Drought Tolerant Landscaping in Bakersfield, CA

Bakersfield homeowners are done fighting their yards. High water bills, dead grass in August, and constant upkeep for a lawn that barely survives the summer. At some point it stops making sense. Drought tolerant landscaping is the practical alternative, and it is one of the most requested services we do at Equity Landscapes.


We design and install drought tolerant yards throughout Bakersfield that look good year round, use a fraction of the water a traditional lawn requires, and hold up to the Central Valley's heat without constant attention.


Call (661) 302-8979 to schedule a free estimate.

What Is Drought Tolerant Landscaping

Drought tolerant landscaping replaces water-intensive plants and lawn with materials and plantings that thrive in dry, hot conditions. Instead of grass that needs irrigation several times a week through a Bakersfield summer, a drought tolerant yard uses native and adapted plants, groundcovers, decomposed granite, rock features, and efficient drip irrigation to create a landscape that looks maintained without heavy water use.


It is not a bare yard. Done well, drought tolerant landscaping has texture, color, and structure. It just does not need a sprinkler running every other day to stay that way.

Why It Makes Sense in Bakersfield

Bakersfield averages fewer than 6 inches of rain per year. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 105°F. Kern County water rates use tiered pricing, meaning the more you use, the more you pay per unit. Running a traditional irrigation system through a Central Valley summer is expensive, and it gets more expensive every year.


Beyond the cost, Bakersfield has seen periodic water conservation mandates that restrict outdoor watering schedules. Homeowners with traditional lawns have no flexibility during those periods. They either pay fines or watch their yard die.


A drought tolerant yard removes those problems entirely. The plants are selected because they are built for this climate. The irrigation, if any, is targeted and efficient. The yard looks the same in October as it does in May.


For homeowners in HOA communities, drought tolerant landscaping satisfies most appearance requirements while qualifying for Cal Water rebates that help offset the conversion cost.

What We Install

Every drought tolerant project we build in Bakersfield is designed around the specific property including sun exposure, soil conditions, existing features, and how the homeowner actually uses the space.

  • Decomposed Granite and Gravel

    Decomposed granite is one of the most practical ground covers for Bakersfield's climate. It is low cost, low maintenance, drains well, and holds up to heat without fading or shifting. We use DG as a base layer in planting beds, as a ground cover between plants, and as a pathway material throughout the yard.

  • Native and Drought Tolerant Plants

    Plant selection is where a drought tolerant yard either looks great or looks neglected. We use plants adapted to Kern County's climate, species that handle full sun, dry soil, and heat without irrigation once established. This includes options with year-round color, seasonal blooms, and varied texture so the yard has visual interest without constant water.

  • Drip Irrigation

    Most drought tolerant landscapes still benefit from some irrigation, particularly during establishment. We install drip irrigation systems that deliver water directly to the root zone of plants, eliminating overspray and evaporation. Once plants are established, run times drop significantly. For full irrigation service and repair, visit our sprinkler repair page.

  • Dry Riverbeds and Rock Features

    Dry riverbeds manage runoff from the occasional heavy rain while adding visual structure to the landscape. Rock features provide contrast against planting areas and require zero maintenance once installed.

  • Raised Beds and Planter Areas

    For homeowners who want some garden space within a drought tolerant design, raised beds allow targeted watering without running irrigation across the whole yard. We build raised planter areas using materials that complement the overall hardscape design.

  • Mulch and Organic Ground Covers

    In shaded or partially shaded areas, mulch is an effective ground cover that retains soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and breaks down over time to improve soil quality. We use it in planting beds where DG is not the right fit.

Cal Water Landscape Conversion Rebates in Bakersfield

Bakersfield homeowners who replace lawn or water-intensive landscaping with drought tolerant plants, decomposed granite, or artificial grass may qualify for a Cal Water landscape conversion rebate. Equity Landscapes has experience working with homeowners through the rebate process from start to finish. Ask us about eligibility when you call. It could significantly offset the cost of your project.

Drought Tolerant vs Xeriscape — What Is the Difference

These two terms get used interchangeably, but there is a distinction worth knowing.



