Xeriscaping: The Sustainable Landscaping Choice for Utah and the Mountain West

The Problem We’re Facing

Climate scientists from the IPCC and hydrologists from NOAA agree: the American West is experiencing its most severe drought in over 1,200 years. Utah is one of the fastest-growing states, but our water supply is not growing with us.

• 90% of Utah’s municipal water comes from snowpack, and the snowpack is shrinking.
• Summer temps are higher, evaporation is faster, and our growing season is longer.
• Outdoor watering is the single biggest drain on municipal water, our lawns drink up to 60% of total residential use (Utah Division of Water Resources).

If we don’t change how we landscape, the math isn’t going to add up.

The Xeriscape Difference

Xeriscaping isn’t “zero” landscaping, quite the opposite, it’s “smart” landscaping. By using drought-tolerant plants, native species, stone pathways, decorative ground covers, and efficient drip irrigation, you can create an outdoor space that’s both stunning and sustainable.

Water Savings:

• Traditional lawn: 40–50 gallons of water per sq. ft. per year.
• Xeriscape: 15 gallons or less.

Maintenance Savings:

• No weekly mowing.
• No constant fertilizing, edging, or reseeding.
• Less pesticide and herbicide use.
• No sprinkler system maintenance.

Cost Savings:

• Cut your water bill by 60-75%.
• Reduce maintenance equipment and fuel costs.
• Many Utah counties offer cash rebates for lawn removal and xeriscape conversion. To make things easy you can find your community here: Ditch the Grass, Pocket the Cash Blog

Why This Matters to All of Us

Every square foot of lawn you replace with xeriscape has a ripple effect:

• For your wallet: Lower utility bills and fewer Saturday mornings behind a mower.
• For your community: Less strain on reservoirs and aquifers.
• For our kids: A more resilient, livable Utah that doesn’t run dry.

Climate change can feel like a global problem we can’t touch but local action is global action. The EPA confirms that community-level conservation projects have had important and  measurable impacts on greenhouse gas reduction, biodiversity protection, and water security.

When you xeriscape, you’re making a choice that benefits your family, your neighborhood, and the entire Mountain West.