Traditionally-maintained corporate landscapes require large amounts of water for irrigation, as well as fertilizers and pesticides that contaminate the environment and pose health risks for people.

Natural landscaping — using native plants in natural settings to create beautiful, hardy, drought- resistant, low-maintenance landscapes — is growing in popularity. Not only are natural landscapes good for the environment, but they also save time and money by eliminating or significantly reducing the need for fertilizers, pesticides, water and lawn maintenance equipment.

"Xeriscaping" is a landscaping technique specifically designed to conserve water as well as reduce maintenance costs. Originally developed for areas afflicted by drought, xeriscaping concepts are now being applied across the country for both commercial and residential properties.

Resources:

The California Integrated Waste Management Board has a great one-pager on xeriscaping, what it means and how to make it work on your property.