Grow with Harvester: Sustainable Landscaping vs. Xeriscaping: What's the Difference?
- Harvester Landscapes
- Jun 23
- 3 min read
If you've been researching landscaping options in Colorado, you've probably come across the terms sustainable landscaping and xeriscaping. They're often used interchangeably, but they're not actually the same thing.
While both approaches focus on creating landscapes that work better with Colorado's climate and resources, understanding the difference can help homeowners make more informed decisions about their outdoor spaces.
At Harvester Landscapes, we utilize principles from both approaches because the best landscapes are designed to be beautiful, functional, and environmentally responsible.
Let's break down the differences.
What Is Sustainable Landscaping?
Sustainable landscaping is a broad design philosophy focused on creating landscapes that minimize environmental impact while supporting long-term health and functionality.
A sustainable landscape considers:
Water conservation
Soil health
Native and climate-adapted plants
Pollinator support
Efficient irrigation
Long-term maintenance requirements
Durable materials
Stormwater management
In simple terms, sustainable landscaping asks:
"How can we create a landscape that performs well today while preserving resources for the future?"
According to Colorado WaterWise, sustainable landscapes should be designed to use water efficiently while supporting healthy ecosystems and long-term landscape resilience.
What Is Xeriscaping?
Xeriscaping is a specific landscaping approach that focuses primarily on water efficiency.
The term "xeriscape" comes from the Greek word xeros, meaning dry.
Contrary to popular belief, xeriscaping does not mean replacing your yard with gravel and cactus. According to Denver Water's Xeriscape Colorado Program, xeriscaping is based on seven principles:
Sound landscape planning and design
Soil improvement
Practical turf areas
Efficient irrigation
Appropriate plant selection
Mulching
Proper maintenance
A successful xeriscape can include colorful flowers, ornamental grasses, shrubs, trees, and even limited lawn areas. The goal is simply to use water more effectively.
The Biggest Difference
The easiest way to think about it is this:
All xeriscapes can be sustainable landscapes.
Not all sustainable landscapes are xeriscapes.
Xeriscaping is one tool within a broader sustainable landscaping strategy.
For example:
A sustainable landscape might include:
Native plants
Pollinator gardens
Efficient irrigation
Rainwater management
Edible gardens
Composting practices
A xeriscape focuses specifically on reducing water demand through plant selection, irrigation efficiency, and thoughtful design.
Why This Matters in Colorado
Colorado presents unique landscaping challenges.
Homeowners must account for:
Semi-arid conditions
Intense sunlight
Clay-heavy soils
Freeze-thaw cycles
Water conservation concerns
These conditions make both sustainable landscaping and xeriscaping particularly valuable. According to Denver Water's conservation resources, outdoor irrigation often represents one of the largest opportunities for residential water conservation. That doesn't mean eliminating beauty—it means designing landscapes more intentionally.
Where Native Plants Fit In
One area where sustainable landscaping and xeriscaping often overlap is plant selection.
Native and climate-adapted plants typically require:
Less supplemental water
Fewer chemical inputs
Lower maintenance
Better adaptation to local conditions
The experts at Colorado State University Extension Yard & Garden Resources consistently emphasize selecting plants that are suited to Colorado's growing conditions. When plants are chosen appropriately, landscapes become healthier, more resilient, and easier to maintain.
Sustainable Landscaping Can Include Food Production
One feature often overlooked in the sustainability conversation is edible landscaping.
Food-producing gardens can support sustainability goals by:
Reducing transportation impacts
Supporting pollinators
Encouraging biodiversity
Creating functional outdoor spaces
As discussed in our guide to creating a food-producing garden in Denver, edible landscapes can be both productive and beautiful when properly designed. This is one example of how sustainable landscaping extends beyond water conservation alone.
What We See Across the Front Range
One misconception we frequently encounter is the idea that sustainability requires sacrificing aesthetics.
In reality, some of the most visually striking landscapes we design incorporate:
Native perennials
Ornamental grasses
Pollinator-friendly plantings
Natural stone features
Water-efficient irrigation
Functional outdoor living spaces
Sustainability and beauty are not competing goals. They work together.
Which Approach Is Right for Your Property?
The answer depends on your goals. If your primary concern is reducing water usage, xeriscaping may be the best place to start. If you're looking for a broader approach that incorporates water efficiency, ecological health, durability, and long-term performance, sustainable landscaping may be the better framework. For many homeowners, the ideal solution includes elements of both.
How Harvester Approaches Landscape Design
At Harvester Landscapes, we don't see sustainable landscaping and xeriscaping as competing ideas. Instead, we use the principles of both to create outdoor spaces that:
Work with Colorado's climate
Support long-term landscape health
Reduce unnecessary resource consumption
Provide beauty and functionality
Improve over time
Every property is different, but thoughtful planning remains the foundation of every successful landscape.
Better Landscapes Start with Better Decisions
Whether you're considering a complete xeriscape conversion or exploring sustainable improvements to your existing yard, understanding these concepts helps you make smarter long-term decisions.
The most successful landscapes aren't defined by a single label. They're defined by how well they perform for the people who use them and the environment they exist within.
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