Xeriscaping

Low Maintenance Landscaping

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Xeriscaping Design & Construction Near Me

Xeriscaping, also known as drought-tolerant landscaping, is a landscaping approach that focuses on creating water-efficient, low-maintenance, and environmentally sustainable gardens or outdoor spaces. The term "xeriscaping" comes from the Greek word "xeros," meaning dry, and "scape," meaning scenery. The primary goal of xeriscaping is to conserve water, reduce maintenance, and create a landscape that is well adapted to local climate conditions, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions or in regions that face seasonal water restrictions.

JB’s Landscaping is a premier landscaping company based in Columbia, New Jersey, proudly serving homeowners in Warren and Morris Counties.

We specialize in the design and installation of low maintenance, drought-tolerant xeriscapes using a variety of natural stone, river rock, and native plantings to create the perfect balance of interest and color.  Whether you're looking for a low maintenance landscape in your front yard to improve curb appeal or you'd like to xeriscape around your backyard pool or patio our team can help.

Water-Wise Landscaping That Doesn’t Compromise on Style

Drought-Tolerant, Sustainable, Low-Maintenance Xeriscaping

Each of these xeriscaping projects reflects the thoughtful planning, craftsmanship, and creativity that JB’s Landscaping brings to every outdoor space. Our water-wise designs are crafted to enhance beauty, reduce maintenance, and thrive in dry conditions. Let these photos inspire your own sustainable landscape transformation.

Xeriscaping in New Jersey: Beautiful, Sustainable, Low-Maintenance Landscapes

At JB’s Landscaping, we design and build xeriscapes that thrive in New Jersey’s seasonal climate—balancing visual appeal with water conservation and low maintenance. While xeriscaping is often associated with arid regions, it’s a smart and eco-conscious landscaping solution here in the Northeast, especially for homeowners who want to reduce irrigation costs, minimize upkeep, and embrace sustainable design.

Our xeriscaping projects focus on the use of native and drought-tolerant plants that naturally adapt to New Jersey’s rainfall patterns and seasonal changes. These plants provide texture, color, and year-round interest without the constant need for watering or fertilizing. Groundcovers and mulched beds can replace traditional turf lawns, cutting down on water use and eliminating the need for frequent mowing.

We integrate hardscape features such as permeable paver walkways, gravel paths, and dry creek beds, which not only enhance aesthetics but also improve stormwater management. When appropriate, we incorporate rain gardens and drainage swales to redirect runoff and promote natural filtration—especially useful on sloped properties.

Xeriscaping incorporates several principles and techniques, including:

#1.  Plant selection: We always choose native or drought-tolerant plants that require minimal supplemental watering once established. These plants are better adapted to our local climate and soil conditions and often require less maintenance than non-native species.

#2.  Soil improvement: Drainage is important for a functional xeriscape.  We usually amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost, to improve its water retention and nutrient availability. This helps plants establish strong root systems, making them more resistant to drought and other environmental stresses.

#3.  Efficient irrigation: Implement efficient watering methods, such as drip irrigation and soaker hoses to target the root zones of plants and minimize water waste.

#4.  Mulching: Apply a layer of organic or inorganic mulch around plants to conserve soil moisture, reduce evaporation, suppress weeds, and moderate soil temperature. Mulch materials can include wood chips, gravel, river rock, or crushed stone.

#5.  Zoning: Ideally we try and group plants that share similar water, sunlight, and soil requirements together.  This optimizes your irrigation system efficiency and reduces water waste.  The less water a xeriscape requires to remain healthy, the better.

#6.  Lawn reduction: Grass takes large amounts of water to stay healthy.  The goal of a well-designed xeriscape is to minimize or replace traditional grass lawns with drought-tolerant ornamental grasses, groundcovers, or hardscape elements, such as patios, walkways, or gravel paths. This reduces the need for frequent watering, mowing, and fertilizing.

#7.  Maintenance: The entire point of a xeriscape is to reduce water consumption and maintenance requirements.  However, you'll still need to regularly prune, weed, and inspect your landscape to maintain its health and appearance. Proper maintenance can also help prevent pests, diseases, and ensure the longevity of your drought tolerant plants.

