Do I need a permit to build a pergola in Centennial?

In most cases, yes. The City of Centennial requires building permits for permanent pergola structures, particularly freestanding ones. We handle the permitting process as part of our service, so you don't have to navigate that on your own.

How long does a pergola installation take?

Most standard pergola installations are wrapped up in a single day. Larger builds that include outdoor kitchens, motorized systems, or other add-ons may take two to three days. We'll give you a clear and specific timeline during your consultation.

What's the difference between an attached and a freestanding pergola?

An attached pergola connects directly to your home, typically covering a patio or deck area. A freestanding pergola stands on its own and can be placed anywhere in the yard. Both are great options, and the choice depends on where you want to create a shaded outdoor living area.

How do I take care of my pergola once it's built?

It depends on the material. Wood pergolas benefit from periodic staining or sealing every few years to protect the grain and keep the color looking fresh. Aluminum and vinyl structures are essentially maintenance-free. We'll walk you through the specific care requirements for your build during handoff, so you always know what it takes to keep things looking great.

Xeriscape Landscaping in Centennial, CO

Keeping a traditional lawn alive through a Colorado summer takes hard work and investment, and most Centennial homeowners we talk to are ready for a better approach.

How Easy Green Landscaping Gets Xeriscape Right

Centennial sits at the edge of Colorado’s high plains, where dry summers, hard winters, and periodic water restrictions make traditional lawn care more trouble than it’s worth.

A well-designed xeriscape landscape changes that equation.

The right combination of drought-tolerant plants, efficient irrigation, and smart hardscape choices gives you a yard that holds up year-round without constant intervention.

Our team has worked on properties across the Denver metro long enough to know which native plants handle Colorado’s freeze-thaw cycles, how to read a yard’s soil drainage before drawing up a planting plan, and which xeric plants deliver real visual impact without demanding constant water.

From the first call to the finished installation, we handle every step for you. You bring the vision, and we bring the experience to make it work in Centennial’s specific conditions.

Why Xeriscape Your Centennial, CO, Yard

Colorado is a semi-arid state, and Centennial homeowners feel that reality when their water bills arrive. This makes xeriscaping the practical and beneficial approach around here.

Benefit	What It Means for You
Lower water bills	Xeriscape yards typically use 50–75% less water than traditional lawns.
Minimal maintenance	Drought-tolerant plants don't need weekly mowing or heavy fertilizing.
Built for water restrictions	Your yard stays healthy during Stage 2 or Stage 3 restrictions.
Better property value	Water-wise landscapes appeal to potential buyers across the Denver metro.
Soil and erosion protection	Ground cover, mulch, and rock gardens reduce runoff and protect your yard's grade.

Xeriscape landscaping is one of the most sensible long-term investments a Centennial homeowner can make.

See Our Xeriscaping Work in Centennial, CO

Browse through our completed projects across Centennial and the greater Denver area to see the range of xeriscape garden styles, hardscape features, and planting combinations our team has brought to life.

150+

Landscape Designs Annually

1,800+

Landscaping Projects Completed

25+

Years of Combined Team Experience

What People in Centennial, CO, Say About Us

The best way to get a feel for how we work is to hear it from homeowners who’ve been through the process. Take a look at what our clients have shared about what it’s been like working with Easy Green Landscaping.

Kahla Lione

Rated 5 out of 5

Kyle, Deisy and their team did a great job for me. I had asked for a xeriscaping design that would remove half of my backyard lawn and my complete front yard and replace it with waterwise plants and landscaping materials. They began demolition in November of last year.

Got everything ready removed all the turf put in all the mulch. In the spring, they installed all the plants and adjusted all of the sprinklers. I couldn’t be happier with the work that was done.

Best Drought-Tolerant Plants for Colorado's Climate

These Colorado-friendly plants naturally thrive in arid conditions and handle the local climate without regular irrigation once they’re established:

Blue Grama Grass – A true Colorado native; low-growing, ornamental, and built for dry climates
Agastache (Hyssop) – Long blooming season, excellent drought tolerance, and great for pollinators
Apache Plume – A hardy perennial shrub that handles arid conditions beautifully with feathery seed heads through fall
Blanket Flower (Gaillardia) – Colorful, tough, and one of the most reliable xeriscape-friendly plants in the state
Rocky Mountain Penstemon – Deep-rooted native that delivers vertical color without supplemental water needs
Russian Sage – A staple in Colorado xeric gardens; silvery foliage and lavender blooms from mid-summer through fall
Pinon Pine – A slow-growing native tree well adapted to rocky soil and Colorado's arid conditions
Blue Oat Grass – An ornamental grass that conserves water naturally and stays tidy through Colorado winters

Not sure which fits your project best? We’ll walk through your options, discuss your budget, and help you land on something you’ll love for decades.

How Much Does Xeriscape Landscaping Cost in Centennial, CO?

