How to Actually Start a Xeriscape Conversion in Las Cruces, Step by Step

Posted October 7, 2026

The short answer: convert in this order: plan your water zones, test and prep the soil, remove or shrink the turf, set up zoned drip irrigation, plant, then mulch. Skipping ahead is where most conversions go wrong. Fall is usually a good time to start, because new plants get a chance to root before summer heat.

Step 1: Plan your zones before you touch the lawn

New Mexico State University Extension’s xeriscape guidance (H707) starts with planning, not plants. Split the yard into three kinds of area: a small “oasis” you’ll water more (near the patio or entry), a transition area with moderate needs, and low-water areas that get the least. It also suggests building in any water the yard already collects, such as roof runoff, from the start.

Step 2: Test and prepare the soil

Get the soil tested first. NMSU’s guidance is to add compost where plants will need to hold more water, and in the low-water zones to simply loosen compacted soil. In much of Las Cruces you may also hit caliche, a hard mineral layer that can mean real digging for trees and shrubs. See our caliche guide for how to tell what you have.

Step 3: Decide how much grass stays

Xeriscape doesn’t have to mean zero grass. NMSU suggests keeping turf only in the spaces you actually use, and for southern New Mexico it points to lower-water grasses such as buffalograss or bermudagrass. A partial conversion, like the front yard only, is common and still cuts water and upkeep for that area. Our xeriscaping vs. traditional lawn guide walks through the trade-offs.

Step 4: Build the irrigation before the plants go in

Set up separate zones with their own valves, and swap spray sprinklers for drip, bubbler or micro-spray. NMSU notes that subsurface drip can save 30-50% of the water compared with pop-up sprinklers. Check the City’s watering rules before you design the schedule. More on systems on our irrigation page.

Step 5: Choose plants that fit each zone

Match each plant to its zone and pick species adapted to desert conditions, since natives generally need less supplemental watering. Our drought-tolerant plants guide is a good starting list.

Step 6: Mulch it

NMSU recommends permeable mulch such as bark or gravel, 3 to 4 inches deep, and avoiding plastic sheeting except in special cases near foundations.

Step 7: Plan for the first two seasons

A xeriscape is lower-maintenance, not no-maintenance. Expect regular pruning, weeding and seasonal irrigation adjustments, and the heaviest attention while plants establish, typically the first one to two growing seasons.

What does a conversion cost, and is there a rebate?

Published regional estimates put a xeriscape conversion of a typical 800-1,200 sq ft front yard at roughly $6,000-$15,000 (about $4-$20 per sq ft), depending on plants and materials. That’s third-party data, not Rooted Landscape Co.’s pricing. As of this writing, the City of Las Cruces doesn’t run a turf-conversion rebate program, so the payoff is lower water bills and less maintenance over time. Our pricing page explains how we quote.

Related: Xeriscaping · Irrigation · Pricing · Caliche guide

How do I start converting my lawn to xeriscape?

Begin with a plan: map high-, medium- and low-water zones, test the soil, then handle turf, irrigation, plants and mulch in that order.

What’s the best time of year to start a xeriscape conversion in Las Cruces?

Fall generally works well because new plantings can root before summer heat, though timing depends on the plants and scope.

Can I convert just part of my lawn?

Yes. Converting only the front yard or the highest-water areas is common and still reduces water use and upkeep there.

Is there a rebate for xeriscaping in Las Cruces?

Not currently, as of this writing. The City doesn’t run a turf-conversion rebate program.

Written by the crew at Rooted Landscape Co.