Xeriscape Landscape Ideas

Water scarcity is a growing concern and our water supply can no longer be considered a limitless resource. Traditional gardens and landscaping designs require massive amounts of water and can have adverse effects on organisms, air and water quality due to harmful pesticides and fertilizers.

Xeriscaping—a term derived from the combination of the Greek word “xeros” (meaning “dry”) and “landscaping”—proposes a responsible solution to conventional landscapes. Xeriscape garden plans utilize drought-tolerant and native plants and make use of efficient irrigation systems to create an attractive and environmentally conscious exterior for your home.

Though they sound similar, “xeriscaping” does not mean “xero-scaping.” In fact, you can accomplish a lush, colorful garden using xeriscape design.

Good for the Environment!

By using soil that increases water absorption, reducing pesticide and fertilizer use, and utilizing low-water plants and efficient irrigation, xeriscape designs benefit the environment.  

Saves Water

By implementing xeriscape garden plans, you can easily reduce your water use by 50%! Lawnscapers Grounds Management will help you reduce water waste by implementing an ideal soil for water absorption as well as installing a more efficient irrigation method, including drip irrigation, rain water harvesting barrels, and or gray water collection.  

Requires Less Fertilizer and Pesticides

Fertilizers and pesticides can be harmful to the environment by leaking harsh chemicals into the ground water. By installing xeriscape designs, you reduce the need for fertilizers and pesticides since many native plants require little to no fertilizer and are tolerant to local pests.

Good for your Budget!

In addition to conserving natural resources, xeriscaping landscaping garden designs will help you save money! Not only will xeriscape landscape ideas decrease your monthly utility bill, but you may also qualify for an Albuquerque xeric rebate which can help ease the costs of updating the look of your home! Decreasing your need for routine maintenance, xeriscape landscaping can also cut costs by negating the need for pruning, mowing, fertilizing, weed control, and other regular tasks.

Xeric Rebate Requirements

To qualify for a xeric rebate in Albuquerque, your landscaping project must meet certain standards, including:

• You must receive your landscape irrigation water from the Albuquerque Water Authority
• Your application for the xeric rebate must be approved
• The landscape being removed must be designated as “high water use.” 
• The plants installed must be “low water” as designated by the Water Utility’s plant list
• The approved plants you choose must cover 50% of your landscaping area at maturity
• You must utilize watering methods alternative to spray irrigation. These include: hand watering, drip, soaker, or bubbler irrigation systems. Your irrigation system must also possess an approved backflow prevention mechanism.
• You must cover the soil between and beneath the plants with a minimum of 2 inches of mulch.
• Your xeriscape design must cover a minimum of 500 square feet. (Single-family homes may qualify for a rebate up to 2,000 square feet; nonresidential rebates may receive a rebate for up to 12,500 square feet of qualifying landscape.)

If you qualify for the xeric rebate, you will receive a water bill credit of $0.75 for every square foot of landscape. At Lawnscapers Grounds Management, we will design and install your xeriscaping landscaping garden designs, as well as help you fill out the paperwork for your xeric rebate!

Call Lawnscapers Grounds Management at 505-823-0910 to learn more about how you can save money (and the environment) by installing an attractive xeriscape landscape today!

To view our xeriscaping desert landscaping photos, click here.