Low Maintenance Xeriscaping

A beautiful landscape without the tedious maintenance

Xeriscaping Design & Construction Near Me
We design and build beautiful low maintenance, drought tolerant landscapes

Xeriscaping, also known as drought-tolerant landscaping or water-wise landscaping, is an approach that focuses on creating water-efficient, low-maintenance, and environmentally sustainable gardens or outdoor spaces. The term "xeriscaping" comes from the Greek word "xeros," meaning dry, and "scape," meaning scenery. The primary goal of xeriscaping is to conserve water, reduce maintenance, and create a landscape that is well adapted to local climate conditions, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions or in regions that face seasonal water restrictions.

Outside Solution Landscaping is a landscaping contractor based out of Fallbrook, California and serving San Diego County and the surrounding area.  We specialize in the design and installation of low maintenance, drought-tolerant xeriscapes using a variety of natural stone, river rock, and native plantings to create the perfect balance of interest and color.  Whether you're looking for a low maintenance landscape in your front yard to improve curb appeal or you'd like to xeriscape around your backyard pool or patio our team can help.

Xeriscaping offers a diverse range of popular design elements that create visually appealing, water-efficient, and low-maintenance landscapes. Native and drought-tolerant plants are essential components, providing color, texture, and interest while minimizing water usage. Groundcovers can be used as lawn alternatives, reducing the need for water-intensive grass lawns. Hardscape surfaces, such as gravel or decomposed granite pathways, contribute to both aesthetics and functionality, while permeable materials help with water absorption. Incorporating features like rain gardens and dry creek beds or swales can effectively manage stormwater runoff and create natural focal points in the landscape.

Other popular design elements include mulched planting beds, which help conserve soil moisture, and rock gardens that add visual interest with minimal maintenance. Retaining walls or terraces can be employed for erosion control and to create distinct planting areas. Rainwater harvesting systems, such as rain barrels or cisterns, further enhance water conservation efforts. In addition, xeriscapes can provide wildlife habitats with features like bird baths, nesting boxes, or pollinator gardens. Shade structures, such as pergolas or arbors, create comfortable outdoor seating areas and can be combined with artistic elements like sculptures, fountains, or decorative boulders to add a unique touch to the landscape.

Check Out Some Xeriscapes We've Built

We've designed and built some amazing xeriscapes in Oceanside, California.

Xeriscaping incorporates several principles and techniques, including:

#1.  Plant selection: We always choose native or drought-tolerant plants that require minimal supplemental watering once established. These plants are better adapted to our local climate and soil conditions and often require less maintenance than non-native species.

#2.  Soil improvement: Drainage is important for a functional xeriscape.  We usually amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost, to improve its water retention and nutrient availability. This helps plants establish strong root systems, making them more resistant to drought and other environmental stresses.

#3.  Efficient irrigation: Implement efficient watering methods, such as drip irrigation and soaker hoses to target the root zones of plants and minimize water waste.

#4.  Mulching: Apply a layer of organic or inorganic mulch around plants to conserve soil moisture, reduce evaporation, suppress weeds, and moderate soil temperature. Mulch materials can include wood chips, gravel, river rock, or crushed stone.

#5.  Zoning: Ideally we try and group plants that share similar water, sunlight, and soil requirements together.  This optimizes your irrigation system efficiency and reduces water waste.  The less water a xeriscape requires to remain healthy, the better.

#6.  Lawn reduction: Grass takes large amounts of water to stay healthy.  The goal of a well-designed xeriscape is to minimize or replace traditional grass lawns with drought-tolerant ornamental grasses, groundcovers, or hardscape elements, such as patios, walkways, or gravel paths. This reduces the need for frequent watering, mowing, and fertilizing.

#7.  Maintenance: The entire point of a xeriscape is to reduce water consumption and maintenance requirements.  However, you'll still need to regularly prune, weed, and inspect your landscape to maintain its health and appearance. Proper maintenance can also help prevent pests, diseases, and ensure the longevity of your drought tolerant plants.

How Much Does Xeriscaping Cost?

The xeriscapes we design and build are beautiful, unique, and add value to your property.  Below is some basic pricing information for our xeriscaping services.

Small Yards

$4,000 - $15,000

This would be for typical front yard xeriscaping project for your  typical HOA or Oceanside lot.  It can contain a combination of natural stone, river rock, and native plantings.

Medium Sized Yards

$15,000 - $50,000

This would be for larger front or backyard yard xeriscaping project for your typical Fallbrook lot.  It can contain a combination of natural stone, river rock, native plantings, and even landscape lighting.

