Why Now’s the Best Time to Prep Your Xeriscape for Summer

Xeriscaping is a smart, sustainable landscaping solution for Utah’s dry climate, and late spring is the ideal window to prepare these low-water landscapes for the summer months ahead. As temperatures begin to rise and irrigation demand increases, taking action now can improve the function, efficiency, and visual appeal of your xeriscape.

Whether the goal is to reduce water use, minimize upkeep, or create a landscape with long-term performance, prepping before summer heat fully sets in is a smart investment.

Why Late Spring Timing Works Best

Late spring offers the perfect balance of workable weather and early signs of seasonal stress. At this stage, soil is warm, early weeds are emerging, and it’s still comfortable enough to make outdoor improvements before the peak heat arrives.

Advantages of acting now include:

• Easier weed management before seeds spread
• More secure gravel placement before heavy watering begins
• Polished landscape appearance ahead of the dry season
• Optimized performance from irrigation and moisture-retaining materials

Getting ahead of the summer rush ensures that your xeriscape is built to perform before conditions become more demanding.

Start with a Clean Foundation

A healthy xeriscape starts with a solid base. Late spring is a great time to walk your landscape, assess its condition, and clean up areas that have shifted or degraded over winter and early spring.

Recommended steps include:

• Removing fallen leaves, debris, and dead plant material
• Inspecting and repositioning weed barrier fabric where exposed
• Raking and leveling existing gravel or decorative rock
• Resetting edging to maintain clear boundaries between zones

Establishing a clean, defined structure helps all other improvements last longer and look better throughout the summer.

Refresh Ground Cover and Rock Layers

Whether your xeriscape features Gray Chat, Pea Gravel, or South Town Cobble, refreshing the surface layer can make a big difference. Over time, ground cover can thin out, shift due to weather, or lose color and texture.

Late spring is the right time to:

• Top off high-traffic or weather-worn zones
• Blend in new rock to even out coverage and prevent bare patches
• Improve surface aesthetics with a clean, polished finish
• Reintroduce rock for better moisture retention and erosion control

With these updates in place, your xeriscape will maintain both function and curb appeal during the hottest part of the year.

Prepare for a Low-Maintenance Summer

Getting your xeriscape ready now helps reduce the need for mid-summer fixes. By addressing key updates before summer fully arrives, you’re setting up your landscape for months of reliable performance.

Be sure to:

• Test and fine-tune drip irrigation for proper coverage
• Apply bark mulch around native perennials and shrubs to hold moisture
• Use fresh gravel and rock to suppress weed growth and reduce evaporation

A little effort now leads to major savings in water, time, and stress once summer conditions peak.

Get Xeriscape-Ready with The Dirt Bag

The Dirt Bag delivers bulk decorative rock, gravel, mulch, and soil products across the Salt Lake City area. Whether you're topping off beds or building out new zones, you’ll find high-quality materials and fast local service. Explore options and order online at The Dirt Bag to get your xeriscape summer-ready.