Boost Curb Appeal With Xeriscape Before You List

Thinking about listing your St. George home and wondering how to make the front yard stand out without wasting water? In our sunny, desert climate, a thirsty lawn can drain your budget and turn into weekend work. A well‑designed xeriscape does the opposite by boosting curb appeal, lowering water use, and signaling smart, low‑maintenance living to buyers. Below, you’ll find local rebates, design tips, plant ideas, costs, and a quick pre‑list checklist tailored to St. George. Let’s dive in.

Why xeriscape works in St. George

St. George’s hot, arid climate brings long summers, mild winters, and roughly 8–9 inches of rain per year, which makes desert‑adapted plants a smart fit for both beauty and maintenance. You also get abundant sunshine, so plant selections with seasonal color and structural foliage show well most of the year. These conditions make traditional turf costly to keep green, especially before a sale. For quick climate context, review the local profile for St. George and southern Utah’s desert conditions on this overview.

Rebates and rules to know

WCWCD turf removal rebate

Washington County Water Conservancy District (WCWCD) offers a Water Efficient Landscape rebate that typically pays $2 per square foot up to 5,000 sq ft and $1 per square foot after that, with a 300 sq ft minimum. You must apply and receive approval before removing turf, then complete the work and record a conservation easement on the converted area to receive funds. Program terms and funding can change, so confirm current requirements and timelines on the official WCWCD Water Efficient Landscape Program page.

Smart irrigation incentives

WCWCD also offers rebates for drip conversions, high‑efficiency nozzles, and WaterSense‑eligible smart controllers. These help you dial in watering by hydrozone and avoid overspray on sidewalks, which buyers notice during showings. Check the Water Smart Irrigation rebate program and recent state updates that increased smart controller incentives from Utah’s Division of Water Resources.

Approval and timing

Do not start work before pre‑conversion approval from WCWCD. Typical projects allow up to 12 months to finish after approval, followed by the recorded easement and final verification. For details on average costs, timelines, and verification steps, review WCWCD’s program FAQs.

Design moves buyers love

Keep living cover

Aim for a design with living plants covering much of the converted area at maturity. WCWCD’s standards often require around 50 percent living plant cover in rebate areas, which also reads as more welcoming in listing photos. Group plants by water needs and exposure so they thrive together.

Create a focal entry

Pick one or two focal elements near the front door, like a specimen agave or desert willow, a sculptural boulder, or a large container. Add a simple path and clean edging to make the design feel intentional. A clear focal point draws the eye during showings and photos.

Balance rock, plants, and paths

Use rock or organic mulch to frame defined planting beds, not to cover the entire yard. Clusters of plants with varied heights and textures create depth, while paths guide movement and reduce foot traffic through beds. Keep color palettes neutral with a few accents to support the home’s exterior.

Add seasonal color and light

Include plants with staggered bloom times and evergreen structure so the yard looks good in any month. Accent lighting along paths and at focal plants helps your home pop in twilight showings. For principles that keep xeriscapes healthy and attractive, follow Utah State University’s guidance on hydrozones, mulching, and efficient irrigation in this overview.

Plants that shine in St. George

Visit Red Hills Desert Garden to see water‑wise plantings that thrive in this microclimate and spark your design ideas. It’s a useful visual reference if you’re working with a landscaper or planning a DIY refresh. Get inspired by the display plantings and layout at Red Hills Desert Garden.

Small trees

• Desert willow for summer blooms and airy shade.
• Heat‑adapted, low‑water hybrids available at local nurseries.

Shrubs and perennials

• Red yucca for evergreen structure and dramatic flower spikes.
• Native sages, penstemon, gaillardia, and desert mallow for color and pollinators.

Sculptural accents

• Agaves and yuccas lend strong, architectural forms that read well from the street.
• Use sparingly as focal elements near the entry or along a path.

