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.
Scenic Landscaping & Property Maintenance is a landscaping contractor based out of Rocky Hill, Connecticut and serving Hartford County, including: Berlin, Cromwell, Glastonbury, Newington, West Hartford, and Wethersfield. 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 Hartford County
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.
#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.
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 CITY 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 CITY lot. It can contain a combination of natural stone, river rock, native plantings, and even landscape lighting.
Large Properties
$25,000 - $100,000+
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
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 Hartford County. 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.
Our Clients Love Us!
Here's What They Say
Scenic landscaping has been handling all my garden , lawn , fall cleanup , retaining wall work , and all my snow removal including driveway,sidewalk,walkway to front door and patio. They have been working with me for two decades and I am always happy with the results of every project we have done also including many plantings and reseeding the yard. The staff and owners are always respectful and mindful of their work and clean up afterwards. I have faith that everything will always be done well and professionally and that is why I have not changed from using them for anything I need done. Also I am very particular about everything that is being done and they never disappoint. You will be very satisfied and very happy with the work that the team completes for you. Sincerely Paris
Dave was easy to work with, very professional, use high quality materials, dedicated to your project and show up on-time, work was scheduled exactly as planned, my patio came out stunning! Highly recommend using this company.
Scenic takes care of the grounds in our complex. We recently hired them to trim the arborvitae by our patio. They did a really nice job and it looks very professional.
After receiving multiple quotes and meeting with several contractors, we decided to use Scenic to replace our patio and add a Cobblestone border with stone fill. They provided a timeline for the work and arrived promptly, cleaning-up each day, and communicating throughout the process. Our neighbors (many, since we are in a condo) commented about how meticulous and professional the team was. In fact, several members of the Board even wished to seek a bid to have them handle our landscaping! They couldn't believe how thorough the team was. I even noticed the team leafblowing the grass where they had driven their trucks in order for it to stand back up again and look untouched. We look forward to reaching out for future work and possibly sealing our patio in the spring.
Scenic Landscaping does excellent work! We love our new patio! We are also very happy with tree removal/ brush clean-up in the back of our yard. They are always professional and clean everything when they are done!
I couldn't be happier with the results! The guys worked in sweltering heat for 5 days and still completed my landscaping and new patio in that short time- amazing! Scenic will definitely be my "go to" for any future landscaping and maintenance.
Recently had Scenic install a new patio and walkway for our home. We were very happy with the work, it looks great and the guys did a excellent job. We have also used them for snow removal and other landscaping projects. Would definitely use them again and we recommend them to all our family and friends.
Scenic came in and designed, planned, and installed a patio and retaining wall in my back yard. The price was right and the materials were great. Top quality work from a great group of guys. They were on time and completed the job early. cleaned up everything, topsoil, seed, and even put the bird feeders and planters back. Couldn't be happier with the job they did. I Definitely recommend them for your next project
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