Austin Xeriscaping Company Design + Install

Austin's Stage 2 water restrictions are not a temporary inconvenience. They are the new normal in a region where population growth consistently outpaces water supply. Xeriscape is not about sacrificing beauty for conservation. Done right, a xeriscape yard is more visually striking than a conventional lawn, requires a fraction of the water, and needs almost no maintenance once established. Red Agave specializes in xeriscape and hardscape design that transforms Austin yards into landscapes that thrive in 105-degree heat without irrigation systems running around the clock.

We use native and adapted Texas plants exclusively. Flame Acanthus provides hummingbird-attracting red tubular blooms from spring through fall. Blackfoot Daisy delivers continuous white flowers on a compact, spreading form that never needs deadheading. Mexican Feathergrass adds movement and softness with its fine blonde blades that catch every breeze. Anacacho Orchid Tree offers fragrant white blooms and light dappled shade in a compact form. Greg's Mistflower, Salvia Greggii, and Damianita round out our standard palette, though we source from specialty Texas native nurseries for clients who want something more unusual.

The hardscape anchors everything. We install decomposed granite in custom colors, from warm gold to charcoal, contained by 1/4-inch steel edging that we bend and weld on-site for clean, precise curves. Flagstone pathways, dry creek beds for drainage, and boulder placement create structure and interest year-round. Most xeriscape projects in Austin range from $8,000 to $35,000 depending on yard size and material choices. Pair your xeriscape with a custom fire pit or deck for a complete outdoor living environment. Schedule a free consultation to get started.

Xeriscaping is landscaping designed to reduce or eliminate the need for supplemental watering. The term was coined in Denver in 1981 by combining "xeros" (Greek for dry) with "landscaping." It is built on seven principles: planning and design, soil improvement, practical turf areas, efficient irrigation, mulching, appropriate plant selection, and proper maintenance. Xeriscaping does not mean rocks and cacti. It means choosing the right plants for your climate and designing the landscape so water is used with precision rather than waste.

Austin is one of the best cities in the country for xeriscape. Stage 2 water restrictions are effectively permanent, summers regularly exceed 100 degrees for weeks at a time, and the native caliche clay soil drains poorly and challenges conventional turf. A properly designed xeriscape uses 50-75% less water than a conventional lawn. Austin Water's WaterWise rebate program provides up to $2,500 for qualifying lawn replacements, making the transition even more accessible. The native plants that thrive here are not compromise choices. They are some of the most beautiful, resilient species available anywhere.

The upfront cost of xeriscaping is higher than laying sod, but the long-term economics are not close. Here is how the two approaches compare for a typical Austin homeowner over five years.

Xeriscape costs more upfront but pays for itself within 2-3 years through water savings and eliminated lawn maintenance. Most Austin homeowners see a 50-60% reduction in their monthly water bill after converting to xeriscape.

Small yard (under 500 sq ft): $4,000-$8,000. Includes plant removal, soil prep, native plants, decomposed granite, and steel edging.

Medium yard (500-1,500 sq ft): $8,000-$18,000. Full design with multiple zones, boulder placement, flagstone paths, and drip irrigation.

Large yard (1,500-3,000+ sq ft): $18,000-$35,000+. Complete landscape transformation with multiple material zones, dry creek beds, specimen plants, and landscape lighting.

These ranges reflect design-build pricing where Red Agave handles everything from design through final planting. Concrete starts at $14/sq ft, decomposed granite at $6-$9/sq ft installed, steel edging at $20/ft.

Every project starts with a free on-site consultation. We walk the property, discuss your vision, and provide a detailed proposal within one week. Schedule yours today.