How Much Does It Cost to Xeriscape a Yard?
If you live in a drier area, you may be considering converting your lawn into a xeriscape. But, how much does xeriscaping your yard cost?
The average cost to professionally xeriscape a yard is $17,000. However, this price may vary based on size, the design you want, and the area you live in. For larger yards in certain areas of the country, xeriscaping can cost as much as $60,000. Smaller yards may cost as little as $2,500.
Generally, the cost per square foot ranges between $5-$45. This will depend on the type of plants that are native to your area. If you live somewhere that experiences a lot of droughts, you will likely need higher-quality plants such as cacti. These can be more expensive than other types of native plants, increasing your cost per square foot.
The cost outlined above includes all aspects of xeriscaping, including labor and materials. You’ll likely spend the majority of your money on labor. But, unless you understand the principles of xeriscaping and have the right tools at your disposal, it is generally best to work with professionals rather than do it yourself.
How Much Does It Cost to Xeriscape a Yard on Your Own?
One of the main things that draw people toward xeriscaping is that it can save you a lot of money in the long run. For this reason, some people may not want to pay such a large amount upfront to xeriscape their yard.
If you don’t want to spend all that money on labor, you can cut quite a few costs by xeriscaping your yard on your own. When you xeriscape your own yard, you will need to pay the four things below to complete this DIY project:
- Materials (plants, mulch, etc.)
- Delivery of materials
- Debris removal
- Landscape Design – if you’re not familiar with local drought tolerant plants and need design help
Generally, all of this will cost no more than $1,600. However, DIY xeriscaping projects can be tricky. Before you begin, make sure to do all the proper research. Find out which xeric plants are native to your area and plan your layout to a T.
Understanding the basics of xeriscaping is also essential. If you don’t know much about xeriscaping and don’t have the time to learn everything you need to know, go with a professional installation.
What Are the Benefits of Xeriscaping?
There are many benefits of xeriscaping your yard, especially if you live in an arid or semi-arid climate. Some of the biggest advantages of choosing a xeriscape include:
- It’s environmentally-friendly
- It’s low maintenance
- It helps you save money over time
- It looks great
- It’s a good selling feature
Below, we will discuss each benefit in more detail.
It’s Environmentally-Friendly
Many people choose to xeriscape their yards in an effort to be more environmentally conscious. Xeriscaping began as an effort to conserve water, and today, it remains one of the most environmentally-friendly landscape designs.
In drier climates, water can become scarce. This is especially true during the summer months. Using drought-resistant plants instead of a traditional lawn means less water is needed to keep your yard looking nice.
It’s Low Maintenance
One of the biggest headaches of a traditional lawn is all that time spent mowing, weeding, and watering. If you’re looking for a lower maintenance alternative, xeriscaping is a great choice. All you need to do is spot treatment for weeds during the spring season and a small amount of trimming.
It Helps You Save Money Over Time
Less watering means a lower water bill each month. While a xeriscape may be more expensive to install than a lawn upfront, it can actually save you around 36 cents per square foot each year. If you use a landscaping service to maintain your lawn, this is another cost you’ll be able to eliminate.
It Looks Great
When you live in a drier climate, lawns don’t really look realistic. Xeriscaped yards look much better next to the natural landscape, and because xeriscaped yards include plants that never dry out or grow a lot of weeds, they are much more aesthetically pleasing to guests and passersby.
It’s a Good Selling Feature
If you’re thinking about selling your house, switching your traditional lawn to a xeriscaped design could help you catch the attention of more potential buyers. Not only will it increase your home’s curb appeal, but it could also draw in more offers due to the potential cost savings. When people know they won’t need to spend as much to maintain their new yard, they may be more likely to inquire further.
