Want a yard in Highland that turns heads without guzzling water? You are not alone. Between hot, dry summers, late spring frost risk, and seasonal secondary irrigation, the usual lawn-heavy approach can waste water and still look tired by July. In this guide, you’ll learn how to design a xeriscape that still pops, with Highland-ready plants, smart irrigation, and hardscape moves that add livability and strong listing photos. Let’s dive in.
Why xeriscape works in Highland
Highland sits on the Wasatch Front bench, where winters are cold and summers are hot and dry. Rain is limited, soils can be alkaline and fast-draining, and microclimates vary a lot from one yard to the next. South-facing slopes heat up and dry out faster, while north-facing beds and shaded pockets hold moisture longer.
Many neighborhoods also use pressurized secondary irrigation that runs seasonally instead of year-round potable water. Water quality can include minerals or sediment, which makes filtration and regular maintenance important. Always check your local district or Highland City for season start and end dates and any watering rules.
The bottom line is simple. If you match plants to sun, soil, and the secondary irrigation schedule, you can create a yard that looks fresh from early spring through fall while using less water.
Design basics that create pop
A great xeriscape starts with a plan. Use these principles to build color, texture, and function into your yard.
- Right plant, right place: Group plants by water needs and sun exposure so each irrigation zone serves similar plants.
- Prioritize soil and mulch: Improve planting holes where needed and cover exposed soil with wood chips, crushed rock, or decomposed granite to reduce evaporation and moderate temperatures.
- High-efficiency irrigation: Use drip or micro irrigation for beds and trees. Use high-efficiency rotors or nozzles for any turf you keep.
- Reduce turf strategically: Keep lawn only where it serves a purpose such as play or entertaining. Fill the rest with groundcovers, gravel, grasses, or permeable paving.
- Year-round interest: Mix evergreens, spring bloomers, summer color, and fall texture so your yard photographs well in any season.
- Emphasize texture and contrast: Pair foliage colors and leaf textures with clean hardscape lines to add depth, even when not in bloom.
Hydrozones for secondary irrigation
Hydrozoning is your best tool for saving water and keeping plants happy under a seasonal irrigation schedule.
- High water: Turf or a small play lawn on efficient rotors.
- Moderate water: Ornamental shrubs and perennials on drip.
- Low water: Native and drought-tolerant beds on wider-spaced drip.
- Trees: Dedicated deep-watering drip or bubblers, separate from shrubs.
- Containers: A separate line or hand-watering so you can control frequency.
When water supply or timing is tight, give priority to the front entry and outdoor rooms. Place the lowest-water plants on the edges or slopes where you can stretch intervals.
Soil, slope, and mulch
On slopes, add terraces or gentle swales to slow water and reduce runoff. Deep mulch helps keep soil cool and moist. In compacted or newly graded areas, add compost in planting holes to help roots establish. Avoid heavy amendments across entire beds if you plan to use native, low-water species that prefer leaner soil.
Plant palettes for curb appeal
Choose Utah-adapted or native plants that shine in Highland’s conditions. Always confirm mature size and spacing before planting.
Trees and large shrubs
These add structure, shade, and seasonal color.
- Serviceberry for spring flowers and fall color.
- Chokecherry for hardy structure.
- Rocky Mountain juniper for evergreen form.
- Single-trunk dwarf maple or ornamental pear to frame entries.
- Mountain mahogany or drought-tolerant ash where space allows.
Shrubs and foundation plants
Aim for low pruning and a long season of interest.
- Ninebark for colorful foliage and bark.
- Potentilla for cheerful, long-lasting blooms.
- Western sand cherry for hardy structure.
- Lilac for spring fragrance and bloom.
- Russian sage for airy summer color.
Perennials and seasonal color
Use mass plantings for big visual impact in photos.
- Penstemon for spiky blooms and pollinators.
- Yarrow and blanket flower for bright summer color.
- Salvia and catmint for long bloom windows and low water needs.
- Coreopsis and lavender for texture and fragrance.
- Spring bulbs beneath shrubs for early color.
Grasses and groundcovers
Grasses add motion and late-season texture with low water.
- Little bluestem for upright form and fall color.
- Blue fescue for blue texture in borders.
- Sedum for sun-loving groundcover.
- Creeping thyme between pavers and walkway joints.
- Drought-tolerant sedges for select shaded spots.
Lawn alternatives and accents
You can still keep a bit of green while cutting water use.
- Small, functional turf islands sized for play or pets.
- Artificial turf in compact, high-use areas if preferred.
- Decomposed granite patios for low-water seating areas.
