7 Front Yard Xeriscaping Ideas That Conserve Water and Boost Curb Appeal

Modify What You Have

A brand-new yard can be anything you want, but if you already have an existing landscape, you can still xeriscape it. "Identify what plants or areas you most often have to provide supplemental water for," says horticulturist Noelle Johnson. "Switch out your thirstiest plants for plants native to your region or those that come from areas with similar temperatures and rainfall."

You can do this all at once or gradually over time. And remember, native plants can look great on your property. "Consult your local nursery professional for guidance as to what plants will do best in a xeriscape," says Johnson.

Let Your Yard Mature

In the front yard, you probably want a few mature plants and shrubs to add varying amounts of vertical height to your landscape. This works well for xeriscaping, since encouraging plant growth has benefits. "Allow shrubs and ground covers to grow to their natural size, which will provide shade to their roots," says Johnson. Increased shade means less watering. "Frequent pruning increases a plant's water needs," she adds.

Think About Trees

Trees can go a long way when it comes to enhancing curb appeal. Rather than forcing a non-native tree into your xeriscape, select a species that will thrive near your home with little maintenance and little watering. Junipers grow in a wide range of zones and are very drought-tolerant. They also provide you with a lot of creative control, as they can be grown as a shrub or tree, depending on your needs.

There are also front yard trees that serve double duty as landscaping décor and food sources. Again, it's all about choosing varieties that are already suited to your specific zone and climate. Black walnut trees are a good option for many situations. Their compound leaves have a unique and interesting appearance, the tree does well in dry conditions, and the walnuts themselves are an extra bonus (if you can keep away the squirrels!).

Try Containers for Added Versatility

A well-placed container, barrel, raised bed, or planter can add extra dimension to your front yard, but in a xeriscape situation, you'll have to adapt your containers to your low-water needs. "Containers add a decorative element to your home's curb appeal," says Johnson. "While many people use flowering annuals for a splash of color in their pots, they require a lot of water."

She notes that there are plenty of container-worthy options that have less aggressive water needs. "Consider planting drought-tolerant flowering shrubs for vibrant interest, or add succulents in a colorful container where their unique shapes and textures can be enjoyed," she says.

Use Mulch to Conserve Moisture

Using mulch in garden beds and around trees and shrubs creates a beautiful natural look that also aids in your water-saving goals. "Mulch is one of the best strategies for a xeriscape, which prevents the soil from drying out too quickly," says Johnson. "Organic mulch breaks down over time and improves the texture of soil to the benefit of plants."

Grow Drought-Tolerant Plants

Try xeriscaping to explore unique plant varieties you may not have considered before. "Visit your local botanical garden's native or low-water-use sections to get design and plant inspiration," says Johnson. Flowers like lavender, sedum, or coneflowers, herbs like sage or oregano, and any manner of succulents are all perfect options for xeriscaping.

Use Pavers

A nice walkway is an obvious choice for the front yard, adding utilitarian and cosmetic advantages. But you'll want to select walkway materials that align with the principles of xeriscaping. "Permeable pavers are a good option for a function such as a walkway or seating area," says Johnson. "This type of paver isn't set on concrete; instead, they are placed slightly wider apart from each other, allowing water to permeate into the ground."