xeri·scape
ˈzir-ə-ˌskāp
ˈzer-
variants
or less commonly Xeriscape
plural xeriscapes also Xeriscapes
: a landscaping method developed especially for arid and semiarid climates that utilizes water-conserving techniques (such as the use of drought-tolerant plants, mulch, and efficient irrigation)
Landscape architects have been working to address the growing water crisis with such techniques as xeriscape.—Real Estate Today
… tough and mostly deer-proof plants that have found a place in Texas xeriscape projects.—Mike Leggett
also
: a landscape created utilizing the xeriscape method
Basically, what I did in my garden was create a xeriscape. … I chose desert plants because I liked them, and because I enjoyed the free time I gained by not having to water. Now I appreciate that these advantages go hand in hand with water conservation. —Ron Dinchak
The amount of garden maintenance usually drops in direct proportion with the water used. Thus, once a xeriscape is established, one has to spend a lot less time keeping it up. —Helen Stone
xeriscaped; xeriscaping; xeriscapes
: to modify a usually landscaped area so that it requires less water (as by planting drought-tolerant plants, reducing or eliminating grassy areas, and amending the soil) : to create a xeriscape
… the site will have to be xeriscaped to comply with the state requirements by replacing the grass with low water landscaping, such as rock, mulch, or drought tolerant plants, rather than an irrigated lawn.—Robin Northrup
What are the first steps for xeriscaping a yard?—Pat Lopez
Green lawn care trends … can make a landscape pop with minimal maintenance required. Many homeowners are integrating native plants and xeriscaping to design less thirsty lawns.—Sav Maive
Areas not used as family or play areas can be "xeriscaped," or planned with low water use in mind …—Tracey C. Rembert
xeriscaped
adjective
Rainwater catchments on roofs can help your garden grow native plants and keep the xeriscaped land around your home beautiful.
—Elizabeth Darby Junkin
The xeriscaped area has one section that gets "very low water," meaning 3 inches or less per year …
—Marie Hammock
xeriscaper
noun
plural xeriscapers
Xeriscapers know that saving water doesn't have to mean relinquishing a lush, green landscape. Keep water-thirsty turf areas to a minimum; consider replacing drought-susceptible Kentucky bluegrass and exotic ornamentals with native ground covers that need less maintenance.
—Victoria Mattern
Did you know?
Xēros is the Greek word for "dry" that is the base for a handful of English words related to mainly dry printing (xerography) and dry, or xerophilous, habitats and their plants. In the early 1980s, the Greek adjective was used to name a type of landscaping practiced primarily in the arid western regions of the United States. (The Water Department of Denver, Colorado, is credited with the coinage.) Xeriscape, as it is called, uses plants that require little water as well as techniques that efficiently use water and reduce evaporation.
Cite this Entry
“Xeriscape.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/xeriscape. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.
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