The Ultimate Guide to Xeriscaping in Southern Utah
By Full Curl Landscaping LLC –
Southern Utah’s beauty is unmatched — but so is its heat. Between the red rock, endless sun, and limited rainfall, traditional lawns often end up being expensive, thirsty, and hard to maintain.
That’s why more homeowners in Cedar City, Kanab, and St. George are switching to xeriscaping — a smarter, water-efficient approach to landscaping that embraces the natural desert environment without sacrificing beauty.
At Full Curl Landscaping LLC, we specialize in creating landscapes that thrive in the Southern Utah climate — efficient, colorful, and built to last.
Here’s your complete guide to xeriscaping done right.
🌿 What Is Xeriscaping?
Xeriscaping (from the Greek xeros, meaning “dry”) is a landscaping method designed to conserve water through thoughtful plant selection, irrigation design, and soil management.
It’s not about having a barren yard — it’s about working with the land to create a sustainable, low-maintenance, and visually stunning outdoor space.
Think gravel paths, desert flowers, native plants, and sculpted stonework — a natural look that blends perfectly with the red rock terrain of Southern Utah.
🪴 Step 1: Plan Your Design Around the Land
A great xeriscape starts with a plan. Our design team at Full Curl Landscaping considers:
- Sun and shade exposure
- Soil type and drainage
- Water source and zoning
- Property slope and runoff flow
We group plants with similar watering needs into irrigation zones, making it easy to save water while keeping each plant healthy.
💡 Pro Tip: Combining “oasis zones” (flowering areas with drip irrigation) and “dry zones” (gravel and hardy shrubs) balances beauty with efficiency.
🌾 Step 2: Choose Drought-Tolerant Plants
Choosing the right plants is key to a xeriscape that thrives. For our region, we recommend:
Perennials: Blanket Flower, Autumn Sage, Coreopsis, Penstemon, Russian Sage
Shrubs: Desert Willow, Apache Plume, Barberry, Oleander
Accent Plants: Desert Spoon, Agave, Red Yucca
These plants provide color, texture, and structure while using up to 70% less water than traditional turf or high-irrigation landscapes.
💧 Step 3: Install Smart Irrigation
A true xeriscape doesn’t rely on sprinklers. Instead, we use Rain Bird drip irrigation systems designed to deliver water directly to the roots.
Our systems include:
- Pressure-regulated emitters (1–2 GPH per plant)
- Smart controllers and sensors
- Stop & Waste valves and PVB backflow protection (required on all installs)
This approach can save homeowners $400–$800 per year on water costs while maintaining healthier, more resilient plants.
🪨 Step 4: Build a Solid Base – Weed Fabric and Gravel
Every Full Curl installation includes commercial-grade weed fabric topped with 3 inches of decorative gravel.
This setup prevents weed growth, keeps moisture in the soil, and provides a clean, modern look.
Popular local gravel choices include:
- Oak Creek Red
- Dixie Tan
- Desert Rose
All sourced from trusted suppliers like X Rock and Kanab Coal & Rock Products.
🌸 Step 5: Add Hardscape for Structure
Rock walls, paver patios, and stone walkways aren’t just decorative — they anchor the space, control erosion, and reduce water use even further.
Our hardscape builds follow the Hardscape Mentor design philosophy — clean lines, functional structure, and long-term durability.
💰 Step 6: The Real Cost Savings of Xeriscaping
A properly designed xeriscape can cut your water usage by up to 60% compared to a traditional lawn.
For the average Southern Utah home, that translates to:
- 💧 1,000–2,500 gallons of water saved per month
- 💵 $400–$800 in annual water bill savings
- 🛠️ 80–90% less maintenance time — no mowing, fertilizing, or reseeding
And since xeriscape plants are perennials, you’ll avoid costly annual replacements.
Over time, most homeowners recoup their installation cost within 3–5 years through water savings and reduced maintenance expenses.
🌤️ Step 7: Maintain Smart, Not Hard
Once your xeriscape is installed, upkeep is simple:
- Deep water every 7–10 days in summer (less in spring/fall)
- Trim plants 2–3 times per year
- Check emitters twice a season for debris
That’s it — a yard that looks clean, colorful, and alive without daily attention.
🌵 Why Xeriscaping Works in Southern Utah
When designed and installed correctly, xeriscaping delivers:
✅ 60%+ water savings
✅ Lower maintenance and utility bills
✅ Year-round color and visual appeal
✅ A landscape built for the desert — not against it
It’s smart. It’s sustainable. And it’s exactly what your property — and the environment — needs.
💬 Ready to Build Your Desert-Friendly Landscape?
At Full Curl Landscaping LLC, we specialize in custom xeriscape design and installation across Kanab, Cedar City, and all of Southern Utah.
From 3D design renderings to complete irrigation setup and plant installation, we handle every step — so you get a yard that’s beautiful, efficient, and built to last.
📞 Call us today or visit
to schedule your free consultation.
Serving Southern Utah and Northern Arizona.
