One of the biggest misconceptions about xeriscaping and drought-tolerant landscaping in the San Francisco Bay Area is that it requires no irrigation at all. The reality is more nuanced—and much more effective when done right.

Across the Bay Area, water agencies actively pay homeowners to remove lawns, install drought-tolerant gardens, and reduce water use. These programs are designed to support exactly what xeriscaping delivers: beautiful, low-water, sustainable landscapes.

You’ve probably heard terms like xeric landscaping, drought-tolerant plants, and water-wise gardens used interchangeably. What does it all really mean?

Mulches shade the soil, keeping plant roots cool in the hot sun, and warmer at night when the air temperature drops. Mulch also helps soil retain water, so that the moisture levels are more even between waterings, and can reduce erosion from water runoff.