Drought-Tolerant Landscaping in Los Angeles and Orange County
Less water, less maintenance, and more beauty. This is what Southern California landscaping was always meant to look like.
Why We Work With the Natural Landscape, Not Against It
California has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild winters with very little rain. Traditional lawns fight that climate every single day. They demand constant water and consistent maintenance, yet still go brown when water restrictions kick in.
Drought-tolerant and California-native landscaping uses plants that are adapted to this land, thrive in the heat, require a fraction of the water, and reward you with seasonal color, natural texture, and a landscape that deepens and matures beautifully over time.
California's Most Respected Drought-Tolerant Landscaping Certifications Under One Roof.
We hold both a Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper (QWEL) certification and a California Native Plant Landscaper Certification (CNPLC) — two of the most respected designations in sustainable Southern California landscape design. These reflect years of specialized study in water-efficient irrigation, California native plant selection, and the nuances of designing landscapes that thrive in our climate.
We are listed as a certified installer on the Be Water Wise and CalScape directories and are active members of the California native plant design community, including sponsorship of the Theodore Payne Foundation native plant garden tours.
When you hire Herencia for drought-tolerant landscaping, you're hiring one of the most credentialed teams in Los Angeles and Orange County.
Our Approach to California-Native Landscaping
We love planting native gardens that shift and bloom with the seasons, like salvias, buckwheats, and California poppies that attract pollinators and paint the yard in color from spring through fall, and ornamental grasses that move in the breeze and catch the afternoon light.
These are landscapes that get more beautiful every year. They’re what create the warm Mediterranean and California hacienda style we’re known for designing in and around the San Gabriel Valley.
Our Recent Drought-Tolerant Landscaping Projects
Native Garden + Sustainable Landscape Design in Los Angeles, CA
Farm-to-Table Backyard Renovation + Outdoor Living in Glendale, CA
Backyard Renovation + Outdoor Living Design in Alhambra, CA
Clients Loving their New Drought-Tolerant Landscapes
About Herencia Landscaping
We’re a husband-and-wife-owned landscaping company serving San Gabriel Valley, Los Angeles and Orange County. We specialize in full design-build outdoor living transformations with California native and drought-tolerant design. Together, we are so proud to bring a level of care, communication, and craft that our clients consistently say they've never experienced with a contractor before.
Frequently Asked Questions about Drought-Tolerant Landscaping
What is drought-tolerant landscaping?
Drought-tolerant landscaping uses plants, materials, and irrigation systems that require significantly less water than a traditional lawn or garden. In Southern California, this typically means California native plants, Mediterranean species, decomposed granite, natural stone, and water-efficient drip irrigation — all designed to thrive in our warm, dry climate with minimal supplemental watering once established.
Will my yard look brown and dead in the summer?
This is the most common misconception about drought-tolerant landscaping, and the answer is absolutely not. California native plants are adapted to our dry summers, but that doesn't mean they stop being beautiful. Many natives go semi-dormant in summer, which simply means they're conserving energy, not dying. The key is designing with seasonal interest in mind: choosing plants that bloom at different times of year, layering textures and colors, and incorporating evergreen natives that provide year-round structure. A well-designed native garden looks intentional and alive in every season.
How is drought-tolerant landscaping different from xeriscaping?
Xeriscaping is a broader term for any water-efficient landscaping approach, it doesn't necessarily mean California native plants or any particular aesthetic. Drought-tolerant landscaping, as we practice it at Herencia, is specific in California native and Mediterranean plants that are adapted to this climate. The result is a landscape that is not only water-efficient but deeply beautiful and authentic to the Southern California environment.
What is the Be Water Wise rebate, and how much can I receive?
The Be Water Wise program offers homeowners rebates for replacing traditional lawns with drought-tolerant or California native landscaping. Rebates typically range from $3 to $5 per square foot of lawn replaced, depending on your water district. Some districts offer additional incentives. As a certified installer listed on the Be Water Wise directory, we can help you determine if your property qualifies and guide you through the application process.
How do I apply for the lawn replacement rebate?
The process involves applying with your water district before the project begins, completing the approved installation, and then submitting for verification and reimbursement. Because we've done it many times, we know exactly what's required. We'll walk you through every step during your discovery call if your property qualifies.
Can drought-tolerant landscaping be combined with a traditional lawn?
Absolutely! It's a great approach for families who want some green grass for kids or pets, but also want to reduce their water usage and maintenance. We can design a hybrid landscape that incorporates a smaller, intentional lawn area alongside native and drought-tolerant plantings. The result is a beautiful, balanced yard that works for your family and your water bill.
Does drought-tolerant landscaping add value to my home?
Significantly, especially in Los Angeles and Orange County, where water costs are high, water restrictions are only becoming more common. It's one of the smartest long-term investments you can make in your Southern California home.
Do you have another question you don’t see answered here? Explore our full FAQ page or submit an inquiry form, and our co-founder, Alejandra, will personally make sure you get all your questions answered.
Get Paid to Replace Your Lawn with California’s Be Water Wise Program
California's Be Water Wise program offers homeowners rebates of $3 to $5 per square foot for replacing traditional lawns with drought-tolerant or California native landscaping. For an average front yard, that can mean $2,000 to $5,000 back in your pocket.
As certified installers listed in the Be Water Wise and CalScape directories, we know the program inside and out. We'll tell you upfront whether your property and water district qualify, and if they do, we'll handle the guidance so the process is as seamless as the project itself.
