Utah residents converted more than 100 million gallons of water savings through landscape conversions in 2024 alone. For Bluffdale homeowners, that number hits close to home. Water bills in the Salt Lake Valley keep climbing, summer heat keeps intensifying, and the old Kentucky bluegrass lawn that once looked so welcoming is quietly draining your budget — and the region’s reservoirs.
Fortunately, the shift toward water wise landscaping in Bluffdale, Utah has never been more accessible. Whether you’re ready for a full turf-to-rock conversion or simply want to replace a struggling side yard with drought-tolerant ground cover, the right materials — and the right supplier — can make the project straightforward, affordable, and genuinely beautiful.
This guide breaks down your best ground-cover options, the real savings you can expect, and how to make the switch without the guesswork.
Bluffdale sits at the southern end of the Salt Lake Valley, where the Wasatch Front meets wide-open high desert. It’s a fast-growing community with newer subdivisions, large lots, and plenty of open space — most of it traditionally landscaped with thirsty turf grasses.
The problem is that the Wasatch Front is a semi-arid climate. Annual precipitation in the greater Salt Lake area averages around 15–16 inches, but established turf needs the equivalent of 30–40 inches per year to stay green. That gap gets filled with irrigation water — and in a drought year like many Utah has seen recently, that’s water the region simply cannot afford.
Salt Lake County has actively promoted drought resistant landscaping through rebate programs and public education campaigns. Utah’s Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District and the Metropolitan Water District of Salt Lake & Sandy both offer turf-removal rebates that reward homeowners for making the switch. That means you may be able to offset some of the cost of materials when you convert your lawn to low-water ground cover.
Beyond the rebates, the math is simple: decorative gravel, decomposed granite, and organic mulch require zero irrigation once installed. For a typical Bluffdale front yard, that translates into real, measurable savings on every water bill from April through October.
Not all ground cover performs equally in Utah’s climate. Here’s how the most popular water-wise options stack up for Bluffdale homeowners:
Landscape rock — including pea gravel, river rock, and cobble — is the most durable low-water ground cover available. It never fades, never needs reapplication, and holds up beautifully through Utah winters. It’s ideal for high-traffic areas, accent borders, drainage swales, and full turf replacement zones.
For drought resistant landscaping in Salt Lake County, landscape rock delivers the longest lifespan of any ground cover option. Installed correctly over weed barrier fabric, a well-placed rock bed can last 15–20 years with virtually no maintenance.
Decomposed granite is finely crushed granite that compacts into a natural-looking, permeable surface. It’s an excellent choice for pathways, dry creek beds, desert-style garden beds, and large open areas where you want a clean, cohesive look without pavement.
DG allows rainwater to percolate into the soil (unlike hardscape), which reduces runoff and supports any drought-tolerant plants you keep in the landscape. It’s one of the most popular materials in the water wise landscaping movement across the Salt Lake Valley, and for good reason — it’s affordable, flexible, and visually striking.
For planting beds, tree wells, and areas where you want to support shrubs or native perennials, organic mulch is the right call. A 2–3 inch layer of wood chip mulch suppresses weeds, retains moisture in the soil (which means your plants need less water), and moderates soil temperature during hot Bluffdale summers.
Mulch doesn’t last as long as rock — it breaks down over time and benefits from annual top-dressing — but it adds valuable organic matter back into Utah’s often clay-heavy soils. In mixed landscapes that combine drought-tolerant plants with hard surface ground cover, mulch is an essential complement to gravel or DG.
The numbers are worth understanding before you commit to any project. Turf grass is one of the thirstiest landscape features a home can have. According to the EPA’s WaterSense program, landscape irrigation accounts for nearly one-third of residential water use nationwide — and in arid states like Utah, that share is often much higher.
A typical 1,000 square feet of bluegrass lawn in the Wasatch Front climate requires approximately 20,000–25,000 gallons of water per season to stay green. Replace that square footage with decorative landscape rock or decomposed granite, and that number drops to essentially zero.
For a 2,000-square-foot front yard conversion, the math gets compelling quickly:
Most homeowners who make the switch report recovering their material investment within 2–3 seasons through water bill savings alone. After that, the savings are pure gain.
A successful ground-cover conversion doesn’t require a landscape architect — it does require a little upfront planning. Here’s a simple process to follow:
If you’re combining drought-tolerant plants with your new ground cover, choose species that thrive in Utah’s Zone 6–7 climate: ornamental grasses, native shrubs like rabbitbrush or serviceberry, and hardy sedums or agaves do well in Bluffdale’s conditions.
| Material | Best For | Lifespan | Maintenance |
| Landscape Rock | Full conversions, borders, drainage | 15–20+ years | Very low |
| Decomposed Granite | Paths, dry beds, open areas | 5–10 years | Low |
| Organic Mulch | Plant beds, tree wells, mixed designs | 1–3 years | Annual top-dress |
DIY Landscape Supply delivers bulk decorative gravel, decomposed granite, and organic mulch directly to your Bluffdale, Utah home. No minimum order headaches — just beautiful, drought-resistant ground cover at prices that make the switch easy.
Call or text us today: (385) 321-3341
Visit: diylandscape.supply
Serving Bluffdale, Herriman, South Jordan, Riverton, Sandy, Draper, and all of Salt Lake County
What is water wise landscaping, and does it work in Bluffdale, Utah?
Water wise landscaping (also called xeriscape or drought-resistant landscaping) means designing and planting your yard to require little or no irrigation beyond natural rainfall. In Bluffdale’s semi-arid climate, it works extremely well. Replacing thirsty turf with landscape rock, decomposed granite, or drought-tolerant native plants can reduce outdoor water use by 50–75% depending on your current setup.
Will my Bluffdale yard look good without grass?
Absolutely. Modern drought-resistant landscape designs use a combination of decorative gravel, river rock, decomposed granite, bold boulders, and low-water plants to create yards that look intentional, clean, and visually distinctive. Many Bluffdale homeowners find their curb appeal actually improves after conversion.
Are there water conservation rebates available in Salt Lake County?
Yes. Several water districts serving Salt Lake County offer turf-removal rebate programs. The Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District and the Metropolitan Water District of Salt Lake & Sandy both have programs that pay per square foot of grass removed and replaced with low-water alternatives. Check with your specific district for current rebate rates and requirements.
How much landscape rock do I need for my yard?
For a standard 3-inch depth application, you’ll need approximately 1 ton of rock per 80–100 square feet, depending on the rock type and particle size. DIY Landscape Supply can help you calculate the right amount for your specific project before you order.
What’s the difference between decomposed granite and pea gravel for Salt Lake County yards?
Decomposed granite compacts into a firm, stable surface that works well for pathways and open areas. Pea gravel stays loose, which provides a softer look and better drainage but doesn’t compact as firmly underfoot. Both are excellent drought-resistant ground cover options for Bluffdale and surrounding communities.
Does mulch really save water in planting beds?
Yes, meaningfully so. A 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch can reduce soil moisture evaporation by up to 50%, which means your plants need to be watered far less frequently. In Utah’s hot, dry summers, that adds up to significant savings over the course of a season.
Can I order bulk landscape materials for a small residential project?
Yes. DIY Landscape Supply delivers bulk landscape rock, decomposed granite, mulch, and other materials directly to residential addresses in Bluffdale and throughout the Salt Lake Valley. There’s no need to haul bagged material from a big-box store — bulk delivery is more economical and gets the project done faster.