Arizona’s unique landscape mixes beauty and its rugged terrain into its own unique characteristic unlike any other found in the United States. When it comes to blending your home or business’ property into the desert setting, taking advantage of different landscaping trends will achieve that effect. Living near the Sonoran Desert means hot summer months, but the right resources and materials can help you cut down your property’s energy costs — a big plus when the AC is running throughout the whole summer. Learn what landscaping trends many Arizona residents prefer and what you can do to make it efficient.
Landscaping Trends to Match the Desert
Desert landscaping ideas are anything but boring, and the iconic scenery that Arizona provides is a source of envy. Many homes in the desert look to embody aspects of the desert while creating an escape for the summer months. Different uses of landscaping material throughout your property can help you achieve the best of both worlds. Some of the most popular landscaping design approaches feature one of these characteristics.
A Tropical Oasis
Adding subtle water features, like a fountain, can give you a sense of peace and escape in your backyard. Paired with the right tropical plants to cast some shade, you can create a serene retreat even in the desert. Keep in mind that many plants thrive through an Arizona summer — palm trees are just the beginning. A wide selection of heat-tolerant plants and trees will align perfectly with your landscape design goals.
Native Plants
Native Arizona plants will thrive on your property all year long, and you can find native flowers that add an appealing pop of color. The right plants and annual color can also provide shade and ideally lower your energy costs throughout the summer months.
Light Colors
Arizona residents tend to lean towards lighter colors to absorb less of the sun’s rays. Materials like stucco, concrete, brick, and granite lean towards lighter, more natural tones that not only keep surfaces cooler but blend naturally with the desert setting.
Grass or Turf
Adding grass or synthetic turf provides cooler effects and visual relief. Sod and lawn installation is one of the top landscaping choices for Arizona residents because of its simplicity — artificial turf requires no mowing, minimal water, and stays green year-round.
Common Landscaping Materials
Once you have an idea of what you want, a landscape consultant is the best person to speak with to take precise measurements and make sure your plans go through without a hitch. Consider some of the specific options below.
1. Rock Landscaping
You can add rock landscaping to your property to give it a rugged, natural feel. Options ranging from river rocks and pebbles to boulders add texture, and crushed granite is one of the most common choices in Phoenix-area homes. Rock landscaping is low maintenance and keeps weed growth down — a major advantage in the desert.
2. Plants and Flowers
Plants and flowers can thrive even through an Arizona summer with the right selections. Arizona is home to colorful flowers that bloom all year long, making it easy to add a pop of color to your yard. Paired with the right shrubs and trees, you can create a tropical feel or a clean, sensible desert landscape.
3. Landscape Lighting
Landscape lighting does more than illuminate your walkway — it adds character and extends the visual appeal of your yard into the evening. From path lights and accent lighting to uplighting for trees and shadow effects for plants, the right lighting lets you enjoy your landscaping any time of day or night.
4. Grading and Mounding
Landscape grading levels out your property to keep water from flowing toward structures and ensures even distribution across your yard. Landscape mounding adds an island element that draws the eye and provides elevated planting areas for additional privacy. Both require professional precision — getting it right the first time reduces costly corrections later.
5. Sod and Artificial Grass
A sod installation provides instant green coverage — ready in a matter of weeks — and helps cool your surfaces in the desert heat. Whether in your backyard or at a commercial property, sod reduces maintenance costs and keeps things looking great without constant watering.
6. Paver Installation
Pavers pull your entire landscape into one focal point. Whether used for a walkway, driveway, or outdoor gathering space, paver installation ranges from clay to cement in a variety of patterns and styles. Properly installed pavers stand the test of time and add lasting curb appeal and value to your property.
7. Irrigation
Don’t forget the essential piece that keeps everything thriving. A well-designed irrigation system keeps your plants and flowers looking fresh year-round. You can even rely on WiFi-controlled smart systems like Hunter Hydrawise to manage your watering remotely. Tie everything together and your dream Arizona landscape will thrive for years to come.