![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/patio-faylyne-cc20-1024x678.jpg\")
A beautiful landscape is like the cover of a book. Neighbors and future buyers will know the inside is well-kept when the outside is pristine. A lush, green lawn also hits home with future house hunters, adding several thousand dollars to the value of your property. When it comes to Scottsdale real estate, the old […]
\n","content":"\nA beautiful landscape is like the cover of a book. Neighbors and future buyers will know the inside is well-kept when the outside is pristine. A lush, green lawn also hits home with future house hunters, adding several thousand dollars to the value of your property. When it comes to Scottsdale real estate, the old cliche of Location, location, location can be changed to Landscaping, landscaping, landscaping!
\n\n\n\nThere’s nothing like pulling up in front of your home after a hectic day and taking time to admire your yard. Your neighbors may be green with envy, especially if their yards are overgrown with tall grass, weeds, and out-of-control bushes and shrubs. All of which harbor insects, rodents, and other pests. Studies show a vibrant, green lawn also increases oxygen production. If you’re allergic to certain types of foliage, keeping your yard maintained can reduce the spread of allergens around your home. Prospective buyers, impressed with your landsdaping plan, kwil see the value of your home.
\n\n\n\nA nicely maintained yard with a deck, patio or swimming poolalso helps expand the square usable footage of your living space by allowing you to entertain outdoors. And a well-kept landscape gives your children a safe place to play as it adds to your home’s value.
\n\n\n\nDepending on the types of plants, animals, and trees that are in your area, failing to maintain your landscape can lead to property damage, which is not the curb appeal you want. Proper landscaping prevents water build-up outside and inside your home. Excess leaves and roots can clog your gutters and cause your roof to leak. Trees planted too close to your home can sink their roots in your foundation over time and crack your foundation, inviting water damage and mold. Those repairs can be costly, erode your home’s value, and, until they’re done, cut your resale value by makimg a bad first impression.
\n\n\n\nWhen the grass is greener on your side of the fence, your neighbors will be encouraged to keep up with their landscaping. This benefits the entire neighborhood by increasing property values. Few people want to buy a home next to a trashy yard! Many a neighborhood feud has started with code enforcement complaints and city fines for unkept lawns. Homeowner association covenants and restrictions often pile on, adding their own HOA penalty fees for failing to mow lawns, on top of the fines you’ll face for violating city ordinances.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/5CTjjI_t-amIvMuqat0qEsidUHXsCtwS48adpLWCz42pbWxvVGrCDBywGsbnXtKnFwAm0DBbHtUZ1Ma825upNTbwO5zWdfrCz4Neu67dMtE4THKVpEgbcmCSHhAT31LetGqJJa8p\")
Green lawns save you plenty of green as they add to your home’s value. It costs more money to restore a yard that is ravaged by weeds, dry patches, and unruly foliage. The more severe your lawn issues are, the more it will cost to repair them, and the longer the process will take. Homebuyers and potential buyers won’t want to wait for you to deal with your front yard landscape issues. When plants and shrubs are groomed properly and weeds are treated early, you can tend to your yard on a regular basis in a fraction of the time.
\n\n\n\nMaintaining your landscape is an underrated home improvement that can do wonders for your home. If you find it overwhelming, you can hire a professional to take care of it for you. You’ll save money on repairs in the long run.
\n","title":"The Value of a Well-Kept Landscape","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/5d713d4a23bad4a6a409511a60686f96/1789c/money_shot.jpg","srcSet":"/static/5d713d4a23bad4a6a409511a60686f96/107df/money_shot.jpg 320w,\n/static/5d713d4a23bad4a6a409511a60686f96/293e9/money_shot.jpg 500w,\n/static/5d713d4a23bad4a6a409511a60686f96/f2cbb/money_shot.jpg 800w,\n/static/5d713d4a23bad4a6a409511a60686f96/1789c/money_shot.jpg 960w,\n/static/5d713d4a23bad4a6a409511a60686f96/a2a79/money_shot.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/5d713d4a23bad4a6a409511a60686f96/1dd6e/money_shot.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/5d713d4a23bad4a6a409511a60686f96/67b76/money_shot.webp 320w,\n/static/5d713d4a23bad4a6a409511a60686f96/8df11/money_shot.webp 500w,\n/static/5d713d4a23bad4a6a409511a60686f96/98a65/money_shot.webp 800w,\n/static/5d713d4a23bad4a6a409511a60686f96/1dd6e/money_shot.webp 960w,\n/static/5d713d4a23bad4a6a409511a60686f96/7aa54/money_shot.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The Value of a Well-Kept Landscape | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}},"relatedPosts":[{"node":{"id":"a4004a53-8114-5035-b3c0-7fc3929c7037","slug":"best-grass-for-arizona","path":"/lawn-care/az/best-grass-for-arizona/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"A native of Ohio, Whitney Lehnecker is a career journalist and newspaper designer. She now lives in Central Florida with her husband and two pups, Goose and Bindi.","name":"Whitney Lehnecker","id":"a3d49656-3773-5908-9fcf-716640f40233","path":"/author/whitney-lehnecker/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6f7e31a20c84b10fb9f62021b69489e7?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"7fc32475-4c73-58a8-996f-8b8d79ba2450","name":"Arizona","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/az/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"May 1st, 2023","excerpt":"The American Southwest evokes images of stunning red rock canyons and cactus bristling with needle-sharp thorns while also bursting with stunning flowers. A lush green lawn? Maybe not so much. But hang on. Yes, grass does in fact grow in the arid desert climate of Arizona, provided you know which varieties do well there and […]
\n","content":"\nThe American Southwest evokes images of stunning red rock canyons and cactus bristling with needle-sharp thorns while also bursting with stunning flowers. A lush green lawn? Maybe not so much.
\n\n\n\nBut hang on. Yes, grass does in fact grow in the arid desert climate of Arizona, provided you know which varieties do well there and take care of your lawn properly. So while your neighbors might instead embrace drought-tolerant xeriscaping that needs little water, if you just can’t live without a lawn, we’ve got a list of the best grasses that grow best in Arizona.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nWhat do these grasses have in common? We’ll get into the particulars below, but in general, they handle the heat well and don’t require as much water as other species, which makes them well-suited to the searing, dry desert climate.
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bermudagrass-4.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Scot Nelson / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is the fastest-growing of all the warm-season grasses, making it difficult to control, especially around flower beds or borders. But its fast growth rate means it stands up well to heavy foot traffic. Bermudagrass likes direct sun and needs soil with good drainage, making it ideal for this climate. And best of all, it’s equally well adapted to the low desert valleys of Phoenix and the higher elevations of northern Arizona, around Flagstaff.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Good; can go dormant during extended periods of drought, however
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1½ to 2 ½ inches
\n\n\n\nNote: Bermudagrass goes dormant in the winter and stays dormant longer than other warm-season grasses like Zoysia.
\n\n\n\n![\"Bubble](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Palmetto-St.-Augustine.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jay Morgan / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\nPalmetto St. Augustinegrass is akin to its East Coast cousin, St. Augustinegrass, but is darker and has a finer texture. It does well in all kinds of conditions — shade, cold, heat, and drought – making it an excellent choice for Arizona lawns. It also endures foot traffic reasonably well and doesn’t need a great deal of water – about an inch a week on average.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Good
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Good
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1 ½ to 2 ½ inches
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Midiron.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nThe most widely used turf grass in Arizona, Midiron is a tough, durable, medium-textured grass known for its beautiful blue-green color. Midiron is a hybrid Bermudagrass, so it tolerates drought, requires little maintenance, and can withstand a great deal of foot traffic. Although it goes dormant in the winter, it recovers quickly when overseeded, so you can transition back to a green yard as the weather warms up. It also can be planted in hard soils like sand or clay, which are found in abundance here in Arizona.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2 inches
\n\n\n\nJust because all these grasses do well in Arizona, doesn’t mean they all work equally well for you. The type of grass you choose also has to do with your lifestyle, your aesthetic, and the amount of effort you are willing to commit to maintaining your lawn.
\n\n\n\nHere are some things to consider:
\n\n\n\nIf you would rather spend more time enjoying life and less time dealing with your lawn, go with midiron.
If so, the only option is Palmetto St. Augustinegrass. All the other grasses struggle in shade.
If you need a lawn that can stand up to heavy foot traffic, choose midiron or Bermudagrass.
With the desert climate in Phoenix, warm-season grasses look beautiful through spring and summer but can leave your lawn brown and unattractive in winter.
\n\n\n\nYou can avoid this by overseeding with cool-season grasses like annual and perennial ryegrass and creeping bentgrass.
