InstaBidsHow much does xeriscaping cost?
$2,500 was the median homeowner survey figure for all “Added or replaced landscaping or sprinkler system” jobs, not xeriscaping alone, for data years 2021-2023 in the United States. Hired-out jobs in the full category “Added or replaced landscaping or sprinkler system” reported a typical range (middle half of 923 American Housing Survey data points, the United States, 2021-2023) of $1,000 to $5,500.
Updated 2026-11-03
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| What was measured | Median | Typical range (middle half) |
|---|---|---|
| Hired-out jobs in the full category “Added or replaced landscaping or sprinkler system” reported | a median of $2,500 | the typical range (middle half of 923 American Housing Survey data points, the United States, 2021-2023) was $1,000 to $5,500 |
How measured: hired-out finished jobs, survey-weighted, not adjusted for inflation. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Housing Survey 2023, data read 3 November 2026.
These figures are estimates from U.S. Census Bureau, American Housing Survey 2023, data years 2021-2023, read 3 November 2026, for the United States. They are not a quote, and they are not a promise of what any contractor on InstaBids will charge. Your price depends on your home, the materials and the contractor. Get written bids before you decide.
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What does the cost of xeriscaping cover?
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality: “Xeriscaping means landscaping with water conservation in mind. A xeriscape, or waterwise landscape, will require minimal supplemental water after established.”
Source: North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, read 3 November 2026.
The figures cover all jobs in “Added or replaced landscaping or sprinkler system”; the survey category does not isolate xeriscaping.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, AHS 2023 Value Labels, read 3 November 2026.
On InstaBids, describe the drought landscape you want so contractors bid on that written scope.
What planting layout belongs in the cost of xeriscaping?
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality: “Use xeric plants for hot, dry south and west facing areas. Use plants that like more moisture along north and east facing slopes and walls. Don't mix plants with high and low watering needs in the same planting area.”
Source: North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, read 3 November 2026.
Include sun exposure and the planting layout in your InstaBids description so contractors read the same scope.
What mulch belongs in the cost of xeriscaping?
U.S. EPA WaterSense: “Applying mulch to a depth of three to four inches provides the right coverage for most plants; excessive amounts of mulch can restrict water flow to plant roots.”
Source: U.S. EPA WaterSense, read 3 November 2026.
U.S. EPA WaterSense: “Avoid using rock mulches in sunny areas or around non-arid climate plants, as they radiate large amounts of heat and promote water loss that can lead to scorching.”
Source: U.S. EPA WaterSense, read 3 November 2026.
On InstaBids, name the mulch material and depth in the job you describe once for written bids.
What irrigation planning belongs in a xeriscaping cost scope?
U.S. EPA WaterSense: “Once established, these plants require little water beyond normal rainfall.”
Source: U.S. EPA WaterSense, read 3 November 2026.
Describe the irrigation planning you want on InstaBids so written bids address the same landscape scope.
What design work belongs in the average cost of xeriscaping?
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality: “Whether you're starting from scratch, or renovating an existing landscape, take the time to plan out your design before you start to plant.”
Source: North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, read 3 November 2026.
On InstaBids, specify whether the landscape design is part of the job before contractors bid in writing.
What xeriscaping includes
Where a quote below names a city or county, it is that office's own rule, shown as one example; the permit office for your home may set different rules.
| What the source says | Where it comes from |
|---|---|
| Xeriscaping definition: “Xeriscaping means landscaping with water conservation in mind. A xeriscape, or waterwise landscape, will require minimal supplemental water after established.” | North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, read 3 November 2026. |
| Water-use zones: “Create different water use zones and allocate the water where it will most directly contribute to the beauty and comfort of your home.” | North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, read 3 November 2026. |
On InstaBids, describe the water use zones as part of the landscape job contractors will read.
Line items a written bid should list
- Soil preparation: “Add organic matter in the form of compost whenever you plant. This helps the soil hold extra moisture.”
Source: North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, read 3 November 2026.
- Irrigation method: “Use soaker hoses and drip irrigation to water deeply and encourage deep root growth.”
Source: North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, read 3 November 2026.
- Maintenance scope: “Keep irrigation systems running properly. Avoid the lush, thirsty plant growth that results from over-fertilizing.”
Source: North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, read 3 November 2026.
List soil preparation, irrigation work and maintenance in your InstaBids scope for contractors to address in writing.
How to compare written bids like for like
Ask every contractor to bid in writing on the same line items listed above, then compare the written bids line by line.
Separate irrigation zones: “For example, turf areas and shrub areas should always be separated into different hydrozones because of their differing water needs.”
Source: U.S. EPA WaterSense, read 3 November 2026.
Use InstaBids to compare written bids on the same drought landscape description before choosing who gets your number.
Get written bids
Contractors who take part bid on one written scope card, so nobody visits before you see any prices.
Sources for the figures on this page
- U.S. Census Bureau, American Housing Survey 2023, https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/ahs/data/2023/ahs-2023-public-use-file--puf-.html, read 3 November 2026. U.S. government work; no endorsement implied.
- North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, www.deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-resources/planning/water-supply-planning/water-conservation/xeriscaping, read 3 November 2026.
- U.S. Census Bureau, AHS 2023 Value Labels, www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/ahs/2023/AHS 2023 Value Labels Package.zip, read 3 November 2026.
- U.S. EPA WaterSense, www.epa.gov/watersense/landscaping-tips, read 3 November 2026.