Project Guide
How to Start Xeriscaping at Home
“Xeriscaping isn’t about going without water – it’s about using it wisely to create a yard that thrives with less.”
Water conservation starts in your backyard, and xeriscaping is one of the most effective ways to make an impact. If you’re not familiar, xeriscaping is a landscaping approach designed to minimize the need for irrigation by using drought-tolerant plants, porous ground cover and efficient watering systems. It’s a great way to reduce water usage while maintaining a beautiful, low-maintenance yard.
Whether you live in the Southwest, or you’re simply looking for a more water-wise yard solution, here’s how to get started with xeriscaping at home. Want to learn more about the basics? Check out our first article What Is Xeriscaping?
Xeriscaping Tools and Materials
You’ll find most of what you need to xeriscape at your local Home Depot, including:
- Drip irrigation systems and accessories
- Landscape fabric or natural weed barriers
- Decomposed granite or decorative rock
- Organic soil amendments (compost, peat moss, worm castings)
- Desert tools like pickaxes or digging bars for tough soil
1. Start with Research and Planning
Before digging into the dirt, spend some time understanding your space and setting goals. Determine how much sunlight your yard receives, what kind of soil you have and how much time you want to spend on maintenance.
Be thoughtful about the types of plants you choose. Brands like SMART PLANET, available at The Home Depot, offer plant varieties selected for their regional suitability and water efficiency. Many of these plants – like Texas Sage, Yuccas and Agave – thrive with minimal watering and can provide striking beauty year-round.
2. Test and Understand Your Soil
Dig a hole and fill it with water to gauge how well your soil drains. If the water drains too fast, your soil may be too sandy and will need amendments to retain moisture. If it drains slowly, it may contain too much clay, which could limit water absorption. In both cases, consider adding organic materials like compost, sand or soil conditioners to improve the soil’s ability to support drought-tolerant plants.
3. Choose the Right Irrigation System
While xeriscaping focuses on using less water, it doesn’t mean zero water. A drip irrigation system is often the most effective choice for xeriscaped yards. It delivers water directly to the roots with minimal waste, which is especially important in hot climates where evaporation is a concern.
Install a rain sensor, like one from Rachio, or schedule your irrigation around the season. Even drought-tolerant plants need a little extra help during their first few months as they get established.
4. Select Your Ground Cover
Traditional mulch can retain moisture but may not be ideal in all climates due to pest attraction. Instead, many xeriscaped yards use decorative gravel, crushed granite, or other porous materials that reduce evaporation and help suppress weeds.
Be sure to lay a weed barrier underneath your ground cover – preferably a porous landscape fabric, newspaper or burlap – to minimize unwanted growth while allowing water to seep into the soil.
5. Choose Your Plants Strategically
When selecting plants, think about:
- Size at maturity: Choose compact varieties for small spaces and larger ones for open areas.
- Maintenance needs: Some plants may need occasional trimming, while others require little upkeep.
- Climate adaptability: Native and regionally appropriate plants will perform better and require less care.
The Home Depot offers a wide variety of drought-tolerant plants, including cacti, succulents and perennials designed for low water use. Look at the plant tags in your local Garden Center to help guide your choices.
6. Prepare and Plant
Once you’ve mapped your layout and gathered your materials, it’s time to plant. Dig each hole wider and deeper than the root ball, add a mix of native soil and organic amendments, and water thoroughly after planting. Focus on root development rather than top growth in the early stages – strong roots make for long-lasting plants.
7. Maintain Mindfully
Even drought-tolerant landscapes need occasional care. Regularly check irrigation systems, remove weeds and prune plants as needed. Adjust watering schedules based on seasonal conditions to avoid over-watering.
Start Small, Grow Big
Xeriscaping doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing commitment. Start with one section of your yard, test what works and expand from there. With the right tools, regional plants and a bit of planning, you can transform your outdoor space into a low-water, high-reward landscape that saves resources and adds beauty year-round.