There’s no flat rate for xeriscape landscaping. Every project depends on yard size, chosen materials, irrigation complexity, and the extent of site preparation the property needs.

Your final cost will vary depending on your specific circumstances. Contact us with the details, and we’ll put together an accurate quote.

Five factors that typically affect the final cost:

Yard size and project scope: Larger properties require more materials, more labor, and more installation time. We size every estimate to match the actual scope of work.
Plant selection and quantity: Xeric plants and native plants vary in cost depending on species and mature size at planting. Established trees and larger shrubs cost more upfront but dramatically reduce long-term water needs.
Irrigation system design: The number of zones, drip line lengths, and controller setup all factor into the cost, but a good system pays back in water savings over time.
Hardscape and decorative elements: River rock paths, pea gravel beds, retaining walls, rock gardens, and outdoor living features like fire pits or seating areas add to the project cost, but they also eliminate future lawn care expenses.
Site preparation and soil work: Many Centennial yards, particularly those with heavy clay soil, need significant preparation before planting. Adding organic matter, improving drainage, and proper grading take time and materials.

Staying on Budget and on Schedule

Every homeowner we meet has the same two concerns before a project starts, and we take both of them seriously from the first conversation.

A xeriscape landscape is one of those investments that starts paying back quickly. When you factor in reduced water consumption, lower fertilizer costs, and minimal ongoing lawn care expenses, the monthly savings are worth the upfront cost.

We set realistic timelines before any work begins and stick to them. Our crew shows up when they say they will, keeps the site organized, and leaves your property clean when the project’s done.

7 Principles of Xeriscaping

Whether you’re planning a full redesign or a phase-by-phase transformation, these are the foundations every good xeriscape is built on:

Planning and design – Start with a site analysis. Map sun exposure, slope, soil type, and drainage before choosing a single plant or material.
Soil improvement – Add organic matter where needed to improve drainage and help plant roots establish in Colorado's variable soils.
Efficient irrigation – Design irrigation zones around plant water needs. Drip systems deliver consistent moisture directly to roots with minimal evaporation.
Appropriate plant selection – Choose plants well adapted to Colorado's local climate, including native plants, ornamental grasses, and hardy perennials.
Practical turf areas – Keep grass only where it's actually used. Replace decorative turf sections with drought-tolerant ground covers or rock gardens.
Mulching – A proper mulch layer keeps soil temperature stable, limits weed growth, and helps the ground retain water between irrigation cycles.
Maintenance – Xeriscaped yards require far less maintenance than traditional lawns. A seasonal watering schedule adjustment and light pruning each year keeps everything in good shape.

Our Xeriscape Landscaping Process

We keep things simple from the first conversation so you always know what to expect at every stage.

Collaborate

We meet with you, walk your property, and build a design around your yard’s conditions and specific goals.

Build

Our team handles every element of installation, from soil prep to finishing details.

Enjoy

You get a low-maintenance, water-wise yard built for Centennial’s climate.

FAQs About Xeriscape Landscaping in Centennial, CO

Does xeriscaping work in Colorado's climate?

Yes, Colorado is one of the best environments in the country for xeriscape landscaping. The semi-arid conditions, dry summers, and periodic drought make drought-tolerant plants and efficient irrigation incredibly sensible.

Will a xeriscape yard look bare or dull?

Not when designed properly. Combining native plants, ornamental grasses, flowering perennials, rock features, and water elements creates a visually rich landscape that shifts through the seasons.

How much water will I actually save?

Water conservation programs in Colorado have consistently shown that xeriscape landscapes use significantly less water than conventional turf, often 50-75 percent less during the warmer months. That’s a lot of savings for your monthly water bill.

Can I start with just part of my yard?

Definitely. Many homeowners start with a front yard transformation or a dry, problem slope and expand the xeriscape design over time. Phasing the project lets you manage costs and see how the design performs before committing to a full property change.

Turn Your Yard Into a Xeriscape Built for Colorado

Kyle Phung

Your property deserves a design that works with Colorado’s climate, not against it.

Easy Green Landscaping specializes in xeriscape landscaping tailored specifically to Centennial’s conditions. We handle every piece of it, start to finish.

Call us at (303) 766-3304 or visit our contact page to tell us about your project. We’ll take it from there.

(takes 1-2 min)

Centennial was incorporated in 2001, making it one of Colorado’s youngest cities, though the communities here have roots going back decades. Located in Arapahoe County on the south edge of the Denver metro, it’s home to Cherry Creek State Park, a major outdoor destination with trails, water recreation, and wildlife habitat drawing visitors year-round, and Centennial Center Park, the city’s central public gathering space. The area’s semi-arid climate and water-conscious communities make xeriscape landscaping in Centennial, CO, a natural fit for homeowners who want their yards to handle Colorado conditions without constant upkeep.