Xeriscaping in Fort Collins & Northern Colorado

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Xeriscaping in Fort Collins, Loveland & Northern Colorado

xeriscaping close up

Xeriscaping is a type of landscaping that requires limited supplemental irrigation. It is characterized by the use of drought-resistant vegetation suitable to the local climate. Xeriscaping is a fantastic landscape strategy to use in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Northern CO. In fact, the term “xeriscape” originated in Denver during the 1980s, when the city’s water department encouraged it as a way to save drinkable water.

xeriscaped yard in fort collins co

Benefits of Xeriscape

There are many reasons why you should choose to xeriscape in Fort Collins, Loveland and Northern CO. The main advantages of this landscaping method are: 

  • Water conservation: Xeriscaping can drastically cut down on your water consumption, saving you money and preserving this precious natural resource at the same time. 
  • Reduced fertilizer use: Plants that thrive in your local climate won’t require as much supplementation, keeping more chemicals out of the environment. 
  • Minimal maintenance: A xeriscape is very easy to maintain. It has low watering requirements and only needs some occasional weeding and pruning. 

• Improved property value: Attractive and easy-care landscaping will enhance your property value, offsetting the cost of installation.

xeriscaped backyard in fort collins

Tips for Effective Xeriscaping

Enjoy the full extent of xeriscaping’s benefits by making sure it is done right. Here are seven tips to help ensure a successful xeriscape. 

  1. Like any home improvement project, xeriscaping requires good planning. Make a diagram of the different landscaping elements you want to create. 
  2. Add compost or other types of soil amendments to get your soil ready for your plants. 
  3. Choose a watering method that meets the irrigation needs of your different plants. 
  4. Group plants according to light and water requirements to maximize your watering efficiency and minimize maintenance. 
  5. Use mulch to reduce water evaporation, suppress weed growth, and keep roots cool. 
  6. Limit the amount of turf in your landscaping or utilize alternatives like buffalo grass. 

7. Maintain your xeriscape with regular weeding, pruning, mowing, and aerating.

xeriscape in loveland co

Best Xeriscape Rocks and Plants

xeriscaping plants in fort collins

There is a lot of freedom in xeriscape design. For the hardscape, choose stone that suits your style and design needs. This might include flagstone to make walkways and paths and river rocks for borders and drainage beds. If you want to add some color to the scene, consider lava rock and brick chips. Decomposed granite is a particularly good choice for xeriscape ground cover.

Xeriscaping in the Colorado Climate

You will also want to have a diverse selection of low-water plants suited to the Colorado climate. Some great plants for your Fort Collins xeriscape are: 

  • Sweet Woodruff: A perennial with small white flowers that will flourish in shady spots. 
  • Creeping Veronica: A spring-blooming perennial with vibrant blue and purple flowers. 
  • Sunrose: A great perennial for hot and sunny areas that grows beautiful colorful blooms. 
  • Currant: A medium-sized shrub with fragrant flowers that does well in the sun. 
  • Hawthorn: A flowering tree that produces lovely white flowers and bright red fruits.
xeriscaping example from fort collins

For a drought-proof yard that won’t drink all of your water, that looks good, and that is easy to maintain, choose to xeriscape in Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, or Northern Colorado. The right landscaping solutions will allow you to enjoy your home both indoors and out. If you are thinking about xeriscaping your yard, contact Backes Landscaping for recommendations or a landscape design plan.