- Permeable pavers to manage runoff and add style.
- Container gardens for seasonal color at entries and on patios.
Hardscape-first outdoor rooms
If you want a yard that lives well and photographs beautifully, start with the hardscape. It sets the structure and often reduces the area that needs irrigation.
- Create a primary patio near the house using permeable pavers or decorative concrete.
- Define the space with planters, low hedges, or a subtle change in material.
- Add built-in seating and a fire feature if allowed and safe.
- Include lighting along paths and focal points for evening ambiance.
- Use raised planters or retaining walls to create levels and reduce high-water planting zones.
- Frame a clean view to the front door with a focal tree or specimen planting.
Smart irrigation with secondary water
Secondary systems usually run from spring to fall. Always check local start and stop dates, and follow any watering windows or restrictions.
- Equipment: Use drip or micro-emitters for shrubs, perennials, and trees. Use high-efficiency rotors for turf. Install filters and pressure regulators to handle sediment and pressure from secondary water.
- Controllers: Smart or weather-based controllers help avoid overwatering and adjust to heat waves or cool downs.
- Scheduling: Young plants need more frequent, shallow water during establishment. As they mature, shift to deep, infrequent watering to encourage strong roots. Reduce runtime in shade and during cool, cloudy periods.
- Winterizing: After the season ends, winterize the system before hard freezes to protect valves and lines.
A pre-listing plan and timeline
Plan early so everything looks settled and vibrant when you go to market. Here is a simple roadmap.
- 3 to 6 months before listing: Define your scope. Decide where to reduce turf, what outdoor room you want, and which beds need plant upgrades. Confirm irrigation rules and permits for any walls or hardscape.
- 2 to 8 weeks for install: Build hardscape first. Then plant trees and shrubs, followed by perennials. Finish with mulch and adjust irrigation zones.
- 2 to 4 weeks before photos: Add seasonal containers, tidy pruning, clean hardscapes, and test lighting and irrigation.
Listing-ready maintenance checklist
A tidy, well-functioning yard makes a strong first impression.
- Irrigation: Test zones, fix leaks, clear clogged emitters, and set the controller for current weather.
- Pruning: Shape shrubs lightly, remove spent annuals, and cut back dead growth. Keep attractive seedheads if they add texture.
- Lawn and groundcovers: Mow and edge small turf areas or groom artificial turf. Weed gravel or decomposed granite zones.
- Hardscape and lighting: Sweep patios and paths, clean outdoor furniture, and test pathway and accent lighting for dusk photos.
- Seasonal color: Place a pair of containers at the entry for instant pop.
Costs, rebates, and hiring pros
Hardscape-first designs often shift spending from high-maintenance plantings and irrigation to quality materials and skilled labor. Get multiple bids from landscapers who have experience with Utah xeriscapes and secondary water systems. Ask to see projects in similar conditions so you can gauge maturity and maintenance.
Before you change irrigation or remove turf, check for local rebates on smart controllers or turf conversion. Coordinate with your irrigation district so your plan meets local guidelines.
Bringing it together
A Highland xeriscape that pops is a balance of smart layout, waterwise plants, and well-placed hardscape. By grouping plants by water needs, dialing in drip and efficient rotors, and focusing on a standout outdoor room, you get a yard that looks clean in photos and comfortable in daily life. If you want a curb-appeal plan tailored to your property and timing, connect with Tricia Vanderkooi for local guidance and premium marketing support. Get your free home valuation.
FAQs
What is xeriscape for Highland homeowners?
- Xeriscape is a waterwise approach that matches plants to Highland’s hot, dry summers and cold winters, uses mulch, and relies on efficient irrigation to reduce water use while keeping strong curb appeal.
How does secondary irrigation affect my design?
- Secondary water runs seasonally and may carry sediment, so you should use filters, pressure regulators, and drip for beds. Plan hydrozones so each valve serves plants with similar water needs.
Which low-water plants photograph well in Highland?
- Serviceberry, Rocky Mountain juniper, ninebark, Russian sage, penstemon, yarrow, catmint, lavender, little bluestem, and blue fescue provide long-season color and texture.
How much lawn should I keep for resale?
- Keep only what serves a clear purpose, such as a small, green play area or a framed entry view. Small, healthy turf islands often look better than large, patchy lawns.
Do I need permits for retaining walls or patios?
- You may. Check Highland City requirements for retaining walls, patios, and any structures so you comply with slope, drainage, and building codes.
When should I start watering in spring?
- Start when frost risk drops and soils warm, then increase frequency during peak summer heat. Follow your local district’s start and stop dates and any watering schedule rules.
