Water is precious in Central Texas, and smart homeowners know that beautiful landscaping does not have to mean sky-high water bills. That is where xeriscapes landscaping comes in. At Anderson Landscape, we have spent over 26 years clearing a common myth – that xeriscapes landscaping is just dry land with gravel and a few cacti. This is not true at all. Xeriscaping gardening is a simple and proven method to create gardens that thrive in heat and drought, while using significantly less water.
Derived from the Greek word xeros (meaning dry), true xeriscape design is not about removing life; it is about choosing the right life. Xeriscape Gardening is a design philosophy focused on using the right plants in the right places. Our approach focuses on smart plant selection and efficient irrigation.
We design landscapes that work with the Texas climate rather than fighting it, ensuring your property stays beautiful with ease. The result? Beautiful gardens, colorful flowerbeds, and lush landscapes that stay healthy through Texas summers without constant watering.
Xeriscapes/Gardens Gallery
Native Plants & Drought-Tolerant Gardens
The foundation of any good xeriscape is choosing the right plants. Native Texas plants have adapted to local soil, rain, and weather over thousands of years. They do not need excessive special care because they are built for these conditions.
But native plants are not your only option. We also incorporate drought-tolerant and climate-adaptive plants that perform well in Central Texas. The key is grouping plants with similar water needs together – a core principle of xeriscape landscaping. We group your plants by their water needs to keep your property looking flawless. We place lush, premium varieties where they can be easily watered in partial shade zones, while drought-tough full sun plants are set in areas that have deeper soils to maintain moisture but don’t need regular watering. A few drips a week keeps them satisfied.
Smart Garden Design & Water Zones
Good xeriscape design starts with understanding your property and how it drains or doesn’t as well as how the sun rises and sets there.
We evaluate sun exposure, soil conditions, natural drainage patterns, slopes, and how you actually use your outdoor space. From there, we design water zones that align with both plant needs and lifestyle priorities.
This zoning approach slashes water use while ensuring your estate looks flawless and well-maintained. It creates a lush, seamless look that never appears patchy or neglected.
For larger estates, we design outer zones and slopes with hardy, native varieties that thrive by themselves. We balance these with high-end custom stonework and lighting, crushed granite or black gravel with step stone paths, and clean mulched beds in accented areas along walkways for seasonal changes as requested. This adds a sophisticated structure to your property while reducing the need for constant upkeep, ensuring every acre looks manicured and polished.
Flowerbeds & Seasonal Color
Choosing a water-wise landscape does not mean giving up color. We design flowerbeds that bloom beautifully through the seasons with the right plant choices. By selecting plants that naturally bloom during different seasons and pairing them with proper soil preparation, we create flowerbeds that provide visual impact without excessive watering.
Some xeriscape beds are best done in river rock to prevent erosion on our Hill Country sloped yards. In those areas that won’t erode,mulching plays a critical role in xeriscape landscaping. It keeps soil cool, reduces evaporation, suppresses weeds, and gradually improves soil as it breaks down. This allows plants to stay healthier with less effort, keeping xeriscape gardens looking full and well-maintained over time.
Xeriscapes for Slopes & Problem Areas
Steep slopes, rocky terrain, and areas where grass struggles to grow are ideal for xeriscape solutions. We transform these areas into attractive, low-maintenance landscapes using terracing, erosion-resistant plantings in native river rock beds on drip irrigation, and thoughtful grading.
Choosing Xeriscape Austin solutions enhances both the beauty and function of your estate. By using native grasses and deep-rooting plants, we stabilize your soil naturally and eliminate the need for constant mowing or heavy watering. It is a sophisticated way to create a lush, low-maintenance landscape that thrives in the Texas heat.
Complete Landscape Transformations
Many clients choose our xeriscape landscaping services as part of a larger landscape transformation. High-maintenance lawns are replaced with layered planting zones, shaded seating areas, pathways, and flagstone features that feel purposeful and inviting.
With a background in agricultural studies and natural resources, our team approaches xeriscaping with a deep understanding of plant science, soil composition, and long-term performance. Xeriscapes are easier to maintain than regular turf, with less watering, mowing, and upkeep, and much more visual interest than sod turf alone.
For homeowners considering Xeriscape landscapers in Austin and surrounds, we design natural, water-smart landscapes that stay beautiful year after year.