\n\n\n\nThe University of Arizona recommends overseeding in October when the daytime temperatures are between 80 degrees and 85 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures are above 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nNeed help choosing the best grass for your Arizona yard? Contact a local lawn care professional to install and maintain your beautiful lawn.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo by: Mcmillin24 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"4 Grasses That Grow Best in Your Arizona Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/06038abca20921bf920dd548b81e7efa/1789c/Grass-in-Arizona-Lawn.jpg","srcSet":"/static/06038abca20921bf920dd548b81e7efa/107df/Grass-in-Arizona-Lawn.jpg 320w,\n/static/06038abca20921bf920dd548b81e7efa/293e9/Grass-in-Arizona-Lawn.jpg 500w,\n/static/06038abca20921bf920dd548b81e7efa/f2cbb/Grass-in-Arizona-Lawn.jpg 800w,\n/static/06038abca20921bf920dd548b81e7efa/1789c/Grass-in-Arizona-Lawn.jpg 960w,\n/static/06038abca20921bf920dd548b81e7efa/c26c2/Grass-in-Arizona-Lawn.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/06038abca20921bf920dd548b81e7efa/1dd6e/Grass-in-Arizona-Lawn.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/06038abca20921bf920dd548b81e7efa/67b76/Grass-in-Arizona-Lawn.webp 320w,\n/static/06038abca20921bf920dd548b81e7efa/8df11/Grass-in-Arizona-Lawn.webp 500w,\n/static/06038abca20921bf920dd548b81e7efa/98a65/Grass-in-Arizona-Lawn.webp 800w,\n/static/06038abca20921bf920dd548b81e7efa/1dd6e/Grass-in-Arizona-Lawn.webp 960w,\n/static/06038abca20921bf920dd548b81e7efa/3cc96/Grass-in-Arizona-Lawn.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"4 Grasses That Grow Best in Your Arizona Lawn | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Yearning for a green lawn amid the arid Arizona scenery? It’s actually possible if you start with a grass that thrives in our climate"}}},{"node":{"id":"d9cce5a6-995d-5a53-bba2-372ecd6563c2","slug":"low-maintenance-landscaping-ideas-phoenix","path":"/lawn-care/az/phoenix/low-maintenance-landscaping-ideas-phoenix/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Most comfortable with soil under her fingernails, Amanda has an enthusiasm for gardening, agriculture, and all things plant-related. With a master's degree in agriculture and more than a decade of experience gardening and tending to her lawn, she combines her plant knowledge and knack for writing to share what she knows and loves.","name":"Amanda Shiffler","id":"458fa7a4-b709-56ae-8d79-9dc400e34ff1","path":"/author/amanda-shiffler/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0048ef20c97263b5f26951aa210d62c8?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"7fc32475-4c73-58a8-996f-8b8d79ba2450","name":"Arizona","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/az/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"90f74182-5f0d-5dd3-8d32-576a5a21d01d","name":"Phoenix","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/az/phoenix/"}],"date":"April 17th, 2023","excerpt":"When you live in Phoenix, you don’t want to spend weekends taking care of your lawn in the scorching Sonoran Desert. Yet at the same time, no one wants a patch of bare earth surrounding their house. You’re in the right place if you’re trying to find a balance between low-maintenance and curb appeal. We’ve […]
\n","content":"\nWhen you live in Phoenix, you don’t want to spend weekends taking care of your lawn in the scorching Sonoran Desert. Yet at the same time, no one wants a patch of bare earth surrounding their house. You’re in the right place if you’re trying to find a balance between low-maintenance and curb appeal.
\n\n\n\nWe’ve come up with a list of low-maintenance landscaping ideas to create a beautiful yard while reducing the time you spend outside maintaining it!
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"Xeriscaping](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Xeriscaping-Desert-Botanical-Garden-Phoenix-Arizona.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Simeon87 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nXeriscaping is a popular landscaping trend in Western desert climates, so chances are you’ve heard of the idea if you’ve lived in Phoenix for any length of time. But if you haven’t heard of it, it’s an adaptive landscape design that uses little or no water beyond natural rainfall.
\n\n\n\nMany homeowners love a xeriscape‘s environmental sustainability and its benefits. Here are some general ideas:
\n\n\n\nDon’t be discouraged if you can’t transform your entire landscape with xeriscaping in one fell swoop. Start small by replacing one flower bed with a decorative rock garden accented with succulents or replacing a thirsty non-native tree with a cactus. As you can, continue with the change until your entire yard doesn’t need supplemental water.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of xeriscaping:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: It costs about $5 to $20 per square foot to xeriscape. However, it is estimated xeriscaping saves you about $0.36 per square foot yearly in watering costs.
\n\n\n\n![\"plants](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Succulent-Garden.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxHere
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAdding cacti and other succulent plants is a great way to make your landscaping low-maintenance. FYI: cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti.
\n\n\n\nSucculents are plants that have adapted to desert life and low rainfall amounts by storing water in their stems and leaves. Many types have thick, fleshy leaves or engorged stems filled with sap that hold moisture, but not all do. One of the best parts (depending on how you look at it) is that most succulents hate wet soil and will die if you try to water them.
\n\n\n\nPlus, succulents come in a fantastic variety of shapes, sizes, and colors to fit every landscape design.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of succulents:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The price of succulents depends on the size and type of plant, ranging from $5 to more than $100 per plant at your local Lowe’s or Home Depot. Saguaro cacti can run anywhere from $100 to $4,000 or $5,000, depending on the size and number of arms.
\n\n\n\n![\"Firecracker](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Firecracker-penstemon.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnother great low-maintenance landscaping option is to include plants native to the Sonoran Desert in your landscape. Native plants have always been in an area and weren’t introduced from somewhere else. They have adapted to thrive in the local desert over time so that they can flourish in your yard with little care.
\n\n\n\nThere are many Arizona native plants for you to choose from, but here are a few popular ones:
\n\n\n\nNote: For more information on the best native plants for Phoenix, check out our article.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of native plants:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: How much you spend depends on the exact type and the plant size, but ballpark prices are $600 to $3,000 for a new flower bed, $25 to $50 per new shrub, or $150 to $3,000 per new tree.
\n\n\n\n![\"Blanket](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Blanket-Flower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: USFWS Mountain-Prairie / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPlants are designated as perennials or annuals, depending on their lifecycle. Annuals with beautiful, colorful flowers are commonly seen at big box stores and garden supply centers. But they only live for a single season and die after they flower, and temperatures drop in the winter.
\n\n\n\nPerennials, however, can withstand the cooler winter temperatures and bloom year after year. Since they last for several years, or even decades, they require considerably less maintenance than annuals that need replanting yearly.
\n\n\n\nGreat heat-tolerant perennials for Phoenix:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of perennials:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The cost of perennial plants varies widely depending upon the type of plants you choose, where you purchase them, and if you plant them yourself or hire a landscape contractor to do the work. If you go the DIY route, expect to spend about $10 to $60 per plant.
\n\n\n\n![\"Rock](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Rock-Garden-Wall.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Public Domain Pictures
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA low-maintenance landscape with minimal flowers will reduce the time you spend sweating in the garden. However, a low-maintenance yard doesn’t mean a dull, empty space without any visual interest. You can easily create an oasis with hardscaping elements.
\n\n\n\nHardscapes are features in your yard that aren’t green, living things. They are permanent, unchanging, man-made structures. The following offer limitless options for designing a space you’ll love while boosting curb appeal.
\n\n\n\nThe best part about hardscapes is they don’t require maintenance like turfgrass and plants. You don’t have to worry about mowing, fertilizing, watering, or weeding, thus cutting down on the time you spend caring for your landscape. However, the initial costs can be expensive, but you’ll save in the long run.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of hardscapes:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Expect to spend approximately $2,500 to $6,000 for a new patio, $5,000 to $11,000 for a new composite deck, $250 to $3,000 for a new fire pit, or $2,000 to $9,000 for a new pergola. Stone paver projects cost about $10 to $30 per square foot to install, depending on the type of stone.
\n\n\n\n![\"Creeping](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Creeping-Red-Thyme.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Own Herby talk thyme / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nI get it. Sometimes you want to look out the kitchen window and see a thick green carpet of grass. How about switching that traditional turf out for a low-maintenance ground cover? You’ll still get a look similar to a green lawn while saving yourself from mowing grass in the scorching sun.
\n\n\n\nGround covers are a group of plants that usually only grow a few inches tall. Once planted, they spread quickly to fill in space and can create the look of a lawn.
\n\n\n\nThese heat-loving, drought-tolerant ground covers are great for Phoenix.
\n\n\n\nRemember that ground covers are still plants, so they may need irrigating and will benefit from occasional fertilization to keep them looking their best. They are still much less work than grass, though.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of ground covers:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Replacing your turf with ground cover costs $3.50 to $12.50 per square foot, depending on the type of ground cover plant you choose. Expect to spend more if you need to remove your existing grass.
\n\n\n\n![\"Artificial](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Artificial-Grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Nick Bastian / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf the idea of a living ground cover still sounds like too much work, yet you still want to see green, consider installing artificial turf. Don’t worry! Your yard won’t look like a football field! Artificial turf has made significant advances, and some styles are designed to look like specific grass types. With a bit of research, you can choose something that is hard to tell that it isn’t real grass!
\n\n\n\nArtificial turf is great in many ways, but let’s take a minute and talk about the downsides. First, artificial turf is expensive to install, and it can damage the soil underneath it, which may have adverse effects. However, some studies show the environmental impact is no more significant than those associated with traditional turfgrass.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of artificial turf:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Professional installation of artificial turf costs anywhere from $5.50 to $19 per square foot, depending on the type you choose and your yard’s shape.
\n\n\n\n![\"Plants](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Plants-with-Mulch.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxHere
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMost homeowners are familiar with mulch and use it in their landscapes. Mulch is a loose material spread on the ground to help retain soil moisture, keep weeds at bay, and protect the plant’s roots from temperature extremes. Using it in planting beds is an easy, inexpensive way to reduce maintenance needs.
\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to mulch, there are many different options, including some organic and some inorganic. Organic mulches offer a more traditional look, but products like woodchips and pine straw must be replaced as they break down over time. When they decompose, they do add nutrients to the soil, which is a benefit. Gravel and rubber nuggets are great inorganic options because they have a long lifespan.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of mulch:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The cost of mulch varies depending on the type. When buying by the bag, expect to pay $2 to $5 per 2-cubic-foot bag for wood mulch. Rubber mulch runs $7 to $10 per 0.8-cubic-foot bag. Landscape rock differs a lot more in price, ranging from $5 to $45 per 0.5-cubic-foot bag. (Pricing based on products at Lowe’s and Home Depot). You can buy it in bulk to save money if you need a lot of mulch.
\n\n\n\nLiving in the Arizona desert doesn’t mean spending hours and hours taking care of grass or having a dusty, dry patch of dirt for a lawn. Many different low-maintenance landscaping options will give you a beautiful yard, even in Phoenix! Hopefully, this helps give you some great ideas on creating a space you love that doesn’t require all your free time.
