue grama, Dog‐Tuff, or Tahoma 31. These hold up well to foot traffic and play, but need much less irrigation than traditional turf. Some designs mix small lawn spaces with pathways, native flowers, and grasses for a fresh and functional look.

Trees are also not excluded in a true xeriscape! We can design with low- water use trees that can handle the challenging climatic conditions of the Front Range. Hawthorn, Princess Kay Plum, and Crimson Spire Oak are all featured in this design.

How to Start Xeriscaping for Beginners

You don’t have to be an expert gardener to begin xeriscaping. Start small and focus on the basics:

Assess your site: Take note of sun, shade, slopes, and drainage.

Choose native, drought-tolerant plants: Go for Colorado natives—they’re easiest to care for.

Limit your lawn: Use turf intentionally where you most want it.

Rock "mulch" generously: We recommend at least 3" of squeegee mulch for weed suppression while still allowing water to penetrate to plant roots.

Install efficient irrigation: Drip systems waste less water than sprinklers.

Living Landscapes offers personalized Site Assessments to help you identify the opportunities unique to your yard, as well as full design packages that take the guesswork out of the process. If you’re curious about how xeriscaping fits within a broader approach like sustainable landscaping in Denver, CO, you’ll find even more opportunities to support biodiversity and beauty.

Sustainable, Beautiful, and Uniquely Yours

Transforming your yard into a water‐smart landscape is much more than a practical decision. It means creating an outdoor space that reflects your values and supports the local ecosystem while saving resources and time. Whether you’re interested in a small makeover, a functional food forest, or a complete re‐imagining with native plants and artistic hardscaping, Living Landscapes brings expertise, care, and creativity to every project.

Ready to explore your options, or need help with landscape design in Denver, CO? You don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to Living Landscapes to schedule your Site Assessment and discover how your yard can thrive with less water, less hassle, and a whole lot more life.

Salvia greggi shows off next to flagstone steppers while penstemon palmeri dance in the background.