Why Choose US
Key Benefits of Our Xeriscape Gardening Service
Switching to a xeriscape is the smartest investment for a Central Texas homeowner.
Our expertise in native plants and soil design ensures your landscape flourishes quickly and stays beautiful for years. You will save water, eliminate mowing, and remove the need for harsh chemicals – all while boosting your property’s value and curb appeal with sustainable luxury.
Here are a few benefits of Xeriscape Gardening.
- Massive Water Savings: Slash outdoor watering by 60%, dropping your utility costs substantially in the hot months.
- Thrives in Texas Heat: Drought-tolerant plants do not wilt, brown, or go dormant during summer heat waves like traditional grass lawns do.
- Low-Maintenance Luxury: Skip weekly mowing and fertilizing. Native plants require only seasonal pruning and fertilizing as well as bi-annual leaf debris removal. Imagine what you can do with all those weekends off?
- Eco-System Support: Xeriscape gardening supports local pollinators. Butterflies and bees are crucial in creating a healthier environment for your property and our county’s ecosystem.
Maintenance Tips
Maintain a 3-inch layer of hardwood mulch to insulate soil and block weeds. This simple step prevents evaporation and keeps your plants lush, even under the harsh Texas sun. Without deep mulch, the soil dries out, and plants stress quickly. Mulch beds are eroding soil and woods and will invite pests so ensure you have pest control in place especially if the mulch beds touch your home foundation.
Water deeply, not every day. Run your drip system longer but less often, like early morning before sunrise twice a week. Early mornings ensure minimal evaporation and it also better ensures if you have an irrigation leak you will notice it before you leave or start the rest of your day. This watering routine helps roots grow deeper, so plants stay strong and need less water during dry periods.
Native plants do not need monthly fertilizer. They have adapted to our soils naturally. Chemical fertilizers actually cause weak growth that needs more water. Quarterly or biannually is plenty. Our bees and butterflies will pollinate and do the rest.
Most native plants need very little pruning. In late summer, lightly cut back perennials and remove dead growth. Avoid heavy or shaped pruning, as natural growth helps plants handle heat and drought.
Even with weed barriers, dust,pollen and bird and tree debris can settle, and weeds can grow. Remove weeds early or use a spring pre-emergent to keep your xeriscape landscaping looking clean and well-kept.
Customer Feedback
M. C. – Jan 05, 2026
M. C. – Jan 05, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Does xeriscaping mean I have to get rid of all my grass?
No. We often design hybrid landscapes. We can reduce your turf to a functional size (perfect for pets or kids) and surround it with xeriscape landscaping beds. This gives you the lush green look you love without the massive water requirements of a wall-to-wall lawn.
Do you offer xeriscape landscaping in Round Rock?
Yes, custom 3D designs for Round Rock, Georgetown, Leander, Cedar Park, Lago Vista, Jonestown, Liberty Hill, Burnet, Bertram, Salado, Jarrel, Florence, Pflugerville, Hutto, Manor,Marble Falls and Austin – tailored to local soils and restrictions.
Can xeriscaping work on sloped or problem areas?
Yes. Xeriscaping is ideal for slopes, rocky areas, and places where grass struggles, helping control erosion and reduce upkeep. It’s also ideal for high shade areas where grass struggles but shade tolerant low water plants will thrive.
Is xeriscape landscaping more expensive than traditional landscaping?
Not really. Since most home owners bought their house with a yard of sod and divots they aren’t familiar with what they could have invested in while it was still a blank canvas of builder soil. The upfront cost is often similar, or slightly higher because of the weight of heavier materials and detailed plants, but the ongoing costs are much lower. Savings on Summer water and maintenance adds up, with long-term savings after the initial payback. Plus the Summer water restrictions leave most homeowners frustrated because they are stuck with a dead lawn more than half the year and nothing they can do or enjoy about it. A 70/30 split xeriscape/lawn prevents that. Everyone could handwater what they enjoy putting their feet in daily after work during the summer while only drip watering the xeriscape plants on the rest of the property.
What time of the year is best to xeriscape in Austin, Texas?
The best time to install xeriscaping in Austin is anytime you are ready to start saving on water or maintenance for the next coming season. A typical installation only takes a couple of days to week depending on property size. It will take the plants roughly 3 weeks to establish roots under moderate watering. Beyond that their watering schedule can gradually be scaled back to just drip twice a week.
