How much does it cost to xeriscape a yard? Most homeowners report spending between $15,120 and $18,400 on their xeriscaping projects. However, the average xeriscape cost can vary depending on the size and complexity of the project. For a standard-size yard, the average cost is around $17,000 nationwide, including labor and materials.
Xeriscaping extends beyond scattering rocks across your property. This approach creates sustainable landscapes that thrive in Colorado’s semi-arid climate while reducing water consumption. That’s why understanding xeriscape cost becomes crucial for those who live in Denver.
This guide breaks down what you can expect to spend, compares DIY vs. professional installation, and offers smart, budget-friendly tips to help you get the most out of your landscape investment.
Average Xeriscaping Cost in Colorado (2025)
Xeriscaping cost per square foot ranges from $4 to $18, depending on installation method and design complexity. DIY projects typically cost $4-$8 per square foot for basic installations, while professional xeriscaping ranges from $10-$18 per square foot.
A 1,000-square-foot professional xeriscape installation averages $12,000-$15,000 in the Denver metro area. This price includes design consultation, soil preparation, plant installation, and hardscape elements like decorative gravel or mulch pathways.
Xeriscape Cost Estimator by Yard Size
Understanding how much xeriscaping costs based on yard size helps homeowners budget effectively for their projects:
| Yard Size | DIY Range | Professional Range |
| 250 sq. ft. | $1,000 – $2,000 | $2,500 – $4,500 |
| 500 sq. ft. | $2,000 – $4,000 | $5,000 – $9,000 |
| 1,000 sq. ft. | $4,000 – $8,000 | $10,000 – $18,000 |
| 2,000+ sq. ft. | $7,500+ | $18,000+ |
Costs rise significantly with premium features like decorative boulders, flagstone patios, or extensive irrigation modifications.
Xeriscape Cost for Plants and Materials (Breakdown by Category)
Plants
- Native perennials form the backbone of successful xeriscapes, costing $8-$20 each depending on container size and species rarity.
- Ornamental grasses like blue grama and buffalo grass range from $10-$25 per plant.
- Shrubs such as rabbitbrush and serviceberry cost $30-$75, with mature specimens commanding premium prices.
Hardscaping Materials
- Mulch installation costs $0.50-$1.50 per square foot, with organic options lasting 2-3 years before replacement.
- Decorative gravel ranges from $1-$3 per square foot, offering permanent ground coverage with minimal maintenance requirements.
- Boulder placement costs $100-$500 per rock installed, depending on size and complexity.
- Flagstone patio construction averages $15-$30 per square foot, creating functional outdoor living spaces that complement xeriscape designs.
- Decomposed granite pathways cost $2-$4 per square foot, providing natural-looking circulation routes through planted areas.
Irrigation Materials
Drip irrigation systems cost $0.50-$1.50 per linear foot for basic installations. Smart controllers range from $150-$300, offering precise watering schedules based on weather conditions and soil moisture levels. These systems reduce water consumption by 20-30% compared to traditional sprinkler methods.
Edging and Borders
Steel or plastic edging costs $1-$3 per linear foot, creating clean separation between planted areas and hardscape elements. Dry-stack stone borders range from $10-$20 per linear foot, adding natural texture while preventing soil erosion.
Other Factors That Affect Xeriscaping Cost
Soil Conditions
Clay soil requires amendment with compost, sand, or specialized soil blends to improve drainage and root penetration. Soil amendment costs $40-$75 per cubic yard delivered and installed.
Poor drainage conditions necessitate additional solutions beyond basic amendments. French drain installation adds $10-$15 per linear foot to project costs but prevents water accumulation that kills drought-tolerant plants.
Soil testing services cost $50-$150 but identify specific amendment needs, potentially saving hundreds in unsuitable plant replacements.
Site Grading and Drainage Work
Properties with water pooling issues or inadequate slope require professional grading services.
Grading work costs $3-$8 per square foot, ensuring proper water flow away from structures while creating level planting areas for optimal plant establishment.
Slope modification becomes essential for erosion control on steep terrain. Terracing installation ranges from $15-$25 per square foot, creating stable planting zones.
Yard Accessibility
Site accessibility dramatically impacts labor expenses and material delivery costs.
Tight spaces requiring wheelbarrow transport instead of equipment access increase installation time by 50-75%. Properties with narrow gates, steep slopes, or limited street access can double material delivery expenses.
Overhead obstacles like low-hanging power lines or tree branches restrict equipment use, forcing hand installation methods. These constraints increase labor hours by 25-40% compared to fully accessible properties with clear equipment pathways.
Existing Landscape Removal
Sod removal costs $0.50-$1.50 per square foot, while established tree removal ranges from $300-$2,000 per specimen depending on size and proximity to structures.
Concrete or existing hardscape demolition adds $2-$5 per square foot to removal expenses.
Sprinkler system modification or complete removal costs $1-$3 per square foot, though existing irrigation lines can sometimes be repurposed for drip irrigation systems.
Design Complexity and Features
Formal garden layouts with geometric patterns require precise installation techniques, increasing labor hours by 25-40% due to exacting placement requirements.
Specialty features like dry stream beds, rock gardens, or water elements demand skilled installation expertise.
These premium additions command higher pricing from experienced contractors who understand proper construction techniques and long-term maintenance requirements.
