If you live in Utah, you know water is one of the most important issues lately, we’re using more of it than our mountains can keep giving. The average Utah lawn gulps 40–50 gallons of water per square foot every year (Utah State University Extension). Multiply that by the size of your yard, and you start to see the problem.
Now picture this: a front yard so beautiful it turns heads, but it only sips a fraction of that water we’re talking 75-80% less in many cases. That’s what xeriscaping can do.
It’s not just a landscaping trend. It’s really a quiet revolution we all need right now, one that saves you money, gives you time back, and helps keep Utah a place your kids and grandkids can call home.
The Problem We’re Facing
Climate scientists from the IPCC and hydrologists from NOAA agree: the American West is experiencing its most severe drought in over 1,200 years. Utah is one of the fastest-growing states, but our water supply is not growing with us.
- 90% of Utah’s municipal water comes from snowpack, and the snowpack is shrinking.
- Summer temps are higher, evaporation is faster, and our growing season is longer.
- Outdoor watering is the single biggest drain on municipal water, our lawns drink up to 60% of total residential use (Utah Division of Water Resources).
If we don’t change how we landscape, the math isn’t going to add up.
The Xeriscape Difference
Xeriscaping isn’t “zero” landscaping, quite the opposite, it’s “smart” landscaping. By using drought-tolerant plants, native species, stone pathways, decorative ground covers, and efficient drip irrigation, you can create an outdoor space that’s both stunning and sustainable.
Water Savings:
- Traditional lawn: 40–50 gallons of water per sq. ft. per year.
- Xeriscape: 15 gallons or less.
Maintenance Savings:
- No weekly mowing.
- No constant fertilizing, edging, or reseeding.
- Less pesticide and herbicide use.
- No sprinkler system maintenance.
Cost Savings:
- Cut your water bill by 60-75%.
- Reduce maintenance equipment and fuel costs.
- Many Utah counties offer cash rebates for lawn removal and xeriscape conversion. To make things easy you can find your community here: Ditch the Grass, Pocket the Cash Blog
Why This Matters to All of Us
Every square foot of lawn you replace with xeriscape has a ripple effect:
- For your wallet: Lower utility bills and fewer Saturday mornings behind a mower.
- For your community: Less strain on reservoirs and aquifers.
- For our kids: A more resilient, livable Utah that doesn’t run dry.
Climate change can feel like a global problem we can’t touch but local action is global action. The EPA confirms that community-level conservation projects have had important and measurable impacts on greenhouse gas reduction, biodiversity protection, and water security.
When you xeriscape, you’re making a choice that benefits your family, your neighborhood, and the entire Mountain West.
Getting Started
American Stone has been helping Utah homeowners, contractors, and landscapers build sustainable, low-maintenance outdoor spaces for decades. We’ll help you choose the right stone, ground cover, and layout to make your xeriscape both functional and beautiful.
Whether you’re going all-in with a full yard conversion or starting with a small pathway and decorative stone area, we’ll guide you step-by-step — no guesswork, no overwhelm.
Your Next Step
Your yard can become a legacy of smart stewardship.
Not Sure Where to Start? Call or visit American Stone today to start your xeriscape plan.
Save water. Save money. Build beauty that lasts.
Sources & Resources
- Utah State University Extension: Water-Wise Landscaping
- EPA WaterSense Program
- NOAA Drought Information
- IPCC Sixth Assessment Report
Xeriscaping: The Sustainable Landscaping Choice for Utah and the Mountain West