OHIO — The price of having a well-kept lawn can add up quickly for homeowners, which is leading to the growing popularity of an alternative landscaping option. 

What You Need To Know

  • Xeriscapes are landscapes without traditional grass that requires mowing and maintenance

  • Xeriscaping involves using drought-tolerant plants to cover the ground

  • Xeriscapes require minimal maintenance after roots are established

Xeriscaping involves using drought-tolerant plants instead of labor and water-intensive grass. 

Bobbie Schwartz owns Bobbie’s Green Thumb and said she’s noticed an increased interest in the design. 

“People, particularly with inflation now, are very conscious of expenses,” she said. 

Schwartz has designed landscapes for more than 40 years. 

“There’s a lot more interest in the environment now, no question,” she said. “And in pollinator gardens, in doing more than just beauty.”

She said a Xeriscape doesn’t have to look like a desert. Instead, dought-tolerant plants can cover the expanse of the yard. She said the plants will need minimal maintenance once their roots are established. 

The key with Ohio soil, however, is ensuring there’s adequate drainage. 

“One of the things about drought-tolerant plants is that they hate wet feet,” Schwartz said. “So, because Cleveland winters are wet whether it’s rain or snow, the clay retains the moisture. Drought-tolerant plants have roots that will probably rot. That’s why I add the aggregate, in order to have perfect drainage.

Xeriscapes can be developed for locations ranging from full sun to shade. 

The initial expense to install the plants might be higher than a traditional yard, but she said the change is a money-saver in the long run.