Artificial turf vs pavers vs xeriscape

Updated November 11, 2026

Three surfaces, three jobs

People often ask which low-water surface to pick. They do different jobs. A play area, a dining patio and a planting bed should not all get the same material.

We install turf, so we have a stake in this. We will still tell you where the other two win. Talking you out of turf, where it is wrong for the space, is part of our estimate.

Artificial turf

• Best for: dog zones, play areas, narrow side yards and spots where grass struggles.
• Pros: no watering or mowing, a steady green surface, soft underfoot.
• Cons: gets hot in direct sun, sheds microplastics, offers little to wildlife or soil life, needs brushing and rinsing, and wears out eventually.
• Rules: HOA and city rules vary. See Colorado turf rules.

Pavers and hardscape

• Best for: patios, paths, fire pit areas and driveways.
• Pros: durable, long-lasting, no watering, easy to sweep.
• Cons: hard and hot underfoot in summer, sheds rain instead of absorbing it, and costly to change later.
• Rules: Colorado's HOA water-wise law (SB23-178) says an HOA cannot unreasonably require hardscape on more than 20% of a landscaping area.

Xeriscape and drought-tolerant plants

• Best for: front yards, beds and anywhere you want living plants on little water.
• Pros: supports soil life and pollinators, and it is the type of landscape water programs are built around.
• Cons: needs design, careful plant choices and some upkeep, especially in the first seasons. It is not a play surface.
• Rules: SB23-178 says HOAs cannot prohibit xeriscape or drought-tolerant landscaping.

Rebates favor living plants

Water programs pay for plants, not turf. Resource Central's lawn replacement program requires at least 50% plant material. Denver Water's 2026 discount of up to $750 for turfgrass removal, run through Resource Central, is fully allocated. If a rebate matters to your budget, xeriscape may qualify where turf does not. Confirm with the program first. See turf rebates in Colorado.

Heat and comfort

Hard surfaces and turf both get hot in direct sun. Vets Now reported artificial grass, a running track and asphalt all above 122 F at 2 pm, with natural grass coolest. Test any surface with the back of your hand before bare feet go on it. More in does turf get hot.

Comparing cost

Ask each contractor to itemize base prep, materials and edging so you can compare like for like. Turf pricing is covered in the cost guide. For pavers and xeriscape, get written quotes from installers who do that work.

How to combine them

Use each surface where it does best. Pavers suit the sitting area, turf suits the dog run or kids' space, and planted beds soften the edges. We can plan the turf portion alongside other contractors. See side yard turf and patio and balcony turf for small-space options.

Common questions

Sources

• Colorado SB23-178 (HOA water-wise landscaping)
• Resource Central: Lawn Replacement FAQs
• Denver Water: turfgrass removal
• Vets Now: never walk dogs on hot asphalt or artificial grass (2017)

Checked November 11, 2026. Laws, programs and prices change, so confirm with the source before you decide.