A water-efficient xeriscape matches the layout, plants, soil and irrigation to the site. It is not simply a rock-covered yard or a collection of desert plants. Begin with the spaces you use, then choose a planting and watering plan that can support them with less waste.
Use the seven principles as a connected plan
Denver Water’s Xeriscape principles bring together planning, soil improvement, plant selection, practical turf, irrigation, mulch and maintenance. Treat them as connected decisions: changing plants without changing an unsuitable watering routine may leave much of the old water use in place.
Draw buildings, paths, existing trees and the places used for seating or play. Mark sun, shade, slopes, drainage and difficult-to-water strips. Keep worthwhile existing plants in the discussion rather than assuming a complete clearance is required.
Choose plants for the actual conditions
Use botanical names, mature dimensions and local growing guidance when selecting plants. A plant native to a wet habitat is not automatically suitable for a dry border, and a desert species may not tolerate your winter or soil. Avoid a nationwide shortlist that treats cacti, arctic plants and turfgrasses as interchangeable.
Group plants with compatible water needs, while also matching light and drainage. EPA’s landscaping guidance explains how site-appropriate planting and mulch can reduce supplemental water demand. Allow space for mature growth and a route for maintenance.
Prepare a small worksheet for each planting area: purpose, exposure, soil concern, mature plant size, watering group and establishment needs. A blank or uncertain entry is a question to resolve before ordering plants.
Assess soil before amending it
Investigate compaction, drainage or other suspected problems rather than applying the same compost recipe everywhere. Some plants suit lean soils; adding rich material to every planting hole is not automatically an improvement. Seek local soil-testing or Extension advice where needed.
Keep grading and drainage compatible with buildings, trees and neighboring properties. Rainwater collection or infiltration features need a suitable design and compliance with local requirements. A depression is not automatically a safe place to direct runoff.
Keep useful turf in a suitable location
A lawn can serve play, access or another practical purpose. Reduce unused or awkward areas where a different planting would work better, but select any retained turf for climate, traffic and light. Do not move all grass into shade on the assumption that shade always saves water.
EPA’s turfgrass guidance treats species selection and management as part of water efficiency. An ornamental grass is not necessarily a mowable or walkable turf substitute.
Make irrigation fit the planting
Inspect the existing system before deciding what to replace. Check where water lands, whether there are leaks and whether each zone serves plants with compatible needs. Keep mature-tree requirements in mind when removing a surrounding lawn and its former irrigation.
Drip or other microirrigation can suit beds, but correct design and maintenance still matter. EPA describes its use around plant root zones. A clogged emitter or inappropriate runtime can defeat the intended benefit.
Plan establishment watering separately from the mature landscape’s routine. Adjust to weather and plant condition within local restrictions; do not leave a frequent new-plant setting in place indefinitely. A controller still needs oversight.
Choose mulch for the site
Organic and mineral mulches have different effects and uses. Consider plant requirements, heat, drainage and local fire guidance. Keep material appropriately clear of trunks and crowns. Rock is not an automatic cure for weeds, poor drainage or water waste.
Convert in stages and measure the result
Start with an area small enough to establish and maintain well. Record what changed, how it is watered and whether plants survive and grow as expected. Inspect weeds, emitters and plant spacing through the seasons.
Compare water use over comparable periods while accounting for weather and household changes. A household-wide daily average cannot serve as a measured irrigation baseline for your yard. For the separate financial calculation, use the xeriscaping and water-bill guide.