\n\n\n\nBut we also understand that even a few minutes outside in the hot summer sun can feel miserable. If you’d rather hire someone to do the work, check out the services our local lawn care pros offer in Phoenix and surrounding areas.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Desert Botanical Garden / Simeon87 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"Low-Maintenance Landscaping Tips for Phoenix, Arizona","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/6d7d8a5b0ecb29f0f544a0ec9c7652d6/1789c/Desert-Botanical-Garden-Phoenix-Arizona.jpg","srcSet":"/static/6d7d8a5b0ecb29f0f544a0ec9c7652d6/107df/Desert-Botanical-Garden-Phoenix-Arizona.jpg 320w,\n/static/6d7d8a5b0ecb29f0f544a0ec9c7652d6/293e9/Desert-Botanical-Garden-Phoenix-Arizona.jpg 500w,\n/static/6d7d8a5b0ecb29f0f544a0ec9c7652d6/f2cbb/Desert-Botanical-Garden-Phoenix-Arizona.jpg 800w,\n/static/6d7d8a5b0ecb29f0f544a0ec9c7652d6/1789c/Desert-Botanical-Garden-Phoenix-Arizona.jpg 960w,\n/static/6d7d8a5b0ecb29f0f544a0ec9c7652d6/c26c2/Desert-Botanical-Garden-Phoenix-Arizona.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/6d7d8a5b0ecb29f0f544a0ec9c7652d6/1dd6e/Desert-Botanical-Garden-Phoenix-Arizona.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/6d7d8a5b0ecb29f0f544a0ec9c7652d6/67b76/Desert-Botanical-Garden-Phoenix-Arizona.webp 320w,\n/static/6d7d8a5b0ecb29f0f544a0ec9c7652d6/8df11/Desert-Botanical-Garden-Phoenix-Arizona.webp 500w,\n/static/6d7d8a5b0ecb29f0f544a0ec9c7652d6/98a65/Desert-Botanical-Garden-Phoenix-Arizona.webp 800w,\n/static/6d7d8a5b0ecb29f0f544a0ec9c7652d6/1dd6e/Desert-Botanical-Garden-Phoenix-Arizona.webp 960w,\n/static/6d7d8a5b0ecb29f0f544a0ec9c7652d6/3cc96/Desert-Botanical-Garden-Phoenix-Arizona.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Low-Maintenance Landscaping Tips for Phoenix, Arizona | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"You don't have to melt in the Arizona sun to have a great yard. Get an amazing yard without much effort with these low-maintenance landscaping ideas"}}},{"node":{"id":"a07bc1c4-b053-5fa1-a782-1d07cda67165","slug":"phoenix-watering-guide-conserving-water","path":"/lawn-care/az/phoenix/phoenix-watering-guide-conserving-water/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jackie Greene is a blogger, gardener, and nutrition enthusiast. She enjoys creating organic meals for family and friends using the fresh ingredients she produces from her backyard homestead.","name":"Jackie Greene","id":"fb5923e1-833b-5d9b-808e-ded0e62c0bc4","path":"/author/jackiegreene/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2c1121209a3ebfbe0a7e941d102b2971?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"7fc32475-4c73-58a8-996f-8b8d79ba2450","name":"Arizona","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/az/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"90f74182-5f0d-5dd3-8d32-576a5a21d01d","name":"Phoenix","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/az/phoenix/"}],"date":"April 3rd, 2019","excerpt":"Phoenix, AZ is no stranger to tumultuous droughts, especially during summer and spring seasons. The conservation of water is especially important in this area to support local guidelines in year-long drought protections. While a green lawn may seem unattainable here, there are watering techniques that make grass very efficient in conserving water with not very […]
\n","content":"\nPhoenix, AZ is no stranger to tumultuous droughts, especially during summer and spring seasons. The conservation of water is especially important in this area to support local guidelines in year-long drought protections. While a green lawn may seem unattainable here, there are watering techniques that make grass very efficient in conserving water with not very much water at all. Here are some tips on achieving that luscious lawn during drought season.
\n\n\n\nWatering a lawn is most efficient when wind speeds and evaporation are minimized. The time of day that this usually aligns with is in the morning when the sun is rising and at night time. Watering at night is slightly more risky than watering in the morning. However, if night time fits your schedule better, you will just want to keep a closer eye on how much water the grass is getting. It is easier to over water a lawn when the sun isn’t helping to soak up excess water.
\n\n\n\nUnderstand that with different weather, a watering schedule will change from week to week. If the weather is cold or windy, it is best to not water as much that day. In general, although it varies with different grass types, a lawn should receive about an inch of water each week.
If the goal is to have a green lawn the course of action has to be to train roots to grow deep. You do this by watering deep and infrequently. When you water, whether in the morning or at night, the grass should have water trickle to about ten inches deep. To test this, you can use a screwdriver about an hour after watering to see how deep the soil will allow it to go. If it is around the 10-inch range then you are watering properly. If it is not then you need to water a little more.
\n\n\n\nBermuda grass is a great option for Phoenix homes. It is drought tolerant and resistant to traffic and other stresses. This is a warm-season grass and will go dormant during the winter. To maintain green all year you can overseed with R
Midiron is another grass type that thrives in Phoenix for its drought tolerance and resistance to traffic. This lawn requires very low maintenance and like Bermuda grass needs about an inch of water every week during peak growing season.
\n\n\n\nIrrigation systems take the sweat out of consistently watering the lawn. They are reliable and mostly last very long. Timers allow for the homeowner to designate how much water the lawn receives and when it receives it. Most of human error can be taken out through one of these systems.
\n\n\n\nDrip Irrigation has been coined as the most efficient form of irrigation. The Drip systems are incorporated by the base of the grass and or plants. The water drips directly into the base of the grass minimizing runoff and evaporation. This type of system works really well in a desert environment. Sometimes soil becomes overly dry and when it is watered there becomes a flux of runoff. If you’re looking for the best conservation of water, this is it. This system is more geared towards smaller lawns.
\n\n\n\nSprinklers offer a wider coverage than drip irrigation and are a very popular choice for residential properties. Automatic sprinklers will come with a timer that can be adjusted. These should be watched closely after instillation to ensure there is not runoff water. If runoff occurs change the settings to smaller durations of watering time. If used correctly these can be efficient for water conservation.
\n\n\n\nIn any region, residents should aim to plant plants that are native to the area. For Phoenix especially, you will want to plants plants that do not rely on much additional water. Plants like Cacti, Succulents and native wildflowers do really well in this climate and may not even need any extra water. If you are planting any trees remember that shaded areas of the lawn do not need as much water as exposed sections of the lawn.
\n\n\n\nRead more: 5 Native Plants for Easy Gardening in Phoenix, AZ
\n\n\n\nLooking for more lawn care advice? Visit our Phoenix, AZ lawn care page for a list of pros and additional lawn care tips.
\n\n\n\nTop Photo: Flickr // Dean Terasaki
\n","title":"The #1 2019 Phoenix Watering Guide: Conserving Water","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4981273408239701,"src":"/static/26235da5ac35bded298c14943bb1d15d/f2cbb/phoenix-lawn-watering-guidelines.jpg","srcSet":"/static/26235da5ac35bded298c14943bb1d15d/107df/phoenix-lawn-watering-guidelines.jpg 320w,\n/static/26235da5ac35bded298c14943bb1d15d/293e9/phoenix-lawn-watering-guidelines.jpg 500w,\n/static/26235da5ac35bded298c14943bb1d15d/f2cbb/phoenix-lawn-watering-guidelines.jpg 800w","srcWebp":"/static/26235da5ac35bded298c14943bb1d15d/98a65/phoenix-lawn-watering-guidelines.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/26235da5ac35bded298c14943bb1d15d/67b76/phoenix-lawn-watering-guidelines.webp 320w,\n/static/26235da5ac35bded298c14943bb1d15d/8df11/phoenix-lawn-watering-guidelines.webp 500w,\n/static/26235da5ac35bded298c14943bb1d15d/98a65/phoenix-lawn-watering-guidelines.webp 800w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The #1 2019 Phoenix Watering Guide: Conserving Water | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"ebf92056-0031-5d6d-b916-725e8cfbc56a","slug":"best-trees-for-arizona","path":"/lawn-care/az/best-trees-for-arizona/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"A native of Ohio, Whitney Lehnecker is a career journalist and newspaper designer. She now lives in Central Florida with her husband and two pups, Goose and Bindi.","name":"Whitney Lehnecker","id":"a3d49656-3773-5908-9fcf-716640f40233","path":"/author/whitney-lehnecker/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6f7e31a20c84b10fb9f62021b69489e7?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"7fc32475-4c73-58a8-996f-8b8d79ba2450","name":"Arizona","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/az/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"May 25th, 2023","excerpt":"Your landscape in Arizona doesn’t need to be barren, and if you want to grow something fun, you’re not limited to cactus. Whether you want a bit of shade on your lawn to protect you from Arizona’s scorching sun or you want to provide food and habitat for local wildlife, there are many reasons to […]
\n","content":"\nYour landscape in Arizona doesn’t need to be barren, and if you want to grow something fun, you’re not limited to cactus. Whether you want a bit of shade on your lawn to protect you from Arizona’s scorching sun or you want to provide food and habitat for local wildlife, there are many reasons to plant a tree. But before you embark on this project, it’s important to know the best trees to plant in Arizona’s unforgiving climate.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Desert-Willow-Chilopsis.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Stan Shebs / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nWhat makes the desert willow a neat addition to any yard is that it’s a fairly slender, low-growing tree (topping out at about 30 feet) that fits well in many spaces and can be easily shaped to your taste. Its branches are relatively sparse and its trunk is narrow, giving it the appearance of a shrub rather than a tree until it reaches maturity. But the most striking feature of the desert willow is its bell-shaped white or lavender blossoms.
\n\n\n\nThe beautiful blooms of the desert willow, along with its rapid growth and ease of maintenance, make it a popular plant across the Southwest and all the way to Southern California. It’s very drought tolerant, meaning it needs just enough water to keep it blooming and healthily green through the warm months.
