What is xeriscaping, and should I consider it?

Wilzave Quiles Guzmán
Apr 22
3 min read

If you're a homeowner in Southern California—especially in Los Angeles, Palisades, or surrounding areas—you're probably familiar with the need to conserve water while still maintaining a beautiful landscape. Xeriscaping is one of the most sustainable and visually striking ways to achieve that balance. But what exactly is xeriscaping, and is it the right choice for your yard?

Let Banuelos Landscaping guide you through this increasingly popular landscaping method.

What Is Xeriscaping?

Xeriscaping is a landscaping approach that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental irrigation. The term comes from the Greek word "xeros," meaning dry, and was originally developed in water-scarce regions like the American Southwest. Instead of traditional lawns that require significant watering, xeriscaping uses drought-tolerant plants, efficient irrigation systems, and thoughtful design to create eco-friendly landscapes.

Key Principles of Xeriscaping

To understand whether xeriscaping is right for your property, it helps to know the core principles:

Planning and Design: Start with a smart layout that takes into account sunlight, shade, and wind patterns. This ensures optimal plant placement and water use.
Soil Improvement: Healthy soil retains water better. You may need to add compost or mulch to improve your existing soil structure.
Efficient Irrigation: Drip irrigation systems are ideal, as they deliver water directly to the roots and reduce evaporation.
Appropriate Plant Selection: Native and drought-resistant plants thrive with minimal water. Think succulents, agave, lavender, or California lilac.
Mulching: Organic mulch reduces evaporation, suppresses weeds, and improves soil quality.
Limited Turf Areas: Replace large grass lawns with low-water ground covers or artificial turf.
Maintenance: Xeriscaped yards are low-maintenance, but not no-maintenance. Occasional pruning and checking irrigation systems are necessary.

Why Xeriscaping Is Perfect for Southern California

The Los Angeles and Palisades areas face long, hot summers and are often under drought restrictions. Xeriscaping reduces outdoor water use by up to 60%, making it a smart environmental and financial choice.

Water Conservation: Save thousands of gallons per year. Learn about local water-saving rebates in Southern California.
Cost-Effective: Lower your monthly water bill and reduce lawn maintenance expenses.
Fire-Resistant: Many drought-tolerant plants are also fire-resistant, which is crucial in areas prone to wildfires.
Visual Appeal: Xeriscapes can be stunning, with texture, color, and shape variety.

Ideal Xeriscaping Plants for Southern California

Plant Name	Type	Features
Agave	Succulent	Low-water, striking architectural shape
Red Yucca	Flowering Shrub	Tolerates extreme heat, blooms in summer
Desert Marigold	Perennial	Bright yellow flowers, attracts pollinators
California Lilac	Shrub	Native, purple-blue blooms
Palo Verde	Tree	Native tree, drought-tolerant, offers light shade

For a more comprehensive list, explore this California Native Plant Society guide.

Is Xeriscaping Right for You?

If you:

Live in a dry climate
Want to lower your water bill
Are concerned about sustainability
Don’t want the hassle of constant lawn care

...then xeriscaping is definitely worth considering.

How Banuelos Landscaping Can Help

We can design a xeriscapes that reflect your style while respecting the local climate. From plant selection and soil improvement to installing efficient irrigation systems, we handle it all.

If you're located in areas like Los Angeles, the Palisades, Santa Monica, or Riverside, we’re here to create a beautiful, water-wise yard you’ll love.

Contact Banuelos Landscaping today for a consultation and see how xeriscaping can transform your yard and save you water year-round.

Learn more about Xeriscaping through this video, although it is based in Phoenix, Arizona, it provides great guidance on the main principles of Xeriscaping.