Xeriscape is a landscape design philosophy built around seven principles including planning and design, soil improvement, efficient irrigation, appropriate plant selection, mulching, turf alternatives, and maintenance. It originated as a water conservation framework and is a broader approach to how a yard is conceived from the start.


Drought tolerant landscaping is more commonly used to describe the practical outcome. A yard that uses low-water plants and materials regardless of whether it was designed according to formal xeriscape principles.


In Bakersfield, both terms describe the same customer goal. A yard that looks good, uses less water, and does not require constant upkeep. Whether you call it xeriscape landscaping or drought tolerant landscaping, Equity Landscapes builds it the same way. Plant selection and materials suited for this climate, installed by a local crew that has done it here before.

Why Bakersfield Homeowners Choose Equity Landscapes for Drought Tolerant Work

Equity Landscapes is a licensed California contractor, CSLB #1132515, C-27, based in Bakersfield. We are not a national company applying a generic drought tolerant template to every market. We work specifically in this climate, with Bakersfield's soil conditions, water pricing structure, and HOA requirements in mind on every project. We are also familiar with the Cal Water rebate program and can walk you through eligibility when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the difference between drought tolerant landscaping and xeriscape?

    Xeriscape is a design philosophy built around seven water conservation principles. Drought tolerant landscaping is the practical outcome, a yard using low-water plants and materials suited for the local climate. In Bakersfield, both terms describe the same goal. We build it the same way regardless of what you call it.

  • What plants work best for drought tolerant landscaping in Bakersfield?

    We select plants adapted to Kern County's heat, dry soil, and sun exposure, species that establish quickly and require minimal irrigation once rooted. Options vary based on your yard's sun exposure, HOA requirements, and the look you are going for. We walk through plant selection during the site visit.

  • How much water can I save with a drought tolerant yard?

    It depends on what you are replacing and how large the yard is. Homeowners converting a traditional irrigated lawn typically see significant reductions in outdoor water use, in some cases eliminating lawn irrigation entirely. The Cal Water rebate program exists specifically because the water savings are measurable and meaningful.

  • Does drought tolerant landscaping work for HOAs in Bakersfield?

    Many Bakersfield HOAs have updated their guidelines to allow or encourage drought tolerant landscaping as part of water conservation efforts. We can help you work within your HOA requirements when selecting materials and plants.

  • Do you help with the Cal Water rebate application?

    Yes. We have worked with homeowners through the rebate process and can help you understand what qualifies and what the steps are. Ask about it when you call and we will tell you upfront whether your project is likely to qualify.

  • How long does a drought tolerant landscape installation take?

    Most residential projects complete within one to two weeks depending on size and scope. We give realistic timelines during the estimate and communicate throughout the project so you always know where things stand.

  • Can drought tolerant landscaping include artificial grass?

    Yes. Artificial grass is one of the most effective ways to eliminate lawn irrigation entirely and it qualifies for Cal Water rebates in most cases. We install synthetic turf as part of drought tolerant projects and can combine it with DG, native planting, and drip irrigation in a single install.

  • How much does drought tolerant landscaping cost in Bakersfield?

    It depends on yard size, existing conditions, and what materials are being used. A basic DG and plant conversion runs less than a full hardscape project. We provide free estimates so you know exactly what you are looking at before any work begins.

  • Will a drought tolerant yard look bare or unfinished?

    Not when it is designed well. A properly planned drought tolerant yard has layered planting, ground cover texture, and structure from rock or hardscape elements. It looks intentional, not abandoned.

  • How long does it take for drought tolerant plants to establish?

    Most plants need one to two seasons to fully establish their root systems. During that period some irrigation is recommended. Once established, water needs drop significantly and many plants can survive on rainfall alone through cooler months.

Ready to Convert Your Bakersfield Yard

If your water bill is too high, your lawn is not worth saving, or you just want a yard that looks good without the constant upkeep, drought tolerant landscaping is worth a serious look.


Equity Landscapes handles drought tolerant landscape installation throughout Bakersfield and surrounding Kern County communities including Stockdale Estates and Gossamer Grove.