Xeriscaping is landscaping designed to thrive in Austin's 105-degree heat without constant irrigation. Red Agave designs and builds native plant landscapes with decomposed granite, flagstone, and steel edging that use 50-75% less water than a conventional lawn while looking more beautiful year-round. Most projects range from $8,000 to $35,000 depending on yard size. Austin Water's rebate program provides up to $2,500 for qualifying lawn replacements. Pair your xeriscape with a custom fire pit or deck for a complete outdoor living environment. Schedule a free consultation to get started.
Red Agave Landscape · Austin, TX
Austin Xeriscaping Company Design + Install
Xeriscape Design
Water-Wise Landscapes That Look Incredible
The Basics
What Is Xeriscaping?
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.
Plant Palette
Best Xeriscape Plants for Austin
01
Flame Acanthus
Red tubular blooms spring through fall. Full sun. Hummingbird magnet. Drought-proof once established.
02
Blackfoot Daisy
Continuous white blooms. Full sun. Spreads 12-18". Never needs deadheading. Thrives in rocky caliche soil.
03
Mexican Feathergrass
Fine blonde blades, 18-24" tall. Full sun to part shade. Adds movement and softness. Self-seeds.
04
Salvia Greggii
Red, pink, or coral blooms. Full sun. Attracts butterflies. Cut back once in February. Deer resistant.
05
Agave americana
Bold sculptural accent. Full sun. 3-5' wide. Zero water once established. The plant we're named after.
06
Damianita
Dense golden mounds of tiny flowers. Full sun. 18" tall. Perfect for borders. Thrives in poor soil.
Compare
Xeriscape vs Traditional Lawn in Austin
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.
| Category | Traditional Lawn | Xeriscape |
|---|---|---|
| Installation Cost (per 1,000 sq ft) | $3,000-$5,000 | $8,000-$18,000 |
| Annual Water Bill | $1,200-$2,400 | $200-$600 |
| Annual Maintenance | $2,400-$4,800 | $400-$800 |
| 5-Year Total Cost | $21,000-$41,000 | $10,000-$21,000 |
| Water Usage | 25,000+ gal/year | 5,000-10,000 gal/year |
| Maintenance Time | 2-4 hrs/week | 1-2 hrs/month |
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.
Investment
Xeriscaping Cost in Austin TX
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.
How It Works
Our Xeriscape Design Process
01
Consultation
Free on-site visit. We assess your soil, sun exposure, drainage, and existing plants. You share your vision and budget.
02
Design
Custom plan with plant placement, hardscape layout, and material selections. 3D renderings for complex projects.
03
Installation
Our crew handles everything: plant removal, soil prep, hardscape, planting, irrigation, and lighting. Most projects complete in 1-3 weeks.
04
Warranty
90-day plant replacement guarantee. We check back at 30 and 60 days to ensure everything is thriving.
Our Work
Recent Projects
What's Included
Xeriscape Components
01
Native Texas Plants
Flame Acanthus, Blackfoot Daisy, Mexican Feathergrass, Salvia Greggii, and more. Every plant chosen for Central Texas heat and drought tolerance.
02
Decomposed Granite
Custom-colored DG in warm gold, charcoal, or natural tones. Compacts into a firm, walkable surface that drains perfectly.
03
Steel Edging
1/4-inch steel edging bent and welded on-site for precise, clean lines. Starting at $20/ft. Separates materials, defines beds, and never shifts or deteriorates.
04
Flagstone & Boulders
Natural flagstone pathways and strategically placed boulders for texture, drainage, and year-round visual structure.
05
Dry Creek Beds
Functional drainage channels lined with river rock that manage runoff and double as sculptural landscape features.
06
Drip Irrigation
Zone-specific drip irrigation for establishment watering. Most plants need zero supplemental water after the first season.
Common Questions
Xeriscape FAQ
How much does xeriscaping cost in Austin, TX?
Most xeriscape projects in Austin range from $8,000 to $35,000 depending on yard size, materials, and plant selection. A typical 1,000 sq ft xeriscape with decomposed granite, native plants, and steel edging runs $12,000 to $18,000. We provide free on-site estimates for every project and can design for any budget.
Will a xeriscape yard look dry and barren?
Not at all. A well-designed xeriscape is more colorful and textured than a conventional lawn. Native Texas plants like Flame Acanthus, Salvia Greggii, and Blackfoot Daisy bloom continuously from spring through fall. Mexican Feathergrass adds flowing movement. Combined with decomposed granite in warm tones and natural stone, the result is a landscape that looks intentional and alive year-round.
Does Austin offer rebates for removing grass?
Yes. Austin Water offers the WaterWise Landscape Rebate program, which provides up to $2,500 for qualifying residential properties that remove traditional turf and replace it with water-efficient landscaping. We can help you navigate the rebate application process and design a landscape that qualifies. The rebate can offset a significant portion of your xeriscape investment.
How long does xeriscape installation take?
Most residential xeriscape projects take 1-3 weeks from start to finish. Smaller front yards can be completed in 3-5 days. Larger whole-yard transformations with flagstone, boulders, and lighting typically take 2-3 weeks. We schedule a start date during your design approval and provide daily progress updates.
Can I still have some grass with xeriscape?
Absolutely. Xeriscape is about using water wisely, not eliminating all green. Many of our clients keep a small functional turf area for kids or pets and surround it with native planting beds and decomposed granite. We use Zoysia or Bermuda for these areas since they handle Austin's heat better than St. Augustine and require less water.
What maintenance does a xeriscape yard need?
Very little. Native plants need supplemental water only during their first summer. After establishment, most need zero irrigation. Maintenance is limited to cutting back perennials once in late February, occasional weeding (much less than lawn), and refreshing decomposed granite every 2-3 years. No mowing, no fertilizing, no fungicide.
Will xeriscaping increase my home value?
Yes. The National Association of Realtors reports that professional landscaping adds 10-15% to home value. In Austin specifically, water-wise landscapes are increasingly attractive to buyers concerned about long-term water costs and restrictions. A well-designed xeriscape also has stronger curb appeal than a stressed, brown lawn.
Do you work with the Austin WaterWise rebate program?
Yes. Austin Water's WaterWise Landscape Rebate offers up to $2,500 for qualifying lawn conversions. We help clients navigate the application process, which requires before photos and a landscape plan showing at least 50% of irrigated turf being replaced. Our designs are structured to maximize your rebate eligibility.
Ready to Start?
Any Project · Any Budget · Free Consultation
Get a Free Quote →