Large Properties

$50,000 - $150,000+

This would be for larger front and backyard yard xeriscaping project for an estate or luxury property.  It can contain a combination of hardscaping such as natural stone or river rock and softscaping like native plantings, and landscape lighting.

Our Xeriscape Designs Can Include

The only limit to a beautiful xeriscape is your imagination and your budget

Native Plants
Drought-Tolerant Plants
Groundcovers
Permeable Hardscapes
Rain Gardens
Dry Creek Beds
Gravel Pathways
Mulched Beds
River Rock Gardens
Retaining Walls
Drainage Swales
Shade Structures
Fountains
Paver Patios
Rainwater Harvesting
Boulders

These prices are just ball park figures to give you a rough idea as to what you should expect a xeriscaping project to cost in Fallbrook.  Your particular xeriscaping project may vary depending on site accessibility, the size of your xeriscape area, the specific materials chosen, and the overall scope of work.  If you need a firm price please request a consultation so we can view your potential project, listen to your ideas, and determine the actual scope of work required to complete your xeriscape.  After our on-site consultation we'll be able to provide you with a firm estimate to complete your new xeriscape.

No, xeriscaping involves using a variety of native and drought-tolerant plants, not just cacti and succulents. There are many different types of plants, including ornamental grasses, shrubs, perennials, and trees, that are well-suited for xeriscaping.

Xeriscaping does not have to result in a dry, barren-looking landscape. With careful plant selection and design, you can create a lush, colorful, and visually appealing garden that is also water-efficient and low-maintenance.

While traditional grass lawns often require significant water and maintenance, you can incorporate drought-tolerant grass species or groundcovers into your xeriscape to create a lawn-like area that requires less water and care.  Artificial turf is also an option that is available too if you love the look of natural grass.

Although xeriscaping is primarily associated with arid and semi-arid regions, its principles can be adapted to virtually any climate. The primary goal is to create a water-efficient and sustainable landscape, which can benefit any garden or outdoor space, regardless of climate.  It is particular useful in areas that experience seasonal water restrictions.

The amount of water you can save through xeriscaping depends on factors like your current landscape, plant choices, and irrigation methods. However, xeriscaping can significantly reduce outdoor water usage, with some estimates suggesting water savings of up to 50% or more compared to traditional landscaping.

Xeriscaping typically requires less maintenance than traditional landscaping, as it focuses on using native and drought-tolerant plants that are adapted to local conditions. These plants often require less watering, fertilizing, and pruning compared to non-native species.  So in general a xeriscape isn't something you'll need to rigorously maintain.

What Our Customers Say...

Brad Parker
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Brad Parker
September 20, 2021

My wife & I recently hired Chris of Outside Solution to help us "reset" the backyard of our new home & give us something to build off. It was never maintained by the previous owners, so was a few thousand sq. ft. of dead grass, foxtails & gopher mounds. We contacted Chris for help. He responded quickly and a couple days later came to see the project & talk details. His quote was very competitive. He also provided plans/pictures of what the completed project would look like, made recommendations, gave ideas of his own and was quick to answer any questions. He was also very patient with this new home owner who's still learning where everything is. All of this was before any contract was signed. For the project, he graded the land, installed drip irrigation (set up the timer as well), planted fruit trees, demo'd a random slab we wanted gone, installed DG & a ton of mulch. Chris & crew (when needed) were on time, friendly & respectful. The last day, they stayed late & got it all done earlier than expected. The best part of all this was the little touches that were included that we didn't ask or pay for - running drip lines to existing trees & including root cages for our new fruit trees to keep those damn gophers out. Chris has a great eye for detail. We are extremely happy with the result - we're finally able to enjoy the backyard & will be contacting Outside Solution again for future projects.

Nick Benkovich
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Nick Benkovich
June 19, 2018

Simply Outstanding. The quality of care and pride in his work starts from the moment you meet Chris. He really takes the time to understand what your looking for and provides great recommendations along the way for choices in plants, turf and irrigation systems. He brings his wealth of experience and attention to detail to providing a quality experience that you just don't see anymore. From the moment we met Chris he was responsive to any question, always providing thoughtful feedback. On the day the project was to be done he arrived on time with a crew ready to work and delivery a top notch transformation that met and in fact exceeded our expectations. For us a picture does tell a thousand words as there is just not enough words to say thanks for the fantastic job.

wayne batt
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wayne batt
June 13, 2018

Recently used Chris to install new sod in my back yard and clean up my slope along with laying down river rock near my pool equipment. Very pleased how everything worked out and I would definitely recommend them if you have landscape needs.

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