Low Maintenance Xeriscaping

A beautiful landscape without the tedious maintenance

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Xeriscaping Design & Construction Near Me
We design and build beautiful low maintenance, drought tolerant landscapes

Xeriscaping, also known as drought-tolerant landscaping, is a landscaping approach that focuses on creating water-efficient, low-maintenance, and environmentally sustainable gardens or outdoor spaces. The term "xeriscaping" comes from the Greek word "xeros," meaning dry, and "scape," meaning scenery. The primary goal of xeriscaping is to conserve water, reduce maintenance, and create a landscape that is well adapted to local climate conditions, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions or in regions that face seasonal water restrictions.

EverGreen EcoScapes is a landscaping contractor based out of Virginia Beach, Virginia and serving the surrounding area. We specialize in the design and installation of low maintenance, drought-tolerant xeriscapes using a variety of natural stone, river rock, and native plantings to create the perfect balance of interest and color.  Whether you're looking for a low maintenance landscape in your front yard to improve curb appeal or you'd like to xeriscape around your backyard pool or patio our team can help.

Xeriscaping offers a diverse range of popular design elements that create visually appealing, water-efficient, and low-maintenance landscapes. Native and drought-tolerant plants are essential components, providing color, texture, and interest while minimizing water usage. Groundcovers can be used as lawn alternatives, reducing the need for water-intensive grass lawns. Hardscape surfaces, such as gravel or decomposed granite pathways, contribute to both aesthetics and functionality, while permeable materials help with water absorption. Incorporating features like rain gardens and dry creek beds or drainage swales can effectively manage stormwater runoff and create natural focal points in the landscape.

Other popular design elements include mulched planting beds, which help conserve soil moisture, and rock gardens that add visual interest with minimal maintenance. Retaining walls or terraces can be employed for erosion control and to create distinct planting areas. Rainwater harvesting systems, such as rain barrels or cisterns, further enhance water conservation efforts. In addition, xeriscapes can provide wildlife habitats with features like bird baths, nesting boxes, or pollinator gardens. Shade structures, such as gazebos, pergolas or arbors, create comfortable outdoor seating areas and can be combined with artistic elements like sculptures, fountains, or decorative boulders to add a unique touch to the landscape.

Check Out Some Xeriscapes We've Built

We've designed and built some amazing xeriscapes in Virginia Beach

Xeriscaping incorporates several principles and techniques, including:

#1.  Plant selection: We always choose native or drought-tolerant plants that require minimal supplemental watering once established. These plants are better adapted to our local climate and soil conditions and often require less maintenance than non-native species.

#2.  Soil improvement: Drainage is important for a functional xeriscape.  We usually amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost, to improve its water retention and nutrient availability. This helps plants establish strong root systems, making them more resistant to drought and other environmental stresses.

#3.  Efficient irrigation: Implement efficient watering methods, such as drip irrigation and soaker hoses to target the root zones of plants and minimize water waste.

#4.  Mulching: Apply a layer of organic or inorganic mulch around plants to conserve soil moisture, reduce evaporation, suppress weeds, and moderate soil temperature. Mulch materials can include wood chips, gravel, river rock, or crushed stone.

#5.  Zoning: Ideally we try and group plants that share similar water, sunlight, and soil requirements together.  This optimizes your irrigation system efficiency and reduces water waste.  The less water a xeriscape requires to remain healthy, the better.  In our area of Virginia Beach we typically choose plants that thrive in growing zone 8A.

#6.  Lawn reduction: Grass takes large amounts of water to stay healthy.  The goal of a well-designed xeriscape is to minimize or replace traditional grass lawns with drought-tolerant ornamental grasses, groundcovers, or hardscape elements, such as patios, walkways, or gravel paths. This reduces the need for frequent watering, mowing, and fertilizing.

#7.  Maintenance: The entire point of a xeriscape is to reduce water consumption and maintenance requirements.  However, you'll still need to regularly prune, weed, and inspect your landscape to maintain its health and appearance. Proper maintenance can also help prevent pests, diseases, and ensure the longevity of your drought tolerant plants.

Xeriscape Consultation

How Much Does Xeriscaping Cost?

The xeriscapes we design and build are beautiful, unique, and add value to your property.  Below is some basic pricing information for our xeriscaping services.

Small Yards

$2500 - $6,500

This would be for typical front yard xeriscaping project for your typical Virginia Beach lot.  It can contain a combination of natural stone, river rock, and native plantings.

Medium Sized Yards

$6,500 - $25,000

This would be for larger front or backyard yard xeriscaping project for your typical Virginia Beach lot.  It can contain a combination of natural stone, river rock, native plantings, and even landscape lighting.

Large Properties

$25,000+

This would be for larger front and backyard yard xeriscaping project for an estate or luxury property.  It can contain a combination of hardscaping such as natural stone or river rock and softscaping like native plantings, and landscape lighting.