For a broader, Utah‑specific list, browse the regionally appropriate recommendations in this waterwise plant library. Always match plants to your yard’s sun, soil, and wind exposure.

Irrigation and maintenance essentials

Convert spray zones in beds to drip and separate any remaining turf onto its own zone. Install a WaterSense‑eligible smart controller and set seasonal schedules by hydrozone to avoid overwatering. Confirm current rebate options for drip and smart controllers through WCWCD’s irrigation rebate program.

Costs, timeline, and resale impact

Typical costs and savings

WCWCD estimates average conversion costs around 5 to 6 dollars per square foot for professional installations. With the turf rebate, many projects see roughly 30 to 50 percent of costs offset, depending on scope and eligible square footage. Check WCWCD’s program FAQs for current cost ranges and rebate examples.

Project timeline

Plan for pre‑approval, design, installation, and plant establishment time before you list. In many cases you have up to 12 months to complete a rebate project, but listing timelines may be shorter, so schedule early. If you’re close to market, consider a phased approach that prioritizes front‑entry impact, irrigation fixes, and high‑visibility beds first.

How buyers respond

Quality landscaping consistently supports perceived value and faster sales, especially when it looks intentional and low maintenance. Industry research highlights outdoor upgrades with strong ROI, and buyers in St. George often welcome water‑efficient landscapes that keep visual interest without heavy upkeep. See a summary of high‑impact outdoor projects in this landscaping value overview.

HOA, easements, and disclosures

If you accept the WCWCD rebate, you will record a conservation easement on the converted area, which carries to future owners. Plan to disclose this and keep copies of your approval, plans, and irrigation details for buyers. Many HOAs allow water‑wise landscaping but maintain standards for living cover, materials, and colors. For perspective on how HOA guidelines can look, review this example of design standards and approval steps from a community association’s home improvements page.

Quick pre‑list xeriscape checklist

• Get pre‑approval for the WCWCD turf rebate and understand the conservation easement requirements. Keep all paperwork organized.
• Audit irrigation. Convert beds to drip, cap or adjust overspray, and install a smart controller with clear zone labeling for showings.
• Keep living cover strong. Add plants to meet mature coverage targets and top‑dress mulch for a clean finish.
• Create a focal entry. Add a feature plant or planter, simple path, and soft lighting. Sweep, edge, and weed regularly.
• Show buyers the plan. Label plants, provide a one‑page watering guide by zone, and include a photo of the design at maturity.
• Check HOA rules. Confirm materials, coverage, and any review steps well before installation.

Ready to prep your St. George listing with a curb‑appeal upgrade that photographs beautifully and conserves water? Let’s craft a design‑forward plan that fits your timeline and budget. Reach out to Tyson Leavitt Real Estate for tailored listing prep, staging guidance, and premium marketing that helps your home stand out.

FAQs

What is xeriscape and why is it smart in St. George?

• Xeriscape uses water‑wise plants, efficient irrigation, and thoughtful design to reduce outdoor water use while boosting curb appeal in our hot, arid climate.

How much can I get from the WCWCD turf rebate?

• Typical terms pay per square foot of lawn removed with a minimum project size, and you must apply before starting. Check current amounts and eligibility with WCWCD.

Do I need approval before removing lawn for a rebate?

• Yes. Pre‑conversion approval is required. Starting early can make you ineligible, so submit your application and wait for the site visit before work begins.

Will xeriscaping hurt my resale value in St. George?

• A well‑designed, living‑plant‑forward xeriscape usually improves curb appeal and can help your home show better. Rock‑only yards or haphazard layouts often do the opposite.

Which plants look best and use less water here?

• Choose desert‑adapted trees, shrubs, perennials, and sculptural accents like desert willow, red yucca, penstemon, and agaves. Match selections to sun and exposure.

What should I disclose if I used a rebate?

• Disclose the recorded conservation easement and provide buyers with your approval documents, plans, and irrigation details so they understand maintenance and watering.