\n\n\n\n![\"Apple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Apple-Tree-Malus-Domestica.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxfuel
\n\n\n\nIs there anything more American than the apple tree? It looks great and produces delicious, fruit. But, wait, don’t apples only grow in cool Northern climates? Absolutely not. There are a variety of cultivars out there – Fuji and Gala, to name two popular varieties – that grow exceptionally well in the desert heat. That’s because apple trees are hardy; they don’t need as much care as other fruit trees, and they can live for more than 50 years.
\n\n\n\nA side benefit is that apple trees attract birds and other animals. If this is a problem, consider humane ways to keep them off your apples, or just skip this recommendation altogether.
\n\n\n\nA few notes about the care of apple trees. Newly planted trees require frequent watering until they are well-rooted. The plant will wilt or develop dull leaves if it isn’t watered enough. Don’t let them stand in pooling water, however, or they will develop root rot. Finally, be sure to prune your tree annually so it produces better quality fruit.
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9
Growing conditions: Grows well in well-drained, moist soil, but occasional dryness is fine; its soil texture should be clay, loam, or sand
Sunlight: Either full sun or a little shade, but at least 8 hours of sun per day
Mature size: 15 to 30 feet
Leaf retention: Deciduous
Flowering: Yes
Potential hazards: Toxic stems, leaves, and seeds
![\"Blue](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Blue-Spruce-Picea-Punges.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nBlue spruce derives its name from its beautiful silvery blue-green color. Commonly called the Colorado blue spruce, it is Arizona’s state tree, but it also does very well in central to northern Arizona.
\n\n\n\nThe blue spruce grows 12 to 20 feet per year and will top out at between 50 and 75 feet, with a width of 10 to 25 feet. It’s a highly adaptable tree that grows in a variety of soils, from loam to sand and clay. When planted in rows, it makes an excellent wind break.
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zones: 2 to 7
Growing conditions: Needs normal moisture, but tolerates floods and drought to an extent; adaptable; grows in acidic, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, well-drained and clay soils.
Sunlight: Should get full sun with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day
Mature size: 50 to 75 feet
Leaf retention: Evergreen
Flowering?: No
Potential hazards: None known
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Flowering-Crabapple-Malus-sp..jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Bruce Marlin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nAmong ornamental trees, flowering crabapple is king. They feature breathtaking clouds of blossoms in the spring and colorful fruit in the fall. Their flowers come in an array of magnificent colors, from white to pink, magenta, burgundy, coral and more.
\n\n\n\nThe only knock on the flowering crabapple is their relatively short bloom time. They generally bloom in early spring and continue for about five weeks, with individual blossoms lasting as little as five days or as much as 12 days. But during that relatively short bloom period, you will be treated to a spectacular display, so they are totally worth it.
\n\n\n\nWhen the blooms finally recede, the show isn’t over. The tree’s foliage turns bright green in the summer and, as mentioned earlier, the tree produces colorful fruit in the fall.
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8
Growing conditions: Needs moderate moisture but tolerates drought; grows in acidic, alkaline, or neutral clay, loam or sand soils.
Sunlight: Prefers full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
Mature size: 30 to 40 feet
Leaf retention: Deciduous
Flowering: Yes
Potential hazards: None known
![\"Bur](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bur-Oak-Quercus-Macrocarpa.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nBur oak provides a great deal of shade with its crown, which often becomes wider than the tree’s height. It tolerates a variety of moisture and soil conditions but thrives in full sun. With a lifespan of over 300 years, bur oak may adorn your yard for generations. It’s also great for local wildlife such as butterflies, moths, beetles, treehoppers, and more.
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8
Growing conditions: Needs moderate moisture but tolerates drought to an extent; grows in acidic, alkaline, loamy, sandy, well-drained, and clay soils.
Sunlight: Prefers full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
Mature size: 50 to 80 feet
Leaf retention: Deciduous
Flowering: No
Potential hazards: Toxic
![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Hot-Wings-Maple-Acer-Tataricum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Le.Loup.Gris / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nHot wings maple, also known as Tatarian maple, is a showy tree that makes a fun addition to your Arizona yard. Hot wing maple’s fragrant spring blossoms are followed by double samaras (wing trees) that fall from the tree, oftentimes called “spinners” or “helicopters.”
\n\n\n\nThe hot wings maple will brighten your yard with its vibrant red foliage and provide some shade during summer barbecues. The tree’s size makes it perfect for smaller landscapes. It may live for over 70 years.
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8
Growing conditions: Tolerates various soil conditions and drought
Sunlight: Can grow in either full or partial sun
Mature size: 15 to 20 feet
Leaf retention: Deciduous
Flowering: Yes
Potential hazards: None known
![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Japanese-Cherry-Blossom-Tree-Prunus-Serrulata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Myrabella / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nJapanese cherry blossom tree, also known as the Kanzan tree, features stunning double pink blossoms that bloom in the spring. They also display stunning fall foliage. The tree is shaped like a vase, and once it matures, its crown is often wider than the tree is high. Though it sometimes grows quite tall, it can also be planted as a bonsai tree.
\n\n\n\nAlthough the Japanese cherry blossom tree doesn’t tolerate drought as well as some other trees, it can still handle mildly dry conditions. However, if you want the tree to thrive in Arizona’s dry climate, you should keep its soil moist. This beautiful tree usually lives for between 15 and 25 years, but its numerous benefits make it well worth planting in your yard.
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8
Growing conditions: Prefers moist conditions but tolerates dry weather to an extent; grows in acidic, alkaline, loamy, sandy, well-drained, wet and clay soils.
Sunlight: Should grow in full sun, with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day
Mature size: 30 to 40 feet
Leaf retention: Deciduous
Flowering: Yes
Potential hazards: Toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Northern](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Northern-Red-Oak-Quercus-Rubra.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Katja Schulz / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nFor a pop of color during the fall months, consider planting the Northern red oak. This magnificent tree grows a dense crown, perfect for providing a shade canopy and improving your home’s curb appeal. It usually lives up to 300 years, although some Northern red oaks have lived up to 500 years.
\n\n\n\nThe Northern red oak tolerates a variety of conditions, such as compacted soil, pollution, and drought, but prefers moist soil and lots of sunlight. While acorns are toxic for some animals, birds and rodents like to feast on them.
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8
Growing conditions: Prefers moisture, but can handle some drought; grows in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained and clay soils.
Sunlight: Should grow in full sun, with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day
Mature size: 60 to 75 feet
Leaf retention: Deciduous
Flowering: No
Potential hazards: Toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Peach](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Peach-Tree-Prunus-Persica.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nAnother fruit tree that thrives here is the peach tree. It holds up well to Arizona’s hot days and cold nights during the growing season, looks beautiful year-round, and comes in many varieties. It also attracts butterflies, birds, and even squirrels and raccoons.
\n\n\n\nPeach and nectarine trees usually live about 12 years. To keep your peach tree healthy and bearing fruit, make sure to take proper care of it, prune it, and protect it from diseases and insect pests.
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9
Growing conditions: Grows well in well-drained, moist soil; its soil texture should be clay, loam, or sand.
Sunlight: Should get full sun, with at least 6 hours of sun per day
Mature size: 15 to 25 feet
Leaf retention: Deciduous
Flowering: Yes
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic seeds and wilted leaves
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pinyon-Pine-Pinus-Cembroides.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dick Culbert / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nIf you need green foliage year-round, Pinyon pine is a great option. It is one of the most drought-tolerant evergreens, making it a great fit for Arizona’s arid climate. What’s more, the tree yields delicious, healthy pine nuts that can be consumed raw or toasted.
\n\n\n\nRemarkably, pinyon pine may live as long as 1,000 years. It’s somewhat oval-shaped when young and becomes more open as it ages. If you want to provide local wildlife with food, you’ll be glad to know that the tree attracts birds and squirrels.
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8
Growing conditions: Plant in well-drained soil, but it does fine in dry, poor, or alkaline soils; avoid wet soils.
Sunlight: Should get at least 6 hours of sunlight per day
Mature size: 25 to 50 feet
Leaf retention: Evergreen
Flowering: No
Potential hazards: None known
![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Rose-of-Sharon-Hibiscus-Syriacus.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Eric Kounce TexasRaiser / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nRose of Sharon is a perennial plant that yields beautiful blossoms year after year for 20 to 30 years. The blossoms come in white, blue, lavender, pink, and red, and sometimes they’re even combined. Moreover, rose of Sharon is also drought-tolerant and versatile, making it an easy tree to care for. It also attracts wildlife like butterflies and hummingbirds.
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9
Growing conditions: If in full or partial sun, tolerates various soil temperatures, moisture conditions, and PH, but needs moisture and protection during midday and afternoon sunshine.
Sunlight: Prefers at least 4 hours of sunlight per day; it also needs a little pruning and shaping
Mature size: 8 to 12 feet
Leaf retention: Deciduous
Flowering: Yes
Potential hazards: Toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Star-Magnolia-Magnolia-Stellata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man) / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThe showy star magnolia’s fragrant blossoms stand out in contrast to its dark green leaves, making it a beautiful addition to any landscape. The tree is easy to maintain and holds up well to Arizona’s temperature extremes. Although it’s quite versatile, you’ll get more out of star magnolia’s magnificent flowers if you plant it in full sun.
\n\n\n\nA healthy star magnolia may live up to 120 years. It also provides food and shelter for local wildlife.
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9
Growing conditions: Withstands some flooding and drought; grows in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained and clay soils.
Sunlight: Needs full sun and partial shade with at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day; trees exposed to full sun flower better
Mature size: 15 to 20 feet
Leaf retention: Deciduous
Flowering: Yes
Potential hazards: Most sources report that star magnolia has no toxic effects, but a few sources claim they may have some poison characteristics; caution is always advised
Once you pick your tree, it’s important to take proper care of it. Here are a few tips to help your trees thrive here:
\n\n\n\nOnce you’ve planted your tree, make sure you give it regular checkups to ensure its health and growth. Be sure to check all parts of the tree and monitor its annual growth.
\n\n\n\nNew trees typically need to be watered one to two times per week. In summer, you should increase the frequency to three to four times a week.