How Much Does Xeriscaping Cost?

The xeriscapes we design and build are beautiful, unique, and add value to your property.  Below is some basic pricing information for our xeriscaping services.

Small Yards

$8000 - $15,000

This would be for typical front yard xeriscaping project for your typical New Jersey sized lot.  It can contain a combination of natural stone, river rock, and native plantings.

Medium Sized Yards

$15,000 - $50,000

This would be for larger front or backyard yard xeriscaping project for your typical New Jersey lot.  It can contain a combination of natural stone, river rock, native plantings, and even landscape lighting.

Large Properties

$50,000 - $150,000+

This would be for larger front and backyard yard xeriscaping project for an estate or luxury property.  It can contain a combination of hardscaping such as natural stone or river rock and softscaping like native plantings, and landscape lighting.

Our Xeriscape Designs Can Include

The only limit to a beautiful xeriscape is your imagination and your budget

Native Plants
Drought-Tolerant Plants
Groundcovers
Permeable Hardscapes
Rain Gardens
Dry Creek Beds
Gravel Pathways
Mulched Beds
River Rock Gardens
Retaining Walls
Drainage Swales
Shade Structures
Fountains
Paver Patios
Rainwater Harvesting
Boulders

These prices are just ball park figures to give you a rough idea as to what you should expect a xeriscaping project to cost in Johnstown, Ohio.  Your particular xeriscaping project may vary depending on site accessibility, the size of your xeriscape area, the specific materials chosen, and the overall scope of work.  If you need a firm price please request a consultation so we can view your potential project, listen to your ideas, and determine the actual scope of work required to complete your xeriscape.  After our on-site consultation we'll be able to provide you with a firm estimate to complete your new xeriscape.

No, xeriscaping involves using a variety of native and drought-tolerant plants, not just cacti and succulents. There are many different types of plants, including ornamental grasses, shrubs, perennials, and trees, that are well-suited for xeriscaping.

Xeriscaping does not have to result in a dry, barren-looking landscape. With careful plant selection and design, you can create a lush, colorful, and visually appealing garden that is also water-efficient and low-maintenance.

While traditional grass lawns often require significant water and maintenance, you can incorporate drought-tolerant grass species or groundcovers into your xeriscape to create a lawn-like area that requires less water and care.  Artificial turf is also an option that is available too if you love the look of natural grass.

Although xeriscaping is primarily associated with arid and semi-arid regions, its principles can be adapted to virtually any climate. The primary goal is to create a water-efficient and sustainable landscape, which can benefit any garden or outdoor space, regardless of climate.  It is particular useful in areas that experience seasonal water restrictions.

The amount of water you can save through xeriscaping depends on factors like your current landscape, plant choices, and irrigation methods. However, xeriscaping can significantly reduce outdoor water usage, with some estimates suggesting water savings of up to 50% or more compared to traditional landscaping.

Xeriscaping typically requires less maintenance than traditional landscaping, as it focuses on using native and drought-tolerant plants that are adapted to local conditions. These plants often require less watering, fertilizing, and pruning compared to non-native species.  So in general a xeriscape isn't something you'll need to rigorously maintain.

What Our Customers Say...

David Pucilowski
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David Pucilowski
January 27, 2018

I have had JB's complete 2 projects at my house, one a firepit with patio and the other was a retaining wall along my driveway. Very happy with both projects and the quality of work. I would definitely recommend JB's for any type of hardscape projects.

Olga Brazaitis
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Olga Brazaitis
March 5, 2025

We have been customers since 2012! Every year we start off the season with a Spring Clean up in our gardens and lawn followed by a lawn fertilization. Then our weekly lawn cuttings go from mid April to late October early November. The maintenance team does a thorough job leaving our lawn looking neat and nicely manicured. The office staff is attentive and makes sure to satisfy our special requests. Kudos to JB’s, you will look forward to seeing their truck pull up to your property every week! LO (Blairstown)

Eric Nikituk
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Eric Nikituk
February 9, 2021

These guys do awesome work. Super professional crew that went above and beyond. Highly recommend for their quality and professionalism.

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