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Similar terms[edit]

The term zero-scaping or zeroscaping is sometimes substituted for xeriscaping due to phonetic similarity.[5] When used seriously, zero-scaping usually refers to a different type of low-water landscaping that is often devoid, or nearly devoid of plants.[6][7] Because the term was derived from the Greek root xeros, xeriscaping is sometimes misspelled xeroscaping.


  • Lowered consumption of water: Xeriscaped landscapes use up to two thirds less water than regular lawn landscapes. [8]
  • Reduced waste and pollution: Lawn clippings can contribute to organic waste in landfills and the use of heavy fertilisers contributes to urban runoff pollution. [8]

Criticisms and refutations[edit]

  • Xeriscape style may not conform to local aesthetics: Some homeowners associations have strict rules requiring a certain percentage of land to be used as lawns. Refutation: Because of drought and improved education, these rules either have been or are in the process of being overturned in many areas.[10]
  • Xeriscape contains hazardous plants: Some styles of xeriscaping include plants such as cacti and agave having thorns or serrated edges that may harm pets and people. Refutation: There are many xeric plants that possess no sharp points, and many familiar plants like rose bushes and raspberry plants have thorns.
  • Xeriscape installation cost is high: If a non-xeric landscape was originally present, the cost of removing the existing landscape and installing a xeric one may be a deterrent. Refutation: For new construction, xeric landscaping can cost much less than a lawn. Whether new or a replacement, the water-saving cost benefit of a xeric landscape over a non-xeric one is self-evident. Over time the cost savings can pay for the installation. In arid and semi-arid areas, drought-based water restrictions may necessitate the reduction of turf areas that would be likely to die due to a lack of water already occurring because of the drought.


The Al Norris Memorial Xeriscape Garden in Wichita Falls, Texas




2. Soil amendment  – Most plants will benefit from the use of compost, which will help the soil retain water.[11] Some desert plants prefer gravel soils instead of well-amended soils. Plants should either fit the soil or soil should be amended to fit the plants.











One of the major challenges to the public acceptance of xeriscaping is the cultural attachment to turf grass lawns. Originally implemented in England, lawns have become a universal symbol of prosperity, order and community.[12] In the United States turf grasses are so common that it is the single most irrigated crop by surface area, covering nearly 128,000 square kilometres (49,000 sq mi). Despite the high water, fertiliser and maintenance costs associated with lawns, they have become the norm in most urban and suburban areas, even if they are rarely used for recreational purposes or otherwise.[13] Xeriscaped landscapes offer an alternative to the over use of turf grass lawns but are not widely accepted because of preconceived notions of what it means to xeriscape. Xeriscaping can include lawn areas but seeks to reduce them to areas that will actually be used, rather than using them as a default landscaping plan.

See also[edit]


  1. ^ Xeriscape | Define Xeriscape at Dictionary.com
  4. ^ McKenny, Cynthia; Terry, Jr, Robert (Oct–Dec 1995). "The Effectiveness of Using Workshops to Change Audience Perception of and Attitudes about Xeriscaping" (PDF). HortTechnology. 5 (4): 327–329. 
  8. ^ a b "City of Mesa, Arizona." Solving Your Most Common Irrigation Problems. City Of Mesa Arizona. Web. 25 Nov. 2014. <http://www.mesaaz.gov/conservation/convert.az[permanent dead link]
  9. ^ a b c McCracken, Maureen. "Xeriscape: An Introduction." Master Gardeners of Mecklenburg County NC. Meckelburg County, 1 Feb. 2009. Web. 25 Nov. 2014. <http://www.mastergardenersmecklenburg.org/xeriscape-an-introduction.[permanent dead link]

Additional sources[edit]

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