Why Xeriscaping is a Smart Move for Property Owners and Operators

In the world of property ownership and management, landscaping decisions have historically been driven by aesthetics. Lush green lawns, colorful flower beds, and manicured hedges paint a picture of curb appeal and luxury. But in an era of rising water costs, tightening environmental regulations, and growing climate instability, property owners and operators are rethinking what makes landscaping truly valuable. Enter xeriscaping—a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant approach to landscape design that’s redefining what beauty and sustainability look like.

For multifamily complexes, commercial campuses, HOAs, and retail centers, xeriscaping offers a rare win-win-win: cost efficiency, operational simplicity, and long-term environmental resilience. It’s not just about swapping turf grass for rocks. It’s a strategic shift in how outdoor spaces are designed, maintained, and valued.

What Is Xeriscaping?

The term “xeriscape” is derived from the Greek word xeros, meaning dry, and the suffix -scape, as in landscape. Originally coined by Denver Water in the early 1980s, xeriscaping refers to landscaping that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental irrigation. But don’t mistake it for lifeless or bland. Xeriscaped spaces can be vibrant, green, and full of texture—just without the resource-heavy upkeep of traditional lawn care.

The approach centers around seven core principles:

1. Planning and Design
2. Soil Improvement
3. Efficient Irrigation
4. Plant Selection
5. Mulching
6. Turf Alternatives
7. Maintenance

While these principles might sound like best practices for any landscape, xeriscaping applies them with water conservation as the guiding force. The result? Spaces that are both beautiful and sustainable.

Why Property Owners and Operators Should Pay Attention

Let’s get practical. Landscaping costs are more than just line items on a budget—they impact operating expenses, tenant satisfaction, and long-term asset value. Xeriscaping addresses all three:

1. Slash Your Water Bill

Landscaped areas are often among the largest consumers of water on a property. In some regions, traditional turf can use 30 to 70 gallons of water per square foot annually. Xeriscaping can cut outdoor water use by 50 to 75%, depending on the design and local climate.

For properties in water-scarce areas—or under growing pressure from municipalities to reduce consumption—xeriscaping isn’t just smart. It’s survival.

2. Lower Ongoing Maintenance Costs

Traditional landscapes require weekly mowing, seasonal fertilizing, frequent pest control, and constant irrigation adjustments. That’s a lot of time, money, and manpower. Xeriscaped areas, by contrast, are designed to be self-sufficient. Once established, native and drought-tolerant plants require far less pruning, less fertilization, and little to no irrigation.

This means lower landscaping contracts or fewer in-house maintenance hours. For property managers juggling rising labor costs and staff shortages, that’s a game-changer.

3. Improve Long-Term Resilience

From record-breaking droughts to sudden storms, climate change is turning weather patterns unpredictable. Traditional landscaping simply isn’t built for this kind of volatility. Xeriscaping, however, leans into resilience.

By choosing plants that are adapted to local conditions—heat, cold, dry spells, and all—xeriscaped landscapes are more likely to bounce back from weather extremes. That means fewer replacements, less damage, and more predictable upkeep over time.

4. Boost Sustainability Credentials

Sustainability is no longer a buzzword—it’s a buying decision. From tenants to investors, people want to know what properties are doing to reduce their environmental footprint. Xeriscaping checks several boxes:

• Reduced water usage
• Lower emissions from gas-powered equipment
• Support for local biodiversity
• Minimal chemical runoff

For developers seeking LEED certification or operators needing ESG reporting metrics, xeriscaping is a tangible, visible proof point.

5. Overcoming Common Objections

While xeriscaping offers clear advantages, some concerns hold property owners back. Let’s address a few:

• “It’s too expensive to install.”
  Yes, initial costs can be higher than re-sodding a lawn, especially if you’re reworking irrigation systems. But the ROI is real. Most properties recoup the investment within 3 to 5 years through water and maintenance savings—and continue to benefit long after.
• “It’ll make the property look bare or unattractive.”
  Only if it’s poorly designed. A well-executed xeriscape can be modern, lush, and full of visual interest. Working with landscape designers who specialize in native and drought-tolerant plants ensures curb appeal remains a priority.
• “My tenants like grass.”
  That might be true—for specific uses like picnic areas or dog parks. Xeriscaping doesn’t mean eliminating grass entirely. It means being intentional about where and why grass is used, and replacing underutilized turf with smarter alternatives.

Getting Started: Tips for a Smart Transition

If you’re ready to start xeriscaping your property, don’t rip up the lawn tomorrow. Start with a strategic, phased approach:

• Conduct a Water Audit: Understand where water is going now and what areas are underused or over-irrigated.
• Identify Low-Use Zones: These are prime candidates for conversion—slopes, medians, perimeter zones, or decorative areas without foot traffic.
• Choose Local Plants: Native and adaptive plants thrive in your climate and soil. Local nurseries and conservation groups are great resources.
• Rethink Irrigation: Ditch sprinklers in favor of drip systems, rain sensors, and smart irrigation controllers.
• Partner with the Right Experts: Work with landscapers experienced in water-wise design and maintenance. Look for certifications like the Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper (QWEL) program.
• Promote Your Progress: Let tenants and stakeholders know why these changes are being made. Signage, newsletters, and social media updates can turn sustainability into a shared value—not just a cost-cutting measure.

Wrapping Up

Water is becoming the new oil: scarce, expensive, and politically charged. As a property owner or operator, the choices you make about landscaping are no longer just about beauty. They’re about budgets, risk management, tenant appeal, and future-proofing your asset.

Xeriscaping isn’t just a trendy alternative. It’s a practical evolution in property management—one that saves money, reduces headaches, and builds resilience. And for forward-thinking property leaders, that’s a landscape worth investing in.