Xeriscape is a type of landscape that uses little or maybe even no water. It requires little maintenance and is often used in very dry, even arid climates. In Utah, where winter snow and wet spring and fall rains allow for more vegetation, xeriscape can appear lush and green despite being irrigated by low-water drip irrigation. It is vital to realize that xeriscape is the correct term. Many people think “zeroscape,” bringing to mind rock and artificial turf with a few cacti. This kind of landscape is hardly better than concrete or asphalt for dissipating the heat in high summer. If the suburbs were dominated by this type of landscape, neighborhoods would not be the cool pleasant places to play and walk that is desired. “Anyone wondering what is better should remember that you’re choosing between hot and hard and cool and calming,” said Melanie Brooks, landscape designer. “That decision should be an easy one to make.”

Utah has a unique culture and climate compared to the rest of the country and landscape should respect that, argues the educators and landscape artists at Localscapes.com. Instead of letting water guzzling grass be the default yard choice, plan landscapes around the many uses of the yard. Side yards for example, do not need grass, but rather can be paths leading to work areas or gardens. Places for playground equipment, trampolines, eating areas, and vegetable gardens can all be mapped out first. Including a roundish play area for grass in a central location makes it easier to keep the edges trimmed and irrigate successfully. Planning yards in this way will ensure that mowing laboriously around a swing set will not happen. Paths of rock, gravel, mulch, tile, or patio stones can then connect the usable areas in the yard, adding beauty and functionality. The rest of the yard is xeriscape. These low-water gardens can be oasis of perennial flowers and trees treasured by humans and wildlife.

Fresh water is only about 3% of Earth’s water and needs to be preserved and used wisely according to Brooks, she further states that xeriscape landscape can increase your property value by 15%. She suggests using mostly native plants so that you are working with the natural climate. Xeriscape avoids the use of chemical fertilizers often used on grass that can kill the beneficial organisms in the soil and pollute the local water. “Spend more time admiring your landscape rather than toiling,” said Brooks. “Xeriscape can be beautiful and attract pollinators, birds, bees, and butterflies.” 

The park strip at a home on Vineyard Drive in Bountiful has been replaced with clover, a native, low-water plant. The clover appeared greener than the surrounding grass, had some lovely blooms, and attracted some local deer and bees. Other native flowers that will thrive include whirling butterflies, blanket flower, hummingbird mint, coreopsis, asters, cat mint, and a variety of daisies including sunflowers. 

Flip the Strip and Landscape Exchange programs offer incentives to change your turf landscape to low-water trees, bushes and flowers. One Bountiful resident received more than $3,000 for changing her largely, turf front yard to xeriscape. To qualify for the rebate, the grass is replaced with plants that will cover more than a third of the area. A shade tree is also required for every 3,000 square feet of project area. Annual flowers like marigold and petunias do not qualify because they do not last more than a season and require even more water than grass. Flowering, multi-year perennials, bushes, and trees thrive on the drip irrigation tubing favored by the rebates. Visit the Weber Water Basin website to find information on the programs and ensure that funds are still available.