Our Xeriscape Designs Can Include

The only limit to a beautiful xeriscape is your imagination and your budget

Native Plants
Drought-Tolerant Plants
Groundcovers
Pollinator Gardens
Rain Gardens
Dry Creek Beds
Gravel Pathways
Mulched Beds
River Rock Gardens
Small Garden Walls
Drainage Swales
Shade Structures
Bio-Swales
Vegetable Gardens
Rainwater Harvesting
Boulders

These prices are just ball park figures to give you a rough idea as to what you should expect a xeriscaping project to cost in Virginia Beach.  Your particular xeriscaping project may vary depending on site accessibility, the size of your xeriscape area, the specific materials chosen, and the overall scope of work.  If you need a firm price please request a consultation so we can view your potential project, listen to your ideas, and determine the actual scope of work required to complete your xeriscape.  After our on-site consultation we'll be able to provide you with a firm estimate to complete your new xeriscape.

No, xeriscaping involves using a variety of native and drought-tolerant plants, not just cacti and succulents. There are many different types of plants, including ornamental grasses, shrubs, perennials, and trees, that are well-suited for xeriscaping.

Xeriscaping does not have to result in a dry, barren-looking landscape. With careful plant selection and design, you can create a lush, colorful, and visually appealing garden that is also water-efficient and low-maintenance.

While traditional grass lawns often require significant water and maintenance, you can incorporate drought-tolerant grass species or groundcovers into your xeriscape to create a lawn-like area that requires less water and care.  Artificial turf is also an option that is available too if you love the look of natural grass.

Although xeriscaping is primarily associated with arid and semi-arid regions, its principles can be adapted to virtually any climate. The primary goal is to create a water-efficient and sustainable landscape, which can benefit any garden or outdoor space, regardless of climate.  It is particular useful in areas that experience seasonal water restrictions.

The amount of water you can save through xeriscaping depends on factors like your current landscape, plant choices, and irrigation methods. However, xeriscaping can significantly reduce outdoor water usage, with some estimates suggesting water savings of up to 50% or more compared to traditional landscaping.

Xeriscaping typically requires less maintenance than traditional landscaping, as it focuses on using native and drought-tolerant plants that are adapted to local conditions. These plants often require less watering, fertilizing, and pruning compared to non-native species.  So in general a xeriscape isn't something you'll need to rigorously maintain.

XeriscapeConsultation

Our Clients Love Us!

Here's What They Say

Jamie Dize
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Jamie Dize

I am so happy with the job done! They listened to all I wanted and made it a reality!! Very professional and responsive! I will be using them for my backyard as well.

Veterinary Hospital of Virginia Beach
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Veterinary Hospital of Virginia Beach

We are so happy with their service. The creative design has brought so many bees and birds to our yard, planting native species to our yard. We look forward to years of enjoyment of our gardens.

Tammy Cobb
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Tammy Cobb

I feel incredibly fortunate to have randomly met Vanessa from EverGreen EcoScapes at a plant sale. After speaking for a few minutes, I could tell she shared the same plant philosophies but was much more knowledgeable than I am. It was a pleasure working with the team from the initial consultation through the completion of my project to replace part of my lawn with native plants. Vanessa took my scattered ideas and turned them into a beautiful garden. They went above what was required and made sure everything was handled. I appreciate Vanessa's attention to detail, knowledge, communication and willingness to educate.  I look forward to working with EverGreen EcoScapes again.

Keith Blackshear
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Keith Blackshear

I called Evergreen to get a quote for the two flower beds in front of my home. They came out right on schedule and immediately proved themselves to be friendly, knowledgeable and professional. They asked me questions to get an idea of what i was looking for. I felt certain right away that I wanted them to take care of my landscaping. They're estimate was able what I expected. After we set a date, they arrived when ejected and did AMAZING work. They did such a great job that my wife asked them to do some more with in our backyard, which was also incredible. I was so fortunate to have found them n and I cannot recommend them enough. You will not be disappointed.

Paula Markham
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Paula Markham

Love love love these landscapers. I’ve learned so much about landscaping with native plants that support bird and wildlife. Did u know 1 pair of breeding chickadees requires 6,000 - 9,000 caterpillar larvae to raise 1 clutch of eggs? Neither did I!! Now I’m all into native plants. Finally, I feel like I can make a tangible contribution to saving and enhancing habitat for our non-human relatives with whom we share this planet. AND it can be beautiful. Evergreen Ecoscapes helped me accomplish both! and they’re still helping me 2 months since completion. I can still ask questions and get a professional’s advice. So there’s no sense of abandonment or being on my own with the care of all these new plants in my garden/s. See that Japanese red maple in the garden by the shed? Yeah, it’s taking over our forests and nudging out the native trees that support our native creatures, so it’s gonna be gone next week and Evergreen Ecoscapes will help me choose a native alternative like an elderberry or fringe tree. Can’t wait!

Tianna Skohn
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Tianna Skohn

I have been wanting to landscape my front yard (separate garden beds) for several years. So many companies call themselves "landscapers" but seek to sell lawn maintenance packages. Vanessa and her partner, Justin, were the perfect solution to my needs. They listened to my ideas and created charming pollinator gardens beyond anything I expected. So much thought and consideration regarding the soil, sun, shade, and even the position of the water spout -- details that I would have clearly missed on my own! They are very knowledgeable about this region's native plants, as well as the wildlife. Vanessa made every effort to remain in budget by checking various resources to find the best deal. She always sought approval before purchase. My backyard could use some TLC, and I look forward to contacting EverGreen EcoScapes again.

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