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Winning the Water War – Xeriscaping & Synthetic Turf for a Greener Interior

Intro

With temperatures rising and watering restrictions tightening across the Interior of British Columbia, traditional lawns are becoming a costly and unsustainable luxury.

In many Interior BC communities, homeowners are now looking for smarter, long-term landscaping solutions. That’s where xeriscaping and synthetic turf come in — offering major water savings, less maintenance, and a beautiful, environmentally responsible landscape.

What Is Xeriscaping — and Why Is It Perfect for the Interior?

Xeriscaping is a landscaping approach that uses drought-tolerant plants, mulch, rock features, and strategic design to minimize water use. In our region, this approach makes perfect sense — we’re seeing longer dry periods, water metering, and tighter usage regulations.

The benefits of xeriscaping:

  • Uses up to 60% less water than conventional lawns (Source: BC Hydro)

  • Saves an average of $400–$800 per year on water bills (based on a 2,000 sq. ft. yard)

  • Native plants like Russian Sage, Yarrow, and drought-tolerant grasses thrive without daily watering

  • Our specialized commercial weed barrier and mulch reduce evaporation and suppress weeds- meaning less maintenance time

Why Synthetic Turf Is Booming in Vernon & Beyond

More and more homeowners in Kamloops, Vernon, and Lake Country are choosing high-quality synthetic turf. It’s green year-round, requires no irrigation, and is perfect for areas where natural grass struggles.

Key advantages:

  • No watering or fertilizing required

  • No mowing – saves 60+ hours a year in yard work

  • Great for shaded yards, high-traffic areas, and dog runs

  • Modern turf looks and feels incredibly real, and can be paired with sub-drainage systems

Cooling the Space with Trees & Strategic Planting

A common myth is that xeriscaping means “all rock and no greenery.” Not true.

When paired with well-placed native trees and shrubs, a xeriscaped yard can be up to 10°C cooler during the summer. That means:

  • Better outdoor comfort

  • Less strain on your A/C

  • Long-term energy savings

How Lyons Landscaping Can Help

At Lyons Landscaping, we specialize in low-water, high-style landscapes across the Interior – from Vernon and Salmon Arm to Lake Country and Kamloops.

Whether you’re going full xeriscape or want to blend synthetic turf with native plantings, our team can design and install a landscape that fits your vision and budget.

Visit Lyons Garden Centre

We carry a wide selection of xeriscape-friendly plants, mulch, decorative stone, and synthetic turf samples at our Kamloops Garden Centre.

Come see what’s possible
📅 Book a consultation with our team and start planning your low-maintenance yard today.

🔗 View Lyons Garden Centre on Google Maps
🔗 Contact Us for a Free Consultation

Let’s build smarter landscapes that work with our climate — not against it.