Urgent Shift to Xeriscaping as Water Crisis Hits U.S. Lawns
UPDATE: A significant shift in landscaping choices is underway as homeowners across the United States are abandoning traditional grass lawns for low-water alternatives amid a worsening water crisis. Residents are increasingly turning to xeriscaping, a method that utilizes native and drought-tolerant plants to drastically reduce water usage.
In Littleton, Colorado, homeowner Lena Astilli is leading the charge. Just last month, she began transforming her yard into a vibrant landscape filled with native plants reminiscent of her childhood in New Mexico. “A monoculture of Kentucky bluegrass is not helping anybody,” Astilli stated, clearly reflecting a growing sentiment among environmentally conscious homeowners.
As climate change escalates, the need for sustainable landscaping has become urgent. According to Denver Water, the term “xeriscaping” was coined in 1981 to promote water conservation, a message that resonates even stronger today. With the average U.S. family consuming 320 gallons (1,211 liters) of water daily—almost a third of which is dedicated to outdoor use—it’s clear that traditional lawns are no longer sustainable.
Experts like Mark Richardson, executive director of the Ecological Landscape Alliance, emphasize that the reliance on grass is problematic, particularly in arid regions of the American West. “Potable water is going to become harder and harder to come by,” Richardson warns, pushing homeowners to consider alternatives. Less lawn not only conserves water but also reduces the use of harmful pesticides and fertilizers, benefitting local ecosystems.
The trend is fueled by the pressing need to combat declining populations of pollinators such as bees and butterflies. “We can bring nature back into our urban and suburban areas,” said Haven Kiers, an associate professor at the University of California-Davis. “Improving biodiversity is going to be a huge thing for the environment.”
For those looking to start the transition, experts recommend taking gradual steps to transform yards into sustainable spaces. Kiers advises homeowners to expand existing flower beds and plant native trees, reducing the overall lawn area. Financial incentives and rebates are available in several states, making it easier than ever to shift toward xeriscaping.
Astilli’s backyard is now a flourishing ecosystem featuring goldenrod, sunflowers, and other native plants. Late this summer, she is converting her front yard with the help of Eryn Murphy from Restorative Landscape Design. Together, they are replacing grass with bee balm, evening primrose, and prairie dropseed, showcasing the beauty and diversity of xeriscaping.
Murphy highlights that creativity is key in this transition. “It’s just about using plants that are supposed to be here,” she said. As climate conditions worsen, she urges homeowners to rethink their landscaping options. “Water is going to keep getting more expensive; your lawn is going to stop looking good. You’re going to have to open your eyes and say, what could I do that’s different and better?”
As this urgent trend gains momentum, it’s clear that the traditional American lawn is evolving. Homeowners across the nation are not just making aesthetic changes—they are taking vital steps to conserve water and restore local ecosystems.
With the water crisis looming, the shift to xeriscaping is not just a personal choice; it’s becoming a necessary movement. Expect more homeowners to follow in Astilli’s footsteps as the impacts of climate change continue to unfold.
