XERISCAPE PREP — THE CLEANUP MOST PUEBLO HOMEOWNERS SKIP
Xeriscape is the smart move in Pueblo's climate. But the cheerful before-and-after photos online skip the most important step: the brutal demo and haul-off that turns a tired lawn into a blank canvas. Here's what real xeriscape prep looks like in Pueblo, and why most landscapers won't do this part for you.
Why the Cleanup Phase Matters
Plant choice is the cheap part. The real cost difference between a beautiful Pueblo xeriscape and a 'we tried' xeriscape is whether the prep was done right: turf removed completely (not just sprayed dead), soil graded for water flow, weed barrier installed properly, and irrigation reworked. Skip steps and you'll fight weeds and runoff for years.
What Has to Come Out
Old turf: dig it out, don't just kill it. Dead turf is a weed seed bank that comes back in year 2.
Old sprinkler lines (or rework them for drip irrigation).
Border bricks, old edging, broken concrete — typically $80–$200 to haul.
Tired shrubs and small trees being replaced — root ball removal matters.
Any old play set, fire pit, or yard furniture that doesn't fit the new design.
Why Most Pueblo Landscapers Won't Do This Part
Most landscaping companies are paid by the plant + design + install. The haul-off and demo phase is unprofitable for them (low margin, dirty work). They subcontract it or refuse it and expect you to figure it out. That's where ClearPath comes in.
The ClearPath Xeriscape Prep Service
We come out with the skid steer and dump trailer combo. In one or two visits, we:
• Remove all turf with proper root extraction.
• Demo any existing concrete, bricks, edging.
• Haul out shrubs, tree stumps (where reasonable), old furniture.
• Rough grade for proper drainage flow.
• Bring in landscape rock or decomposed granite if you've ordered it.
Most residential xeriscape prep is $600–$1,800 depending on yard size and complexity. Your landscaper or you can take it from there.
How to Save Money on the Prep
1. Schedule us BEFORE you've signed with a landscaper — we can prep and they install, no overlap fees.
2. Have your rock and weed barrier delivered to the site so we can place during the same visit.
3. Do the easy hand-pulling of small plants yourself before we arrive — saves us labor time.
Planning a xeriscape? Call (719) 334-4581 for a prep quote. We come out, look, and tell you straight what it'll cost.