Xeriscape uses smart methods, designs and plants to redesign grounds for lower water waste, and integrated it with more naturally fit plants. For example, one of the key design principles is to keep high-water sections away from low-water sections and hardscapes. This way, spray and over coverage is not wasted. Contrary to popular believe, xeriscape does not exclude grass turf, it simply gives preference to less lawn, and more natural plants and habitat that is closer to an arid climate.

A popular xeriscape design that works well in Reno is the use of mountain plants and pines like Ponderosa and Jeffrey, along with a mix of indigenous plants like sage, mountain mahogany. Other elements include dry creekbeds, and mixture of rock, gravel and DG. Xeriscape in the Reno is not just DG sand groundcover everywhere. But rather, mixing and varying water uses, but making low-water landscape the primary coverage of any property. You can have lawn and shade trees, within reason.