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Xeriscape

Due to Colorado's dry climate, Xeriscaping is a a great landscape technique which aims at conserving water, it focuses on landscaping which feature drought tolerant and slow-growing varieties of plants which reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental irrigation. Plants whose natural requirements are appropriate to the local climate are emphasized, and care is taken to avoid losing water to evaporation and run-off.

Key Xeriscape™ Advantages:

  • Lower water consumption
  • Less time and work for maintenance  
  • Little or no lawn mowing (saves energy)
  • Take full advantage of rainfall  
  • When water restrictions are implemented, Xeriscape plants tend to survive.

Xeriscape & You

The HRCA Supports Xeriscape™ Landscaping!
Xeriscaping can be a great way to improve the look of your front lawn without costing you a fortune to maintain actual grass. The best part is, that the HRCA is WAIVING ALL FEES FOR AN APPROVED XERISCAPE PLAN! That's right! Ditching the grass could never be easier!

Using drought tolerant plantings and other water conservation methods of landscaping is encouraged. The HRCA’s Residential Improvement Guidelines (RIGs) state that Architectural Committee approval is required for Xeriscape™ projects only if a homeowner is proposing landscaping that contains less than 50 percent sod in the front or rear yards or a side yard wider than 15 feet. If these conditions apply, please remember to submit your Xeriscape™ plans for review before beginning work. 

According to HRCA Residential Improvement Guidelines, you'll need to submit the following information in your request to install Xeriscape Landscaping:

  • Locate all plantings on your site plan. Denote all concrete and paving on the plan.
  • Label the name and size of all grasses and plants.
  • Underlayment and preparation.
  • Photograph of existing condition/location.

Home Improvement Request Form

Approved Xeriscape Plans

Check out these pre-approved Xeriscape plans. Choose one of these plans, submit it with your Home Improvement Request, and once approved, start installing your new Xeriscape garden.

Xeriscape & HRCA

Xeriscape™ Garden at Eastridge
Over the past years, the Xeriscape garden has become one of the most beautiful focal points at Eastridge. We continue to improve this garden by adding all new plant identification signage and include plants that are more “ice melt” tolerant. Xeriscape is landscaping in a way that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental irrigation. Plants whose natural requirements are appropriate to the local climate are emphasized, and care is taken to avoid losing water to evaporation and run-off.

Check Out Highlands Ranch’s Xeriscape Demonstration Garden! The garden is divided into four zones, each highlighting a different level of Xeriscape plant. Every zone includes drought tolerant annuals, perennials, shrubs and grasses that homeowners can find at any garden center (eventually every plant will be labeled). The garden also includes three examples of drought tolerant turf and one area of traditional bluegrass, allowing homeowners to compare the “look”.

Eastridge Xeriscape Garden Plant List - coming soon.

Xeriscape Tips & Resources

For more information on Xeriscape landscaping:

Xeriscape™ is a registered trademark of Denver Water and is used here with their permission.

More Home Improvement Information

Still have Questions?
Contact: HRCA Community Improvement Services Department at [email protected] or 303-471-8821. Office is located in the Recreation Center at Eastridge, 9568 University Blvd., Highlands Ranch, CO 80126.