Drought Tolerant Landscaping

Replacing your lawn with sustainable alternatives

If you think you have to decide between using a ton of water and having a great looking yard, think again. Homeowners, property managers, and business owners throughout the Los Angeles area have turned to drought tolerant landscape designs that are smart and tasteful without the usual upkeep and wasted water of traditional landscaping.

If you’re ready to learn what your yard could look like with a drought tolerant landscape, Chuck’s Landscaping is here to help. Whether you know exactly what you want, or you’re open to a few options, we will be happy to show you what your yard could be.

a drought tolerant landscape created by our team

What is Drought Tolerant Landscaping?

Drought tolerant landscaping, or xeriscaping, is a form of landscaping that reduces or completely eliminates the need for irrigated water. For Los Angeles residents, xeriscape landscaping is a perfect answer to times when water resources may be limited. Many residents are choosing to get rid of their lawns and foliage that require a lot of water to maintain. Xeriscaping is an ideal solution to this situation.

Through a combination of planning and design, and using native drought tolerant plants, soil preparation, & mulching, Chuck’s Landscaping provides excellent services for your landscaping needs. We can be your go-to source for a beautifully xeriscaped yard that will last you for years to come.

Drought-tolerant landscaping is a smart, sustainable solution for modern gardening and landscaping projects, especially in regions prone to dry spells. By using water-wise techniques and selecting native plants, homeowners can create beautiful, low-maintenance outdoor spaces that thrive with minimal watering. Native plants, shrubs, and perennial flowers are ideal for these designs, as they are naturally adapted to local soils and climate.

Incorporating ornamental grasses, ground-cover, and flowering shrubs adds texture and color without excessive irrigation. Trees and shrubs with deep roots can also provide shade, reduce evaporation, and enhance drainage. Replacing a traditional lawn with gravel paths, hardscape features, or drought-tolerant grasses significantly cuts down on watering and mowing needs.

Proper planting techniques, including improving soil quality and using mulch, help retain moisture and reduce weed growth. A well-designed irrigation system ensures that water is delivered efficiently to roots, minimizing waste. Regular maintenance, such as occasional fertilizing and weed control, supports plant health while keeping the garden looking tidy.

By choosing drought-tolerant options and planning smartly, you can enjoy a vibrant, eco-friendly landscape that’s both beautiful and resilient. Whether you’re starting fresh or updating an existing garden, drought-tolerant landscaping is an ideal choice for sustainable, long-lasting beauty.

Plan & Design

Landscape design is the beginning stage. We’ll survey your property and create a base plan of the area. We always take your ideas and desires into consideration of the plan, and are ready to help provide you with a visually pleasing, money-saving yard. With your input and our expertise, we can design a preliminary plan of how your landscape will ultimately be laid out for the final product.

Reducing Turf Areas

Typically, grassy turf tends to use more water, and requires more work to maintain than considered necessary in the Los Angeles area.

Due to the amount of upkeep and local water shortages, many people are gravitating towards grassless yards over the traditional look. However, grass does not necessarily need to be eliminated, and can be incorporated into the xeriscaping process. We’ll help you determine if and where you’ll have turf in your new landscape.

Choosing Local Plants & Zones

An important principle of xeriscape landscaping is to source the plants and vegetation from the local area. While you can choose plants from other regions, not all are able to adapt to the change in climate and can die. Choosing drought tolerant plants native to Los Angeles county will ensure the longevity of your xeriscaped yard.

A few examples of Los Angeles native drought resistant plants used in xeriscaping are:

  • Succulents & Cacti
  • California Mountain Lilac
  • Canyon Grey California Sagebrush
  • Parry’s Nolina
  • Variety of Herbs
  • Deergrass

More information on which drought tolerant plants are local to the area can be found  here.

FAQ

The best plants for drought-tolerant landscaping are those that require minimal water once established. These include native landscape plants, ornamental grasses, succulents, and flowering perennials. Many shrubs are also drought-resistant and add both structure and aesthetic appeal to your front-yard. When selecting plants, it’s important to consider not only their water-use needs but also their resistance to local pests and tolerance to heat. A landscape designer can help you choose the right mix of plants that bloom at different times, creating year-round interest while helping you conserve water.

Drought-tolerant landscapes require less water but still need regular landscape maintenance. This includes pruning shrubs and trees to encourage healthy growth, applying fertilizer sparingly, and managing pests. Weeding is crucial, as weeds can compete with your landscape plants for water and nutrients. Drip irrigation systems are ideal, delivering water directly to the roots while minimizing waste. Homeowners should also monitor irrigation schedules and adjust them based on seasons. Incorporating gravel walkways and mulch helps reduce evaporation and keeps the soil cool. With proper care, your landscaping design can remain lush and sustainable.

Absolutely! Drought-tolerant landscaping can be both functional and beautiful. With thoughtful landscaping design, homeowners can create a visually stunning front-yard full of color and texture. Blooming perennials, ornamental shrubs, and native plants offer year-round interest with minimal water-use. Gravel paths, stone walkways, and other hardscape elements can complement the natural aesthetic while reducing areas that need to be watered. A landscape designer can help you combine function and form, ensuring your yard not only conserves water but also enhances curb appeal and reflects your personal style.

Drip irrigation systems are the most efficient choice for drought-tolerant gardens. They deliver water directly to the root zones of your plants, which helps reduce evaporation and water waste. Compared to traditional sprinkler systems, drip systems are better suited for landscape plants like shrubs and perennials, which don’t need to be watered as frequently. A timer can help automate watering during cooler parts of the day, further conserving water. Pairing smart irrigation with good landscape maintenance, such as weeding and occasional pruning, ensures your garden stays healthy and attractive with minimal water-use.

Preparing Your Soil

We can’t just stick plants in the ground and expect them to grow. The soil plants are placed into needs to be fertile and able to provide the necessary environment for drought tolerant plants. Prior to any new vegetation installation, you’ll need to prepare the soil in your landscape for the plants you’ve chosen.

We can help with that. Chuck’s Landscaping will help determine which soil you’ll need for your yard to thrive.

Mulching

Mulching portions of your yard is an effective way at giving your plant life ideal conditions to thrive. Organic mulch, like wood chips, helps retain moisture for roots below. Inorganic mulch, like lavastone, is decorative and effective at keeping the ground below cooler and moist. We provide several types of mulch, dependent on what your yard will need.

bark-mulch

Drought Tolerant Landscapes Require Less Maintenance

Once finished, your new drought resistant landscape will require regular maintenance, as any yard would. Compared to the amount of effort a traditional yard would take to upkeep, the difference will be clear as day. With a xeriscaped yard, you can maximize the beauty of your landscape with minimal effort.

Contact us today to get your estimate on a new drought tolerant yard. We’ll be happy to discuss your options with you!

a drought resistant landscape will require less maintenance

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