According to the University of Maryland, most trees shouldn’t need fertilizer, especially when they’ve become mature. It’s definitely better to avoid fertilizing at planting time because it can stunt growth. You also shouldn’t fertilize if the tree has recently suffered root damage.
The apple tree is among the easiest to grow because it’s relatively low-maintenance.
You can make tree care easier by selecting a low-maintenance variety that won’t need as much care and attention as other kinds of trees.
\n\n\n\nTo make it easier to care for your whole yard, consider xeriscaping techniques, hardscapes, and planting low-maintenance grass and plants. And be sure to check out our guide to the best grasses for ArizonaAfter all this, you still might not be sure of yourself. Or maybe you just prefer to leave the planting and care to someone else. In any case, feel free to get hold of one of WikiLawn’s pros in Arizona.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo By: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"The 12 Best Trees to Plant in Arizona","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/914160ad58211a7b8d9738429cdfc83e/1789c/Best-Trees-to-Plant-in-Arizona.jpg","srcSet":"/static/914160ad58211a7b8d9738429cdfc83e/107df/Best-Trees-to-Plant-in-Arizona.jpg 320w,\n/static/914160ad58211a7b8d9738429cdfc83e/293e9/Best-Trees-to-Plant-in-Arizona.jpg 500w,\n/static/914160ad58211a7b8d9738429cdfc83e/f2cbb/Best-Trees-to-Plant-in-Arizona.jpg 800w,\n/static/914160ad58211a7b8d9738429cdfc83e/1789c/Best-Trees-to-Plant-in-Arizona.jpg 960w,\n/static/914160ad58211a7b8d9738429cdfc83e/c26c2/Best-Trees-to-Plant-in-Arizona.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/914160ad58211a7b8d9738429cdfc83e/1dd6e/Best-Trees-to-Plant-in-Arizona.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/914160ad58211a7b8d9738429cdfc83e/67b76/Best-Trees-to-Plant-in-Arizona.webp 320w,\n/static/914160ad58211a7b8d9738429cdfc83e/8df11/Best-Trees-to-Plant-in-Arizona.webp 500w,\n/static/914160ad58211a7b8d9738429cdfc83e/98a65/Best-Trees-to-Plant-in-Arizona.webp 800w,\n/static/914160ad58211a7b8d9738429cdfc83e/1dd6e/Best-Trees-to-Plant-in-Arizona.webp 960w,\n/static/914160ad58211a7b8d9738429cdfc83e/3cc96/Best-Trees-to-Plant-in-Arizona.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The 12 Best Trees to Plant in Arizona | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Not every tree will thrive in Arizona’s unforgiving climate, but these 12 will, and they will look great in your yard as well"}}},{"node":{"id":"a9127a79-8320-594b-ba5f-3ae0197d84fd","slug":"low-maintenance-landscaping-arizona","path":"/lawn-care/az/low-maintenance-landscaping-arizona/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"A native of Ohio, Whitney Lehnecker is a career journalist and newspaper designer. She now lives in Central Florida with her husband and two pups, Goose and Bindi.","name":"Whitney Lehnecker","id":"a3d49656-3773-5908-9fcf-716640f40233","path":"/author/whitney-lehnecker/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6f7e31a20c84b10fb9f62021b69489e7?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"7fc32475-4c73-58a8-996f-8b8d79ba2450","name":"Arizona","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/az/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"May 15th, 2023","excerpt":"Pushing a mower around the yard under Arizona’s scorching summer sun can be miserable. So if you find yourself melting in the searing heat one afternoon, you might wonder if there’s an easier way to get a nice yard. There is: Consider low-maintenance landscaping for Arizona that reduces your time and effort. While all yards […]
\n","content":"\nPushing a mower around the yard under Arizona’s scorching summer sun can be miserable. So if you find yourself melting in the searing heat one afternoon, you might wonder if there’s an easier way to get a nice yard. There is: Consider low-maintenance landscaping for Arizona that reduces your time and effort.
\n\n\n\nWhile all yards require some level of care, you can cut down on your time, effort, and expense with low-maintenance landscaping approaches that minimize the required amount of watering, fertilizing, mowing, and weeding. Let’s take a look at some of the best low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Arizona.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n3. Plant Ground Covers, Not Grass
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n5. Plant Long-Lasting Perennials
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n9. Get an Automatic Sprinkler System
\n\n\n\nFAQs About Low-Maintenance Arizona Landscapes
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"Bunch](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Blackfoot-Daisy-Melampodium-leucanthum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Zbigniew Niepokój / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nGo native and landscape with indigenous Arizona plants. Plants that thrive in the Arizona wilderness will also grow well in your yard.
\n\n\n\nNative Arizona plants already know how to survive in the wild without special care, so they won’t require much watering, fertilizing, or pest control. They also resist local pests and diseases. Planting a mixture of native wildflowers, trees, and shrubs means less maintenance for your yard.
\n\n\n\nHere are a few to start with:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAdvantages of growing native plants:
Estimated Cost: The price tag of a native plant depends on the size and type of plant. Here’s a general price range for different types of plants:
\n\n\n\n| Plant Type | Price |
| Shrub | $15 to $50 |
| Vine | $5 to $50 |
| Tree | $200 to $1,500 |
If you are planning a more intensive project, installing a flower bed costs $585 to $3,300.
\n\n\n\nIt’s not just native plants that thrive in the Arizona heat. Succulents are hardy, drought-resistant plants that thrive in hot climates, too.
\n\n\n\nSucculents don’t require much maintenance or care, so they are perfectly content on their own, without outside help. Unlike most plants, succulents prefer arid conditions and can perish if they are overwatered.
\n\n\n\nFrom cacti to agaves, there are many varieties of succulents to choose from, and homeowners can add a desert-like flare to their yard while simultaneously reducing the amount of effort required for lawn upkeep.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of succulents:
Estimated Cost: As with any plant, the price depends on the type and size of the succulent. Usually, you can expect to pay about $10 to $75 per plant.
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/rose-flower-nature-garden-flowering-plant-petal-1607880-pxhere.com-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nWant a natural growing lawn without having to mow weekly? Then ground covers may be just the thing you’re looking for. Ground covers are low-growing plants that usually grow no more than a few inches tall.
\n\n\n\nGround covers are decorative, require little maintenance, and spread over your yard the way a lawn would. Some ground covers flower during the year, adding a touch of floral color to your yard.
\n\n\n\nLook for groundcovers that grow well in Arizona USDA hardiness zone, which ranges from 6a to 10a. Some groundcovers that flourish in these zones include:
Advantages of ground covers:
Estimated Cost: Installing ground covers usually costs around $4.50 to $26 per square foot, although prices vary depending on the type of ground cover. If you have to remove your old grass lawn first, that job will be an additional cost that will depend on the scope of the project.
\n\n\n\nOne easy way to keep an evergreen lawn year-round without ever having to take care of it is to replace your traditional grass lawn with artificial turf.
\n\n\n\nWith artificial turf, you never have to water or mow your yard. You won’t have to worry about the scorching heat burning your grass to a brown crisp or remember to fertilize it at the right time. Even without maintenance, your lawn will look the same all year long. And artificial turf can be great for playing games outdoors.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of artificial turf:
Estimated Cost: Different types of artificial turf are priced differently, but in general professional artificial turf installation costs $5 to $20 per square foot.
\n\n\n\n![\"pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Salvia_greggii_1c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Consultaplantas / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nReplanting new plants in your flower beds every year is a costly endeavor that takes a lot of time. Instead of buying annuals, switch to perennial plants.
\n\n\n\nAnnuals last only a single year and biennials just two years, but perennials keep returning year after year. Using perennials spares you the time and effort of nurturing annuals as they adjust to their new home.
\n\n\n\nTry some of these perennials:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAdvantages of gardening with perennials:
Estimated Cost: Usually it costs $10 to $60 per plant, although costs vary widely across the board depending on what kind of perennial you get. If you hire a professional to plant your perennials for you, that will affect the cost of the project as well.
\n\n\n\nXeriscaping has become a hot new landscaping trend that reduces the amount of time and effort that needs to be spent on yard maintenance.
\n\n\n\nXeriscaping requires little water, which makes it perfect for weathering Arizona’s heat. Natural rainfall should be the only water that xeriscaping needs.
\n\n\n\nSome xeriscaping methods you can try include:
Advantages of xeriscaping:
Estimated Cost: Depending on the nature and scope of the project, xeriscaping projects usually cost $8,737 to $22,226. The upfront cost is expensive, but xeriscaping saves a lot of money on landscaping maintenance in the long run since it reduces both monetary and time costs for watering, fertilizing, and mowing.
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/8145471727_db38e90c4e_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nMaybe you don’t want to deal with a lawn at all. Hardscapes may be for you, then. Hardscapes take up space that your grass lawn would normally occupy, reducing the area where grass or other plants can grow. And with less lawn comes less mowing.
\n\n\n\nHardscapes generally require little maintenance other than occasional cleaning, which is much less intensive than the regular upkeep of grass lawns.
\n\n\n\nSome ideas for hardscapes include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of using hardscapes:
\n\n\n\nEstimated Cost: The cost of a hardscape depends on the type and scope of the hardscaping project. If you’re looking for a hardscape project that fits your budget, here is a list of price ranges for different hardscape projects:
\n\n\n\n| Project | Price |
| Decorative rock | $460 – $1,000 |
| Rock garden | $460 – $1,000 |
| Stone paver | $8 – $22 per square foot |
| Pergola | $2,000 – $9,000 |
| Gazebo | $4,828 – $9,930 |
| Patio | $2,000 – $6,500 |
| Deck | $4,000 – $11,000 |
| Fire pit | $500 – $3,000 |
| Retaining wall | $3,622 – $9582 |
Mulch is as useful as it is simple. Applying mulch to your yard is a simple matter of buying a bag of mulch and spreading a layer of mulch over your flower bed. After that, it’s just a matter of leaving mulch to do its thing.
