Professional Xeriscaping Services in Austin, TX

We offer both residential and commercial xeriscaping installation packages for all of your drought-tolerant landscaping needs.

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What is Xeriscaping?

Xeriscaping is a landscaping technique that emphasizes water conservation, deriving its name from the Greek word "xeros," meaning dry. It includes selecting drought-tolerant native plants that require minimal watering, improving the soil with organic matter to enhance moisture retention, and using efficient irrigation methods like drip systems to minimize water waste. Applying mulch helps retain soil moisture, reduces temperature fluctuations, and suppresses weeds. Xeriscape landscaping minimizes lawn areas, using low-water ground covers instead. This method conserves water and reduces maintenance while maintaining an attractive landscape.

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Benefits of Xeriscaping

An Austin xeriscape can provide these benefits:



  • Water Conservation: Significantly reduces water usage with drought-resistant plants and efficient irrigation.
  • Low Maintenance: Requires less mowing, and watering, without using chemicals, saving time and reducing environmental impact.
  • Cost Savings: Lower utility and maintenance costs make it financially beneficial.
  • Aesthetic Value: Enhances curb appeal with diverse, visually attractive plant selections, increasing property value.
  • Environmental Benefits: Decreases chemical runoff and conserves energy, supporting sustainability.
  • Climate Resilience: Thrives in variable weather conditions, maintaining beauty without extra resources.

Popular Xeriscaping Plants

In Austin's hot and dry climate, xeriscape plants thrive, making them excellent choices for water-efficient landscaping:

  • Texas Sage: Features silvery foliage and purple flowers, responding well to humidity.
  • Agave: Offers dramatic, architectural shapes with various species available.
  • Yucca: Provides striking vertical elements and tall white flowers.
  • Lantana: Drought-tolerant, attracts butterflies, and offers continuous blooms.
  • Sedum: Low-growing succulents that form colorful flowering carpets.
  • Mexican Feather Grass: Adds soft texture with its graceful, breezy movement.
  • Red Yucca: Produces red or yellow flowers and resists drought well.
  • Bluebonnets: Texas's state flower thrives in poor, dry soils with vibrant spring blooms.

Do xeriscaping plants need regular fertilization?

Xeriscaping plants typically require minimal fertilization compared to traditional landscaping plants. Successful xeriscaping involves selecting native or drought-tolerant plants adaptable to local soil and climate conditions. These plants are naturally equipped to thrive in their native environments.


When setting up a xeriscape, xeriscape landscapers improve the soil with organic amendments like compost at the time of planting that can provide a good nutrient base to support plant health without the need for additional fertilization. If fertilization is necessary, it's usually less frequent and less intensive.


Organic, slow-release fertilizers that don’t contribute to chemical runoff, will maintain the environmental benefits of xeriscaping. Once established, xeriscaping plants should thrive with little intervention, ensuring your landscape is low maintenance and sustainable.

When is the best time to install xeriscaping in Austin?



The best times to install xeriscaping in Austin are during the cooler, rainier months of early spring (March to April) and fall (October to November).


These periods allow plants to establish roots comfortably before the extreme heat of summer or during mild fall conditions, which support root growth with adequate natural rainfall.


Avoid summer months because high temperatures and potential droughts can stress new plants, increasing water needs contrary to xeriscaping principles.




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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the main principles of xeriscaping?

    The seven main principles of xeriscaping are designed to promote water efficiency and sustainability in landscaping. These principles are:


    1. Planning and Design: Carefully plan and design the landscape to maximize water efficiency.
    2. Soil Improvement: Amend the soil to increase its water retention and nutrient availability.
    3. Appropriate Plant Selection: Choose native plants or plants that adapt to the local climate, requiring less water and maintenance.
    4. Practical Turf Areas: Reduce grass in the landscape, which typically requires more water and maintenance.
    5. Efficient Irrigation: Use irrigation methods that reduce water waste, like drip irrigation systems that deliver water directly to plant roots.
    6. Use of Mulches: Apply mulch to minimize evaporation, control weeds, and maintain soil temperature.
    7. Appropriate Maintenance: Perform regular maintenance to keep the landscape healthy and water-efficient, including weeding, pruning, and managing irrigation systems.

  • How long does it generally take to complete a xeriscaping project?

    Completion time for a xeriscaping project varies by scale and complexity. Small projects may take a few days to two weeks, medium projects around two to four weeks, and large or complex projects could extend from several weeks to months. Design intricacy, workforce efficiency, availability of materials, and weather also influence the timeline.

  • Do I need an irrigation system if I have a xeriscaped front or backyard?

    While xeriscaping is designed to minimize water use, an efficient irrigation system can still be beneficial for both your xeriscape front yard and xeriscape backyard. Systems like drip irrigation or soaker hoses deliver water directly to the roots, conserving water and supporting plant health.


    Especially useful during the establishment phase or dry spells, irrigation systems ensure xeriscaped areas get enough moisture without wasting water.

  • Are there any financial incentives to installing a xeriscaped yard in Austin?

    Xeriscaping can cut water use by 50-75% compared to traditional landscaping, leading to substantial savings on water bills. It requires less maintenance, minimal mowing, and fewer chemical treatments, which lowers ongoing maintenance costs. Using durable, native plants reduces the need for replacements.


    With the potential to increase property value, xeriscaping is a cost-effective landscaping choice. Austin homeowners may be eligible for financial rebates through city or utility programs when they install drought-resistant plants and efficient irrigation systems.

  • What steps are involved in the xeriscaping design and installation process?

    The xeriscaping design and installation process includes these steps:

    • Planning: Assess the site and plan the landscape layout, focusing on local environmental conditions.
    • Soil Improvement: Enhance soil with organic materials to increase water retention.
    • Plant Selection: Choose native and drought-resistant plants suitable for local climate conditions.
    • Irrigation Setup: Install efficient irrigation systems, like drip irrigation, to minimize water waste.
    • Planting: Execute the planting according to the plan, ensuring appropriate spacing and depth.
    • Mulching: Apply mulch to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and enhance soil quality.
    • Maintenance: Develop a low-maintenance plan including weeding, pruning, and irrigation checks.

    These steps ensure xeriscaping is water-efficient and aesthetically pleasing.


  • What other services does Oak Grove offer that would go well with xeriscaping?

    • Lawn Care & Maintenance: If you want to pair your xeriscaped area with a natural lawn, we can integrate them together.
    • Weed & Pest Control: If your xeriscape is infested with unwanted weeds or pests, our Austin team has the skills and experience to eradicate them.
    • Landscaping Design & Installation: Our landscape designers can create a plan for a visually appealing, drought-resistant xeriscaped yard for you and our xeriscape landscapers can install it.
    • Irrigation: Our irrigation team can install an irrigation system in your xeriscaped landscape to ensure it gets sufficient moisture while conserving water.
    • Sod installation: In addition to your xeriscaping, you may have grassy areas of your lawn that need improvement with new sod to ensure your entire property is attractive.
    • Drain construction: If you’re dealing with excess water runoff or poor drainage that’s compromising the health of your xeriscaped plants, we can help fix these issues.
    • Native Central Texas Plants: Allow our experts to help you select the perfect native central Texas plants for your Austin xeriscape.
    • Yard Clean Up: We can clean up your yard before your xeriscaped landscape is implemented and maintain it for you to ensure your property’s appearance.
    • Landscape Lighting: We can plan and install outdoor lighting to combine with your xeriscaping and create an enchanting, outdoor environment for you and your family to enjoy.

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