Salt Lake City

Sustainability

Contact SLCgreen (801) 535-6470 | slcgreen@slcgov.com

Xeriscape with Native Plants

Xeriscape with Native Plants

photo of Xeriscaped garden

Xeriscaping is a great way to reduce fertilizer and pesticide application as well as cut back on irrigation. Since this approach incorporates native plants, xeriscapes are well adjusted to the environment and do not require many soil amendments or additional fertilizer to keep the plants growing. Native plants have adapted to local physical and biological conditions without the need for human intervention. They will resist damage from freezing, drought, common diseases, and herbivores, and require less frequent watering.

Additionally, native plants will increase the biodiversity found in your garden. Native plants attract other native species, including pollinators, which will keep your garden healthy and flowering year after year.

Due to their deep root system, native plants also help manage rain water runoff and maintain healthy soil. This can help to mitigate floods (including flash floods) and prevent soil compaction.

Xeriscaping is a great way to reduce fertilizer and pesticide application as well as cut back on irrigation. Since this approach incorporates native plants, xeriscapes are well adjusted to the environment and do not require many soil amendments or additional fertilizer to keep the plants growing. Native plants have adapted to local physical and biological conditions without the need for human intervention. They will resist damage from freezing, drought, common diseases, and herbivores, and require less frequent watering.

Additionally, native plants will increase the biodiversity found in your garden. Native plants attract other native species, including pollinators, which will keep your garden healthy and flowering year after year.

Due to their deep root system, native plants also help manage rain water runoff and maintain healthy soil. This can help to mitigate floods (including flash floods) and prevent soil compaction.

Resources for starting a native garden:

SLC Landscape Best Management Practices for Water Resource Efficiency and Protection (PDF)

Tips for Creating a Native Garden 

Utah Native Plants

Lists Rocky Mountain Native Plants

Native Plant Finder