As a landscaping business based in Calgary, we’ve seen firsthand how important it is to be water-conscious—especially with the city’s unpredictable weather and ongoing drought concerns. One of the most effective and sustainable ways to maintain a beautiful yard while conserving water is xeriscaping. It’s not just about saving water—it’s also about saving money and reducing maintenance over time.
Why Xeriscaping Makes Sense in Calgary
Calgary has a semi-arid climate, which means we naturally get less rainfall than many other Canadian cities. Combine that with hot, dry summers and frequent drought conditions, and you’ve got a recipe for stressed-out lawns and high water bills. That’s where xeriscaping comes in.
Xeriscaping is a landscaping approach that focuses on using drought-tolerant plants, efficient irrigation, and smart design to reduce water usage. It’s especially valuable now with Calgary’s outdoor water restrictions, which can limit when and how often residents can water their lawns (City of Calgary, 2024).
Depending on drought severity, these restrictions can be pretty strict. For example, during Stage 1 restrictions, residents can only water their lawns on specific days based on their address. By Stage 4, nearly all outdoor water use is prohibited. Fines for non-compliance range from $400 to $3,000, so water-smart landscaping isn’t just a nice-to-have anymore—it’s a must (City of Calgary, 2024).
The Financial and Environmental Benefits
From our experience working with homeowners, most are surprised to learn how much they can actually save by making the switch to xeriscaping. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Lower water bills: By choosing plants that require little to no irrigation, you cut your water consumption significantly.
- Less maintenance: No more constant mowing, fertilizing, or reseeding. Xeriscaped yards require minimal upkeep, which means fewer costs over time.
- Increased property value: Drought-resilient yards look great year-round and appeal to eco-conscious buyers.
Plus, it’s just better for the environment. Xeriscaping reduces your reliance on synthetic fertilizers and minimizes water runoff, helping to protect Calgary’s local waterways (Rocky Mountain Rebel Renovations, 2023).
How to Get Started with Xeriscaping
If you’re new to the idea, don’t worry—xeriscaping doesn’t mean you’re stuck with a yard full of rocks and cacti. There are tons of beautiful, native and drought-tolerant plants that thrive right here in Calgary, including:
- Blue grama grass
- Prairie crocus
- Silver sagebrush
- Wild bergamot
Here are a few key steps we recommend when planning a xeriscaped yard:
- Start with a good design: Group plants by water needs and think about where shade or shelter can help reduce water evaporation.
- Swap your grass: Traditional turfgrass is one of the biggest water hogs. Consider replacing it with native groundcovers or gravel areas.
- Install drip irrigation: These systems deliver water directly to the roots, where it’s needed most—making them far more efficient than sprinklers.
- Use mulch: A thick layer of mulch helps the soil retain moisture and keeps weeds in check (A Green Future, 2023).
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking to reduce your water bill or simply do your part for the environment, xeriscaping is a smart, long-term investment. In a city like Calgary—where water restrictions are becoming more common—this approach just makes sense.
At Algo Landscaping, we’re here to help homeowners and businesses design low-maintenance, drought-resistant landscapes that look great and perform even better. If you’re thinking about making the switch, we’d love to chat.
References
A Green Future. (2023). Low-maintenance xeriscaping in Calgary. Retrieved from https://www.agreenfuture.ca/index.php/about-us/blog/low-maintenance-xeriscaping-calgary
City of Calgary. (2024). Outdoor water restrictions. Retrieved from https://www.calgary.ca/water/drought/outdoor-water-restrictions.html
Rocky Mountain Rebel Renovations. (2023). Benefits of xeriscaping in Calgary: Saving water and money. Retrieved from https://www.rockymountainrebelrenovations.ca/information-rocky-mountain-rebel-renovations/benefits-of-xeriscaping-in-calgary-saving-water-and-money
