Top 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Xeriscaping in Denver
Xeriscaping is a smart, sustainable way to landscape in Denver—but it’s not just about throwing down some gravel and cactus. Done well, a xeriscape can be beautiful, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly. Done poorly, it can look barren, fail to thrive, or waste just as much water as turf.
Whether you’re DIYing or working with a pro, here are the top 7 xeriscaping mistakes we see in the Denver area—and how to avoid them.
1. Choosing the Wrong Plants for Zone 5b
Denver falls within USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, where winter temps can hit -15°F. Not all drought-tolerant plants can survive that kind of cold. Many people mistakenly use desert plants better suited for Arizona or Nevada.
✅ Instead: Stick to native or regionally adapted plants like blue grama grass, yarrow, rabbitbrush, and penstemon that can handle both drought and cold. See our full list: Top 10 Native Plants for a Thriving Denver Xeriscape
2. Overusing Rock and Gravel
One of the biggest misconceptions about xeriscaping is that it means “zero plants” or “all gravel.” Excessive rock leads to heat islands, runoff problems, and uninspired aesthetics.
✅ Instead: Use gravel intentionally for drainage, contrast, or as a base for walkways—but balance it with layered plantings and mulch zones to cool the soil and invite pollinators.
3. Ignoring Soil Health
Many Denver yards have compacted clay soil with poor drainage and low organic matter. Simply planting into this without prep leads to root rot, stunted growth, and irrigation waste.
✅ Instead: Do a soil test and amend as needed. Add compost or mulch to improve structure. Even drought-tolerant plants need good soil to get established.
Understanding USDA Zone 5b
Denver falls within USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, where winter temperatures can drop to -15°F. This means plant selection must account for both drought resistance and cold tolerance. Many native and regionally adapted plants thrive in this zone and provide year-round color, texture, and wildlife support.
Great Plant Options for Zone 5 Xeriscaping:
- Blue Grama Grass – Colorado’s state grass, low-growing and drought-tolerant
- Yarrow – Hardy perennial with fern-like foliage and colorful blooms
- Blanket Flower – Long-blooming and loved by pollinators
- Rabbitbrush – Fall-blooming shrub that thrives in poor soils
- Gambel Oak – A versatile native tree/shrub great for privacy and fall color
For more plant options, see our full guide: Top 10 Native Plants for Denver Xeriscaping
Design Tips for a Thriving Xeriscape
- Hydrozoning: Group plants by water needs to make irrigation more efficient
- Sun Mapping: Track your yard’s sun and shade patterns before designing beds
- Hardscaping: Use permeable materials like gravel or flagstone to enhance beauty and functionality
- Soil Prep: Improve clay-heavy soils with compost to support root development
- Scale & Flow: Balance open space, layered plant heights, and movement paths
Benefits Beyond Water Savings
Xeriscaping isn’t just practical—it’s also beautiful and environmentally impactful. According to the Xerces Society, native landscapes offer critical habitat for pollinators and wildlife. Additionally, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) notes that sustainable landscapes can help reduce urban heat, improve soil health, and cut down on pollution from lawn equipment and fertilizers.
On a practical level, homeowners often see reduced long-term costs from less watering, mowing, and chemical inputs. It’s an investment that pays off environmentally and economically.
Is Xeriscaping Right for You?
If you’re tired of high water bills, patchy lawns, and endless upkeep, xeriscaping could be your solution. Whether you want to redo your entire yard or just a small section, Xeris Landscaping can guide you from design through installation—with a strong focus on native plants, climate resilience, and natural aesthetics.
Serving Denver, Lakewood, Littleton, Centennial, Parker, Wheat Ridge, and Englewood, we tailor each project to your space, soil, and style.
If you’re tired of high water bills, patchy lawns, and endless upkeep, xeriscaping could be your solution. Whether you want to redo your entire yard or just a small section, Xeris Landscaping can guide you from design through installation—with a strong focus on native plants, climate resilience, and natural aesthetics.
Serving Denver, Lakewood, Littleton, Centennial, Parker, Wheat Ridge, and Englewood, we tailor each project to your space, soil, and style.
Conclusion: Landscape Like Nature
Denver’s landscape is changing—and your yard can lead the way. Xeriscaping is a sustainable, beautiful, and smart solution that meets the moment. By working with nature, not against it, you can create a landscape that flourishes with less.
👉 Ready to transform your yard? Contact Xeris Landscaping today.