\n\n\n\nMulch acts as a protective layer over the dirt of your plant bed by keeping moisture in and weeds out. There are two different categories of mulch to choose from:
Advantages of mulching:
Estimated Cost: The price is dependent upon the type of mulch, as each mulch type has a different price tag.
\n\n\n\nAn automatic irrigation system can save you a lot of time and energy spent on watering. Instead of watering your yard by hand, an automatic irrigation system allows you to pre-program your sprinklers for when and how long you want them to water your lawn.
\n\n\n\nSprinklers can even be installed with a sensor that allows them to automatically adjust according to the local water levels.
\n\n\n\nInstalling an automatic underground irrigation system might be an expensive investment, but it will save you a lot of time and make things easier for you and your lawn in the long term.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of an automatic irrigation system:
Estimated Cost: On average, installing an automatic irrigation system will cost between $2,400 and $4,200. Above-ground sprinkler head attachments are much cheaper: between $9 and $36. However, they are not as convenient, as they can’t be automatically programmed like an in-ground sprinkler system.
\n\n\n\nWhether you surround your landscaping plants with mulch or rocks is a matter of personal preference; both have benefits for your landscaping.
Bermudagrass, buffalograss, and Zoysiagrass are the best drought-tolerant lawn grasses for Arizona. They can endure long dry spells and high amounts of foot traffic, making them good low-maintenance grasses for your lawn.
If you don’t want to spend money on mulch, it is possible to make your own using dead leaves, grass clippings and even food was. Note that organic mulch has to be replenished more frequently than inorganic mulch, but it can act as fertilizer for your plants as well by providing nutrients to your soil.
Redoing your yard’s infrastructure can reduce or eliminate lawn care maintenance. The more you minimize the yard work that needs to be done, the more you can enjoy the air-conditioned indoors and kick back with a cool glass of lemonade.
\n\n\n\nIf the job seems too daunting to tackle on your own, consider using a lawn care pro near you.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit : Lawn, Arizona / Nick Bastian / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n","title":"9 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Your Arizona Yard","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":2.380952380952381,"src":"/static/c67c3f8a50ffacac01ac6d6b130932d4/1789c/4462581803_0f074bd5d5_k-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c67c3f8a50ffacac01ac6d6b130932d4/107df/4462581803_0f074bd5d5_k-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/c67c3f8a50ffacac01ac6d6b130932d4/293e9/4462581803_0f074bd5d5_k-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/c67c3f8a50ffacac01ac6d6b130932d4/f2cbb/4462581803_0f074bd5d5_k-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/c67c3f8a50ffacac01ac6d6b130932d4/1789c/4462581803_0f074bd5d5_k-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/c67c3f8a50ffacac01ac6d6b130932d4/c26c2/4462581803_0f074bd5d5_k-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/c67c3f8a50ffacac01ac6d6b130932d4/1dd6e/4462581803_0f074bd5d5_k-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c67c3f8a50ffacac01ac6d6b130932d4/67b76/4462581803_0f074bd5d5_k-1.webp 320w,\n/static/c67c3f8a50ffacac01ac6d6b130932d4/8df11/4462581803_0f074bd5d5_k-1.webp 500w,\n/static/c67c3f8a50ffacac01ac6d6b130932d4/98a65/4462581803_0f074bd5d5_k-1.webp 800w,\n/static/c67c3f8a50ffacac01ac6d6b130932d4/1dd6e/4462581803_0f074bd5d5_k-1.webp 960w,\n/static/c67c3f8a50ffacac01ac6d6b130932d4/3cc96/4462581803_0f074bd5d5_k-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"9 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Your Arizona Yard | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Your can reduce the time you spend on outdoor chores but still have a beautiful yard with these low-maintenance ideas for your Arizona yard."}}},{"node":{"id":"dc059097-0781-5142-aaaf-839e875bd517","slug":"fire-resistant-landscaping-arizona","path":"/lawn-care/az/fire-resistant-landscaping-arizona/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"A native of Ohio, Whitney Lehnecker is a career journalist and newspaper designer. She now lives in Central Florida with her husband and two pups, Goose and Bindi.","name":"Whitney Lehnecker","id":"a3d49656-3773-5908-9fcf-716640f40233","path":"/author/whitney-lehnecker/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6f7e31a20c84b10fb9f62021b69489e7?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"7fc32475-4c73-58a8-996f-8b8d79ba2450","name":"Arizona","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/az/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"May 15th, 2023","excerpt":"Wildfires are a fact of life here in Arizona. And while you can’t stop them from occurring, a really good fire-resistant landscaping strategy will help keep your home safe from serious damage, or even total ruin due to wildfires. Don’t get the wrong idea. There is no such thing as fireproof plants. Plants burn. But […]
\n","content":"\nWildfires are a fact of life here in Arizona. And while you can’t stop them from occurring, a really good fire-resistant landscaping strategy will help keep your home safe from serious damage, or even total ruin due to wildfires.
\n\n\n\nDon’t get the wrong idea. There is no such thing as fireproof plants. Plants burn. But if you select plants that don’t ignite violently, create a buffer zone around your house, and choose your hardscape materials wisely, you remove the fuel that wildfires need to be, well, wild.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/14179765885_c177dccc9d_c-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Oregon Department of Forestry / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nDefensible space is the barrier between your property and the vegetation around it. It slows down or prevents fire from igniting your home. Not just that, but defensible space makes it easy for firefighters to put out the fire without endangering their lives.
\n\n\n\nThe University of Arizona Agricultural Extension Service recommends dividing a property’s defensible space into three zones:
\n\n\n\nZone 1
\n\n\n\nZone 1 extends 30 feet from home and should be free of fire hazards.
\n\n\n\nHere are some guidelines for this zone.
\n\n\n\nZone 2
\n\n\n\nZone 2 extends beyond 30 feet. Here are some guidelines to prepare this zone for fire.
\n\n\n\nZone 3
\n\n\n\nZone 3 extends to your property line. This zone obstructs the fire’s path and keeps the flames on the ground.
\n\n\n\nHere are some tips for this zone.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/gravel-mulch-1.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Sten Porse / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nMulch helps plants conserve water and reduce weed growth. But choosing the wrong mulch is like adding fuel to the fire.
\n\n\n\nInorganic mulches like gravel, pebbles, and river rocks have great fire resistance. These mulches also look good and require little maintenance.
\n\n\n\nIf you prefer organic mulches, we recommend wood chips as they are the least flammable. In fact, a study by the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension indicates that composted wood chips are the least flammable mulches.
\n\n\n\nAvoid the following mulches:
\n\n\n\n![\"Many](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/nature-plant-meadow-flower-purple-herb-1111339-pxhere.com-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nThis term is a bit of a misnomer. No plants are fire-resistant. That is, they all burn and die when exposed to flames. But some plants won’t help spread flames.
\n\n\n\nFire-resistant plants:
\n\n\n\nHere are some of the most fire-resistant plants:
\n\n\n\nBut before you start growing these plants, be sure to plant them correctly.
\n\n\n\nFire travels faster uphill, so if you live on a hill, increase the distance between the plants.
\n\n\n\n| Slope Size | Shrub Distance | Tree Distance |
| Flat to mild slope (less than 20%) | 2 times the shrub’s height | 10 feet |
| Mild to moderate slope (20% to 40%) | 4 times the shrub’s height | 20 feet |
| Moderate to steep slope (greater than 40%) | 6 times the shrub’s height | 30 feet |
Wood fences, pergolas, and gazebos look great, but they quickly catch fire and spread. Metal is a fire-resistant alternative to wood.
\n\n\n\nMetal structures don’t look as classy and elegant as wood, but they are cheaper, more durable, and require less maintenance. Just wash metal structures regularly, and they will last for years without you having to worry about decay, rot, and insects.
\n\n\n\n![\"Chairs](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/hardscape.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Rochester Concrete / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nHardscapes are non-living materials added to a landscape design. They can be both decorative and practical, and more importantly, they create non-flammable barriers between a wildfire and your home.
\n\n\n\nHardscapes include:
\n\n\n\nIf you’re in an area prone to wildfires, you obviously shouldn’t use materials like wood for your hardscapes. Instead, use concrete, bricks, and metal to minimize fire spread.
\n\n\n\nInstalling retaining walls around plant beds can prevent flames from reaching the plants. Constructing walkways in between your garden can also slow fire spread.
\n\n\n\nLarger hardscapes like patios, pergolas, and gazebos can create fire-resistant zones around your home. They also help firefighters battle the fire without endangering their lives.
\n\n\n\nArizona is one of the most wildfire-prone states in the country, so it pays to put a little thought into how to protect your home.
\n\n\n\nCreating defensible space, growing fire-resistant plants, applying mulch, building hardscapes, and constructing metal structures can help minimize fire damage. Installing artificial grass can also help slow the advance of a fire.
