How Much Does Xeriscaping Cost?

By Lisa A. Koosis

February 16, 2026

If you’re dreaming of a house with colorful curb appeal, but a lush green lawn seems impossible due to a dry climate and water scarcity, xeriscaping may be the answer. This low-water gardening style provides an alternative way to beautify your yard without the upkeep a lawn requires.

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However, xeriscaping costs can be steep, averaging between $15,120 and $18,400 (CAD 20,931 and CAD 25,471) for a 1,000 to 2,000-square-foot area, according to Lawnstarter. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to spend on a drought-resistant yard and garden, plus tips for keeping costs down.

What Is Xeriscaping?

Xeriscaping is a type of landscaping that minimizes the need for irrigation, relying almost completely on water provided by nature. In fact, a xeriscaped yard can use 50% to 75% less water than a more traditionally landscaped yard, making it a must for drought-prone areas and conservation-minded homeowners alike.

This water-wise garden typically uses:

Drought-resistant plants, such as native grasses, cacti and succulents
Efficient irrigation techniques, such as soaker hoses and drips
Plant groupings based on similar water requirements

How Much Does It Cost to Xeriscape a Yard?

In the United States, a xeriscaped yard averages about $17,000 (CAD 23,533). However, costs vary widely. For example, homeowners with small yards and modest needs may pay as little as $4,200 (CAD 5,814). On the flip side, if you have a large yard and want a dramatic look, it can run as much as $29,500 (CAD 40,837).

Xeriscaping costs may be offset by water savings, particularly in areas where water prices are high, such as California and West Virginia, which have average monthly household water bills of $77 (CAD 107) and $91 (CAD 126), respectively. Additionally, some regions offer conservation incentives to homeowners who convert a traditional lawn to a xeriscaped yard. Check with your local water authority to find out what incentives are available in your area.

Xeriscaping Cost Factors

Drought-tolerant landscaping prices can vary based on numerous factors, including:

Design Style

Xeriscape design costs range in price by style. For example, desert landscaping installation costs can start at about $8,000 (CAD 11,074) while a cottage garden that features bursts of colorful flowers typically starts at around $11,500 (CAD 15,919). Alternatively, if you prefer a clean, modern look with stepping stones and retaining walls, you can expect costs to start at around $11,250 (CAD 15,573). If you’d rather stick with a more traditional look that includes a lawn and flower beds, prices start at around $10,000 (CAD 13,843).

Location and Grading

If your property includes steep slopes, you may need to have the land graded, which can add between $100 and $3,400 (CAD 138 and CAD 4,707) to the cost, depending on the complexity of the project. Some localities may require a permit for this, which can add another $90 to $470 (CAD 125 to CAD 651).

Materials

Xeriscaped gardens often feature stones, rocks and other materials, which impact the cost. For example, gravel typically costs between $25 and $67 (CAD 35 and CAD 93) per cubic yard while more dramatic elements, such as boulders and large stones, range from $50 to $130 (CAD 69 to CAD 180) per ton. Astroturf, another popular option which gives yards a grassy, traditional look, ranges from $5.45 to $20 (CAD 7.54 to CAD 28) per square foot, but that includes professional installation.

Plants and Trees

Drought-resistant plants, known as xerophytes, typically range from $2,330 to $4,000 (CAD 3,225 to CAD 5,537) for a mid-size area. More specifically, ground covers average between $2 and $45 (CAD 2.77 and CAD 62) per plant, while cacti and succulents can cost as high as $175 (CAD 242) each, depending on the size and type. Drought-resistant trees are even more pricey, and can cost as much as $1,850 (CAD 2,561), although they’re considered a long-term investment and can increase your home’s property value.

DIY VS. Professional Installation

Landscape designers typically charge between $50 and $150 (CAD 69 and CAD 208) per hour. If you need additional planning around land grading services or assistance managing drainage, the hourly cost can go up to $200 (CAD 277).

If you have poor soil quality, you may incur additional costs. However, you can find that out with a simple soil test that runs between $15 and $60 (CAD 21 and CAD 83). The test can tell you what plants will grow best in your yard and what amendments your soil needs for those plants to thrive.

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How Much Does It Cost to Xeriscape Per Square Foot?

Xeriscaping a yard typically ranges from $5 to $20 (CAD 6.92 to CAD 28) per square foot. This wide range in pricing accounts for the design style, materials, plants and other common variables. For example, simple designs that incorporate ground covers and pea gravel land on the lower end of the spectrum while more dramatic elements such as boulders and tall trees can greatly increase costs.

Is Xeriscaping Cheaper Than Grass?

The cost to install a lawn varies by method. According to LawnStarter, hydroseeding costs between $0.50 to $1.00 (CAD 0.69 to CAD 1.38) per square foot, while sod costs about $3.50 (CAD 4.85) per square foot, including installation. That’s substantially less than xeriscaping, which runs from about $5 to about $20 (CAD 6.92 to CAD 28) per square foot.

However, lawn maintenance costs are ongoing and often costly. For example, for a small lot, a professional mowing and edging service typically charges between $30 and $40 (CAD 42 and CAD 55) per visit, and a single application of fertilizer and weed control can run about $60 (CAD 83). Lawns also require regular watering, which can substantially increase a household’s monthly water bill. In the long run, xeriscaping may ultimately save money.

How Do You Xeriscape Cheaply?

You can reduce low-water landscaping costs by choosing cost-effective materials and starting with a small space. To get the most from your money, choose a prominent area where your new garden will have the most impact, such as alongside a patio or front porch.

Then, opt for modest plants, such as drought-tolerant ground covers like Japanese spurge or Kurapia, which can be purchased for as low as $2 (CAD 2.77) per plant. When selecting other plants, go for perennials such as cacti and succulents, which are one-time purchases. Choose smaller plants to maximize your budget, or just plant seeds, which can be purchased for about $3 to $5 (CAD 4.15 to CAD 6.92).

You can also stretch your budget by choosing a single focal point for your garden, such as a dramatic boulder, rather than multiple elements. Whenever possible, repurpose materials found in your yard or nearby. Additionally, professional design services and installation can increase costs substantially, so doing the work yourself can also save you money.

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.

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