Plant Size and Maturity Selection
Large, established specimens cost 3-5 times more than smaller plants but provide instant landscape presence and eliminate years of growth waiting periods.
Container-grown plants in larger sizes (5-gallon versus 1-gallon) cost more initially but establish faster with higher survival rates.
This investment often proves worthwhile in Colorado’s challenging growing conditions where plant replacement becomes expensive.
DIY Xeriscaping vs. Hiring a Professional in Denver (By Cost)
| Category | DIY | Professional |
| 1,000 sq. ft. total | $4,000–$8,000 | $10,000–$18,000 |
| Time investment | 30–80+ hours | 2–5 days |
| Tools needed | $300–$600 (rent/purchase) | Included |
| Design expertise | Self-guided/free CSU tools | Optional fee ($500–$2,500) |
| Labor | Personal time | Included |
| Warranty | Not provided | Often included |
DIY xeriscaping appeals to budget-conscious homeowners willing to invest substantial time and physical effort. Tool rental or purchase costs include shovels, wheelbarrows, plate compactors, and irrigation installation equipment.
Professional installation offers expertise in plant placement, irrigation design, and hardscape integration. Contractors understand local soil conditions, drainage requirements, and plant compatibility issues that challenge inexperienced installers. Most professionals provide 1-2 year warranties on plant survival and installation quality.
Hybrid approaches combine professional design with DIY installation, reducing costs by 30-50% while ensuring proper plant selection and layout planning. This method works well for homeowners with construction experience who lack landscaping knowledge.
Xeriscaping vs. Traditional Lawn: Cost Comparison
| Category | Traditional Lawn | Xeriscape (Professional) |
| Install cost (1,000 sq. ft.) | $4,000–$6,000 | $12,000–$15,000 |
| Annual water cost | $350–$600 | $100–$150 |
| Annual maintenance | High (mowing/fertilizing) | Low (weeding/pruning) |
| 5-Year savings | Ongoing expenses | ROI starts year 3–4 |
Traditional lawn installation costs less initially but generates higher ongoing expenses through water, fertilizer, and maintenance requirements. Denver water rates average $4-$6 per 1,000 gallons, with typical lawns consuming 25,000-40,000 gallons annually.
Xeriscapes reduce water consumption by 50-80% after establishment, generating savings of $250-$450 per year on water bills alone. Maintenance costs drop significantly without mowing, fertilizing, or frequent watering requirements.
How to Lower Your Xeriscape Costs Without Sacrificing Design
- Zone approach implementation reduces upfront costs by converting lawn areas gradually over 2-3 years. Start with highly visible front yard sections, then expand to side and back areas as budget allows. This method spreads expenses while allowing plant establishment in completed zones.
- Thick mulch application (4-5 inches) reduces plant quantity requirements while suppressing weeds and retaining soil moisture. Quality mulch costs $30-$50 per cubic yard but eliminates the need for extensive ground cover plantings.
- Native plant sales offer 30-50% savings on specimen costs. These sales typically occur in spring and fall, featuring plants specifically adapted to Colorado growing conditions.
- Material reuse strategies significantly reduce hardscape expenses. Salvaged bricks, flagstone, and decorative rocks from construction sites or online marketplaces cost 50-70% less than new materials.
- Phased installation allows upgrading basic hardscape elements over time. Install simple gravel pathways initially, then upgrade to flagstone or pavers as budget permits. This approach maintains functionality while spreading costs across multiple seasons.
- Select plants with year-round visual appeal to maximize landscape impact with fewer specimens. Ornamental grasses, evergreen shrubs, and plants with interesting bark or seed heads provide four-season interest, reducing need for seasonal color rotation.
Conclusion
Whether pursuing DIY or professional design services, xeriscaping delivers value through reduced water consumption, minimal maintenance requirements, and enhanced property appeal.
Understanding true project costs enables informed decision-making and realistic budget planning.
Mile High Lifescape specializes in creating cost-effective Colorado xeriscapes. Contact our expert team for personalized design solutions that maximize your investment while creating beautiful, sustainable outdoor spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How expensive is xeriscape?
National average pricing to have xeriscaping performed on your yard can be costly, ranging between $16,000 to $18,000. Typical homeowners spend upwards of $17,000 on average, per 1,200 square feet. However, costs vary significantly based on design complexity, plant selection, and regional labor rates.
Can I xeriscape for under $5,000?
Yes, it’s possible to xeriscape a yard for under $5,000, especially for smaller yards or if you’re willing to do some DIY work. Focus on native plants, simple hardscape elements, and phased installation to stay within budget constraints while achieving water-wise landscaping goals.
How much money does xeriscaping save?
Xeriscaping can save a homeowner a significant amount of money by reducing water usage, lowering maintenance costs, and potentially increasing property value. While the initial investment can vary, homeowners can expect to save an average of $0.36 per square foot annually in water and maintenance costs compared to a traditional lawn.
What’s the cheapest groundcover for xeriscapes?
The cheapest groundcover for xeriscapes is likely gravel or organic mulch. These materials are readily available, durable, and provide weed suppression, making them budget-friendly options for low-water landscapes. Gravel costs $1-$3 per square foot, while mulch ranges from $0.50-$1.50 per square foot installed.