\n\n\n\nSound like too big a job for one person? Get in touch with Wikilawn’s lawn care pros, who can help you create a yard that is both beautiful and safe.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Yuma, Arizona / Cbl62 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"How Landscaping Can Keep Your Arizona Home Safe From Wildfires","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/bdbd0069fd258cc77beaf1b575ca0579/1789c/1280px-Norton_House_Yuma_AZ.jpg","srcSet":"/static/bdbd0069fd258cc77beaf1b575ca0579/107df/1280px-Norton_House_Yuma_AZ.jpg 320w,\n/static/bdbd0069fd258cc77beaf1b575ca0579/293e9/1280px-Norton_House_Yuma_AZ.jpg 500w,\n/static/bdbd0069fd258cc77beaf1b575ca0579/f2cbb/1280px-Norton_House_Yuma_AZ.jpg 800w,\n/static/bdbd0069fd258cc77beaf1b575ca0579/1789c/1280px-Norton_House_Yuma_AZ.jpg 960w,\n/static/bdbd0069fd258cc77beaf1b575ca0579/c26c2/1280px-Norton_House_Yuma_AZ.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/bdbd0069fd258cc77beaf1b575ca0579/1dd6e/1280px-Norton_House_Yuma_AZ.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/bdbd0069fd258cc77beaf1b575ca0579/67b76/1280px-Norton_House_Yuma_AZ.webp 320w,\n/static/bdbd0069fd258cc77beaf1b575ca0579/8df11/1280px-Norton_House_Yuma_AZ.webp 500w,\n/static/bdbd0069fd258cc77beaf1b575ca0579/98a65/1280px-Norton_House_Yuma_AZ.webp 800w,\n/static/bdbd0069fd258cc77beaf1b575ca0579/1dd6e/1280px-Norton_House_Yuma_AZ.webp 960w,\n/static/bdbd0069fd258cc77beaf1b575ca0579/3cc96/1280px-Norton_House_Yuma_AZ.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How Landscaping Can Keep Your Arizona Home Safe From Wildfires | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"With some careful planning and the right landscaping, you can minimize the threat of wildfire damage to your Arizona home"}}},{"node":{"id":"d38b28fb-a599-5776-8444-00ea08b3ebdd","slug":"best-grass-types-phoenix","path":"/lawn-care/az/phoenix/best-grass-types-phoenix/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Most comfortable with soil under her fingernails, Amanda has an enthusiasm for gardening, agriculture, and all things plant-related. With a master's degree in agriculture and more than a decade of experience gardening and tending to her lawn, she combines her plant knowledge and knack for writing to share what she knows and loves.","name":"Amanda Shiffler","id":"458fa7a4-b709-56ae-8d79-9dc400e34ff1","path":"/author/amanda-shiffler/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0048ef20c97263b5f26951aa210d62c8?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"7fc32475-4c73-58a8-996f-8b8d79ba2450","name":"Arizona","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/az/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"90f74182-5f0d-5dd3-8d32-576a5a21d01d","name":"Phoenix","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/az/phoenix/"}],"date":"March 21st, 2023","excerpt":"Contrary to popular belief, you can grow actual grass in Phoenix, even with its inferno-like temperatures and dry-as-a-bone climate. Many homeowners opt to xeriscape their yards, choosing to landscape with rocks and highly drought-tolerant plants instead of traditional grass. But if you want to plant traditional turf, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve got […]
\n","content":"\nContrary to popular belief, you can grow actual grass in Phoenix, even with its inferno-like temperatures and dry-as-a-bone climate. Many homeowners opt to xeriscape their yards, choosing to landscape with rocks and highly drought-tolerant plants instead of traditional grass. But if you want to plant traditional turf, you’ve come to the right place!
\n\n\n\nWe’ve got the five best kinds of grass to grow in Phoenix and will walk you through the pros and cons of each one.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nAll five types of the following types of grass are heat and drought-tolerant, so they’re ideal for the Phoenix climate. Let’s take a closer look at each.
\n\n\n\n![\"lush](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bermudagrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is an important turf grass grown throughout the Southern United States. It flourishes in full sun and tolerates heat, drought, and foot traffic but does prefer soil with good drainage. Most of the root system is within the top 6 inches of soil, but roots can grow down to 6 feet, increasing its drought tolerance.
\n\n\n\nIt is the fastest-growing warm-season grass, which is excellent for establishing a new lawn or overseeding bare spots but also poses a concern. This quick-spreading habit makes Bermudagrass challenging to control and contain, so you’ll need to work to keep it out of flowerbeds. Thick layers of thatch can also accumulate, requiring dethatching or power raking regularly.
\n\n\n\nMidiron is a hybrid Bermuda grass and a popular turfgrass choice for Phoenix homeowners because of its toughness and adaptability. It is low-maintenance and has excellent drought tolerance, so it stands up to high summer temps. This hybrid grass can also withstand high levels of foot traffic and transitions well between seasons.
\n\n\n\nIt goes dormant through the winter, but you can keep a continuous green lawn by overseeding it with cool-season grass. Once the weather starts to warm, it quickly greens back up, so there is no lull in your beautiful turf. Midiron also tolerates the hard clay soils common in Phoenix.
\n\n\n\nPalmetto St. Augustine grass is a patented variation of St. Augustinegrass that has been bred to display a darker color and finer texture while keeping the shade, cold, heat, and drought tolerance of St. Augustine. These characteristics make it an excellent choice for the Phoenix climate, and it works well as filler grass in shade spots under shrubs or trees, hiding brown, bare patches. It can survive on as little as 4 to 5 hours of sun.
\n\n\n\nWith its drought tolerance, Palmetto St. Augustine is low maintenance, but you must be cautious not to overwater it. Too much water makes the grass prone to insect and disease problems.
\n\n\n\nOne of the most significant drawbacks to Palmetto St. Augustine is a lack of seed available for purchase. Little viable seed is produced for commercialization, so you must establish a lawn using sod or plugs.
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/buffalograss.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNative to the Great Plains spanning from New Mexico to Montana, buffalograss does well in Phoenix because of its ability to handle extreme temperatures. Buffalograss has the best cold tolerance of the warm-season grasses, yet it also does well in the hot, dry Arizona climate.
\n\n\n\nIt spreads by stolons, so it covers the ground quickly to fill in bare spots. Buffalograss is incredibly drought-tolerant and has low maintenance needs. When left uncut, it creates an airy, wispy meadow look.
\n\n\n\nHowever, Buffalograss is slow to establish from seed and is dormant longer than other warm-season types. It goes dormant earlier in the winter than Bermudagrass and recovers slowly after overseeding. A pre-emergent applied well before seeding helps knock down weed populations, increasing overseeding success, but the process is still laborious and frustrating. Laying sod results in a quicker lawn establishment but costs more.
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/1024px-Blue_grama_Bouteloua_gracilis_MN_2007.jpg\")
Photo Credit: SEWilco / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRounding out our list of best grasses for Phoenix is blue grama, an important native grass found across the mixed prairies of the U.S. and the Great Plains. When seeded at the proper density, it makes a fantastic native turfgrass.
\n\n\n\nThis warm-season grass is tough as nails, with high drought and cold tolerance. It thrives in sandy, dry Arizona soils and works incredibly well as erosion control in arid regions. Plus, it’s a fantastic source of food for wildlife.
\n\n\n\nAs a native species, it requires minimal care – minimal watering and fertilizing and minimal, if any, mowing. Blue grama is a bunch-forming grass that will grow 12 to 18 inches tall when left unmowed, making it one of the shortest ornamental native grasses.
\n\n\n\nAll five grass types are fantastic for Phoenix lawns, but you must consider a few other aspects before deciding.
\n\n\n\nIs your yard mostly or partially shaded or in full sun?
\n\n\n\nIf you have any noticeable shade in your yard, your best option is Palmetto St. Augustine grass. All of the other types do not do well in the shade.
\n\n\n\nDo you have kids and pets tromping around?
\n\n\n\nIf you need a lawn that stands up to regular, heavy foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nHow much maintenance do you want?
\n\n\n\nIf you are looking for a lawn that frees up your time to enjoy life instead of working outside, choose buffalograss, midiron, or blue grama.
\n\n\n\nThe hot, dry desert climate of Phoenix isn’t easy to grow grass in, but it is possible to keep your lawn lush and green all year long. If you’d rather not try to keep your warm-season grass beautiful in winter, you can overseed your lawn with cool-season grass.
\n\n\n\nOverseeding with cool-season grass like perennial ryegrass or creeping bentgrass is a great way to maintain color.
\n\n\n\nAccording to the University of Arizona, you should overseed in October when daytime temperatures are 80-85°F, and nighttime temperatures are above 55°F.
\n\n\n\nYes, you can have green grass all year long in Phoenix if you choose the correct type and take care of it properly. One of the best grasses to grow is Bermudagrass, which stays green in frost-free climates, but you need to give it plenty of water through the winter months. Another surefire way to have green grass is to overseed your warm-season lawn with cool-season grass for winter color.
Zoysiagrass is incredibly heat and drought-tolerant, but unfortunately, it doesn’t grow well in the alkaline soils of Arizona. To grow it, you must amend your high-pH soils, adding acidifying products to lower the pH to neutral or slightly acidic.
Even in the arid Arizona climate, you can have a beautiful landscape without using much water. You just need to choose the best turf for your space and the maintenance level to which you’re willing to commit.
\n\n\n\nBeyond choosing the best grass, you can create a dream landscape using the best native plants for Phoenix. These plants thrive in high-heat, low-moisture climates and are ideal for arid conditions.
Selecting the perfect grass type is the first step in having a beautiful yard. Keep your new lawn healthy and green with services from our lawn care pros.
