Water-Wise Landscaping
Xeriscape Design & Installation In The Denver Metro Area
Xeriscaping is landscaping with water conservation as a main goal, using planning, soil preparation, suitable plants, mulch and efficient irrigation. Lemon Property Services designs and installs xeriscapes for Henderson and Denver Metro area homes, including partial lawn conversions. It is a living, planted landscape, not a yard of bare rock or artificial turf.
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- Monday – Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
What Xeriscaping Actually Means
The term was coined in Colorado by Denver Water, the Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado and Colorado State University. CSU Extension describes it as landscaping with water conservation as a major objective, and specifically warns that replacing lawn with large areas of gravel and plastic is not xeriscaping.
A good xeriscape groups plants by water need, keeps lawn where it is actually used, and uses mulch and well-planned irrigation so the landscape stays healthy with less water.
Why Homeowners Choose Xeriscaping
- Lower outdoor water use in hot, hard-to-water areas
- Replace lawn that is rarely used or struggles on a slope
- Add color and texture with plants suited to Colorado conditions
- Reduce mowing in areas that do not need turf
- Meet HOA or water-provider landscape goals
Xeriscape Choices We Plan With You
Plant Selection And Site Conditions
South and west exposures, especially near buildings and paving, lose the most water. Plants are chosen by exposure and grouped by water need.
- Perennials, grasses and shrubs by sun exposure
- Grouping by water need (hydrozoning)
- Spacing for mature size
- Color through the seasons
Practical Turf Reduction
Keep lawn where it gets used and convert the rest. Small, useful turf areas often work better than none at all.
- Removing turf in low-use or sloped areas
- Keeping play or pet areas as lawn
- Clean edges between lawn and beds
Mulch And Ground Cover
Mulch reduces evaporation and weeds. The right choice depends on the area and the plants.
- Wood chip mulch in planting beds
- Rock mulch where it suits the site
- Ground covers that shade the soil
- Avoiding large rock areas that heat up near the house
Irrigation Changes
Converting lawn usually means changing how water is delivered, not simply turning it off.
- Adjusting or capping spray zones
- Drip or targeted watering for beds where confirmed in scope
- Separate zones for different water needs
What Xeriscaping Is Not
- Not artificial turf. Synthetic turf is covered on our turf page.
- Not a zero-water or zero-maintenance yard
- Not a guarantee of specific water savings or rebates
How A Xeriscape Project Comes Together
- 1
Review Exposure And Use
We note sun, slope, existing trees and which areas you actually use.
- 2
Decide What Stays As Lawn
We agree on which turf to keep and which to convert.
- 3
Plan Irrigation Changes
Zones are reviewed so beds and remaining lawn each get appropriate water.
- 4
Prepare Soil And Install
Turf removal, soil preparation, planting and mulch follow the agreed plan.
- 5
Establishment Care
New plants need regular water for their first season or more. We explain a realistic watering approach.
Factors That Shape A Xeriscape Project
Project scope depends on the area being converted and what is already there.
- Area Size And Turf Removal
- How much lawn comes out and how it is removed.
- Plant Density And Size
- Starting with larger plants costs more but fills in sooner.
- Mulch And Rock
- Material type, depth and delivery access.
- Irrigation Work
- Adjusting zones, adding drip or changing heads.
- Existing Trees
- Trees that relied on lawn watering need their own plan.
Local Considerations
- Existing trees often depend on the water your lawn used to receive. When turf is removed, trees still need regular deep watering.
- Watering schedules, restrictions and turf-replacement rebates vary by water provider and change over time. Check your provider's current rules before planning around a rebate.
- CSU Extension notes that weed fabric is not required under mulch and can hinder water movement. We plan mulch depth by area instead.
Xeriscaping Questions
Does Xeriscaping Mean A Rock Yard?
No. CSU Extension specifically notes that large areas of gravel and plastic are not xeriscaping. A xeriscape is planted, with mulch and efficient watering.
Will My Xeriscape Need Watering?
Yes, especially while plants establish. Once established, many water-wise plants need less frequent watering than lawn, but they are not zero-water.
Can I Keep Some Lawn?
Yes. Keeping turf where you actually use it, such as play or pet areas, is a normal part of a practical xeriscape.
Do You Guarantee A Rebate?
No. Rebates are set by water providers and have their own eligibility rules and timelines. Check with your provider before work starts.
Is Xeriscaping The Same As Artificial Turf?
No. Artificial turf is a synthetic surface. Xeriscaping uses living plants. Some yards use both in different areas.
Related Services
- Landscape Design & InstallationPlan the whole yard with water-wise areas built in.
- Landscape IrrigationAdjust watering when lawn areas are converted.
- Sod & Artificial Turf InstallationCompare turf options for the areas you keep as lawn.
Xeriscaping Across The Denver Metro Area
Based in Henderson, Colorado. Availability can vary by city and service.
Thinking About A Water-Wise Yard?
Share which areas you want to convert and how you use your yard today.