What is Xeriscaping?

Recently we have received a lot of questions from people in northern Colorado about Xeriscaping, so we thought it would be a great topic for our blog. For those who have never heard of Xeriscaping, it is a landscaping technique that is designed to conserve water usage and is traditionally popular in areas that are very dry. Although it has seen a recent boost in popularity, the term actually was created in Denver in the 1970s!

At first a Xeriscaped yard may not sound very visually stimulating, but that could not be further from the truth. When done right Xeriscaping can look absolutely beautiful! Breaking away from the traditional landscaping styles can provide your lawn with a look that is sure to set itself apart. Just because the amount of grass that is in the yard is reduced does not mean that your yard will have no signs of vegetation. Instead of removing flowers, Xeriscaping focuses on using flowers and plants that do not require an abundance of water. Flowers such as the Texas Sage and Trailing Lantana provide a great balance of conserving water and producing vibrant colors. Rock designs can also be a great way to customize your home and set it apart from the rest. Xeriscaping is a trendy untraditional option that can really improve the curb appeal of your home.

Xeriscaping does not solely provide aesthetically pleasing attributes, it can also cut cost. Obviously, Xeriscaping cuts utility costs because it is designed to use less water. It also requires much less maintenance than a traditional yard because there is less grass to mow. While saving money is always exciting, the benefits of Xeriscaping go beyond your checkbook. Using less water is very environmentally friendly and helps save water in your community.

While we have listed some of the great attributes Xeriscaping offers, there are some common misconceptions when it comes to this environmentally friendly landscaping technique that we would like to discuss. Generally, Xeriscaping is associated with a totally grass-free yard. Although it is a common practice to reduce the amount of grass used in the landscape design, because of the amount of water it takes to maintain a healthy lawn, it does not mean that lawns cannot have any grass. Another common misconception is that Xeriscaping is not pet-friendly. Do not be alarmed animal lovers, Xeriscapes can be designed with your pets in mind, making Xeriscaping a great option even if you have pets!

Overall Xeriscaping is a terrific option if you are trying to cut expenses, do not have time to maintain a yard, or are looking for something new to set your house apart. When considering future landscaping plans make sure to consider the benefits of Xeriscaping and do not hesitate to call Ranch Bros if you have any questions!