Main Photo Credit: Tomwsulcer / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n","title":"5 Best Grass Types for Phoenix","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/ce5b2d39a785def93d6f64fda1258ef4/1789c/View_of_Phoenix_Art_museum_outdoor_garden_area.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ce5b2d39a785def93d6f64fda1258ef4/107df/View_of_Phoenix_Art_museum_outdoor_garden_area.jpg 320w,\n/static/ce5b2d39a785def93d6f64fda1258ef4/293e9/View_of_Phoenix_Art_museum_outdoor_garden_area.jpg 500w,\n/static/ce5b2d39a785def93d6f64fda1258ef4/f2cbb/View_of_Phoenix_Art_museum_outdoor_garden_area.jpg 800w,\n/static/ce5b2d39a785def93d6f64fda1258ef4/1789c/View_of_Phoenix_Art_museum_outdoor_garden_area.jpg 960w,\n/static/ce5b2d39a785def93d6f64fda1258ef4/c26c2/View_of_Phoenix_Art_museum_outdoor_garden_area.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/ce5b2d39a785def93d6f64fda1258ef4/1dd6e/View_of_Phoenix_Art_museum_outdoor_garden_area.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ce5b2d39a785def93d6f64fda1258ef4/67b76/View_of_Phoenix_Art_museum_outdoor_garden_area.webp 320w,\n/static/ce5b2d39a785def93d6f64fda1258ef4/8df11/View_of_Phoenix_Art_museum_outdoor_garden_area.webp 500w,\n/static/ce5b2d39a785def93d6f64fda1258ef4/98a65/View_of_Phoenix_Art_museum_outdoor_garden_area.webp 800w,\n/static/ce5b2d39a785def93d6f64fda1258ef4/1dd6e/View_of_Phoenix_Art_museum_outdoor_garden_area.webp 960w,\n/static/ce5b2d39a785def93d6f64fda1258ef4/3cc96/View_of_Phoenix_Art_museum_outdoor_garden_area.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The Best Grasses for Phoenix","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Reseeding some bare patches in your grass or putting in a new lawn? Here are the best grass types for Phoenix, Arizona."}}},{"node":{"id":"a832e1d0-c1e5-51ab-a4f9-8636c20c71e4","slug":"5-native-plants-phoenix-az","path":"/lawn-care/az/phoenix/5-native-plants-phoenix-az/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"kk","id":"dde4169a-f9d0-5770-97b5-2ac023bd4b45","path":"/author/kk/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/425367d30a2aaed212b569216f858a75?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"7fc32475-4c73-58a8-996f-8b8d79ba2450","name":"Arizona","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/az/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"90f74182-5f0d-5dd3-8d32-576a5a21d01d","name":"Phoenix","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/az/phoenix/"}],"date":"November 21st, 2019","excerpt":"Phoenix residents are actively seeking to preserve the natural landscape and its native plants. In addition to helping sustain our environment, these plants thrive in an arid climate and surround our homes with bursts of color and artistic shapes. Some native varieties are great plants to plant around a pool as well. We are spotlighting five native […]
\n","content":"\nPhoenix residents are actively seeking to preserve the natural landscape and its native plants. In addition to helping sustain our environment, these plants thrive in an arid climate and surround our homes with bursts of color and artistic shapes. Some native varieties are great plants to plant around a pool as well. We are spotlighting five native plants from the dozens that can decorate our outdoor spaces.
\n\n\n\nThis sprawling perennial also known as plumbago scadens is showing up in more and more Phoenix gardens. The flowers, a startlingly bright white, are quite dramatic against the deep green of the foliage. The leaves are long and lance-shaped, a deep red as new growths, then green when they mature. They return to red during the fall and winter.
\n\n\n\nIn Phoenix, the white desert plumbago prefers filtered or partial shade, which is pretty quirky for a native of the Sonoran Desert. It’s an easygoing plant all around: It’ll grow under trees or taller shrubs; climb fences, walls or trellises; or cascade from containers or hanging baskets. Plant them along the perimeter of your yard for an innovative and informal hedge.
\n\n\n\nTufted evening primrose is a low-growing perennial with fragrant flowers that open at dusk, glowing white through the night, and then fade to pink and fold in the morning heat. The hairy, narrow leaves are gray-green on top and blue-gray underneath. They also fold up in the heat to retain moisture.
\n\n\n\nLike all native plants in Phoenix, the tufted evening primrose needs little water. However, if you water it moderately, you’ll be rewarded with flowers all summer. The flower’s petals are held above the base of the flower by a long tube that collects nectar. Night-flying hawkmoths love the plant. Their long, coiled tongues stretch far enough to reach the nectar.
\n\n\n\nPlant near a patio or porch so that you can view the fascinating transitions in the evening and early morning hours.
\n\n\n\n![\"Feather](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/feather-bush-brian-ralphs-cc20.jpg\")
Also known as fern of the desert, the heat and sun-loving feather bush is a single- or multi-trunk tree that can reach a height of 12 to 15 feet and spreads to widths of up to 15 feet. Clusters of fragrant, creamy white puffballs bloom in early spring amid long, lacy leaves that resemble graceful green feathers.
\n\n\n\nPlant the feather bush around a pool or pond if you want to simulate an oasis, group it to create a natural privacy screen or bring a tropical ambiance to a patio or entryway. Wherever you plant it, you will be captivated by the colorful butterflies fluttering among the flowers and foliage.
\n\n\n\nAlso known as false mesquite, the fairy duster’s vibrant red flowers bloom most of the year, and in some areas, all year. The striking flower is actually spiky stamens that form puffballs. The delicate leaves are a deep green composed of tiny leaflets.
\n\n\n\nIt’s an evergreen but may thin out during those very rare “cold spells” in Phoenix. But there is no such thing as “too hot.” Plant it where you’ve not been able to grow anything, such as in the full sun against a west-facing wall. You can plant it in partial shade, but you will not have anywhere near as many blooms. Hummingbirds flock to the shrub. Watch closely and you’ll also see some finches, wrens, and verdins.
\n\n\n\nThe hedgehog cactus is a low-growing succulent with short, spiny stems that resemble hedgehogs. All varieties of the cactus have magnificent blossoms that last five days in shades of pink or purple. They open in the morning and close at night.
\n\n\n\nOnce the flowering is complete, the plant produces edible red-orange fruit with a fleshy white pulp that tastes like strawberry. At first, the fruit looks too dangerous to pick — the stems are densely covered with sharp spines, but the spines fall off as the fruit matures.
\n\n\n\nEven though the hedgehog cactus grows in sandy, rocky soil, and full sunlight, it also does well indoors near a sunny window.
\n\n\n\nFeature image source: Alan Levine / CC 2.0
\n","title":"5 Native Plants for Easy Gardening in Phoenix, AZ","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/1789c/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/107df/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.jpg 320w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/293e9/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.jpg 500w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/f2cbb/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.jpg 800w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/1789c/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.jpg 960w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/356ef/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/1dd6e/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/67b76/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.webp 320w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/8df11/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.webp 500w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/98a65/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.webp 800w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/1dd6e/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.webp 960w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/93f70/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"5 Native Plants for Easy Gardening in Phoenix, AZ | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"99ea82bf-aaf6-509f-9463-c6669c8a78ad","slug":"best-native-plants-phoenix","path":"/lawn-care/az/phoenix/best-native-plants-phoenix/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Most comfortable with soil under her fingernails, Amanda has an enthusiasm for gardening, agriculture, and all things plant-related. With a master's degree in agriculture and more than a decade of experience gardening and tending to her lawn, she combines her plant knowledge and knack for writing to share what she knows and loves.","name":"Amanda Shiffler","id":"458fa7a4-b709-56ae-8d79-9dc400e34ff1","path":"/author/amanda-shiffler/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0048ef20c97263b5f26951aa210d62c8?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"7fc32475-4c73-58a8-996f-8b8d79ba2450","name":"Arizona","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/az/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"90f74182-5f0d-5dd3-8d32-576a5a21d01d","name":"Phoenix","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/az/phoenix/"}],"date":"March 27th, 2023","excerpt":"When dealing with the challenging climate of the Southwest desert, the key to having a beautiful lawn and garden is working with plants naturally adapted to the hot, arid environment. You can’t expect lily of the valley, which needs moist soil, mild temperatures, and average humidity, to thrive in a dry, sun-baked climate. Thankfully, there […]
\n","content":"\nWhen dealing with the challenging climate of the Southwest desert, the key to having a beautiful lawn and garden is working with plants naturally adapted to the hot, arid environment. You can’t expect lily of the valley, which needs moist soil, mild temperatures, and average humidity, to thrive in a dry, sun-baked climate.
\n\n\n\nThankfully, there are excellent alternatives, ranging from cacti to shrubs and flowering perennials. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best native plants for your Phoenix landscape.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nThe National Wildlife Federation describes a native plant as occurring “naturally in a particular region, ecosystem, or habitat without human introduction.” Simply put, it means a plant has been living in an area for as long as one can remember and wasn’t brought in from a different place. That being the case, you can be assured these species will grow successfully when planted in your yard at home.
\n\n\n\nSince these desert plants grow naturally in the Sonoran Desert region, they have many advantages.
\n\n\n\n![\"Fairy](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/fairy-dusters-renee-grayson-cc20.jpg\")
Commonly called false mesquite, the desert fairy duster has delicate, deep green tiny leaflets and vibrant red flowers resembling puffballs. It will keep its leaves year-round as an evergreen, but it may thin slightly during Phoenix’s rare “cold spells.” In most years, you’ll be rewarded with blooms the majority of the year that draw in hummingbirds, finches, and wrens.
\n\n\n\nDesert fairy duster thrives in areas where you may have struggled to grow anything. Especially those scorching hot spots in full sun right in front of a west-facing wall. There isn’t a spot in the desert landscape that the desert fairy duster considers too hot to grow in – just make sure you give it a little water when it’s overly hot and dry.
\n\n\n\nGrowth Habit: Small evergreen shrub
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 3 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nMature Width: 3 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nSunlight Needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil Preferences: Well-drained
\n\n\n\nWater Requirements: Only during extended dry periods
\n\n\n\nDisease or Insect Problems: No serious problems
\n\n\n\n![\"Tufted](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/tufted-evening-primrose-andrey-zharkikh-cc20.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Andrey Zharkikh / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nTufted evening primrose is known for its intoxicatingly fragrant flowers that open in the coolness of the evening and glow white until the sun rises. The process itself is a sight to behold. The 3 to four-inch white flowers open at dusk, shine brilliantly through the darkness, and fade to pink as they fold up when temperatures begin climbing in the morning. Hairy, narrow gray-green leaves also fold up when hot to keep from losing moisture.
\n\n\n\nEven though the tufted evening primrose is native to the Sonoran Desert and needs very little water, with moderate irrigation, you’ll see a bounty of blooms all summer long. You’ll also see night-flying hawkmoths visit the flowers at night. They love the plant and are one of the few animals who can reach nectar that collects at the base of the tubular flowers.
\n\n\n\nLife Cycle: Herbaceous perennial
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 12 inches
\n\n\n\nMature Width: 2 feet
\n\n\n\nSunlight Needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil Preferences: Dry, clay soils
\n\n\n\nWater Requirements: Low needs, but more water improves flowering
\n\n\n\nDisease or Insect Problems: No serious problems
\n\n\n\n![\"Penstemon](\"https://lawnlove.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Penstemon_eatonii_-_firecracker_penstemon_-_51220511691-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe firecracker penstemon is an excellent addition to any Phoenix yard if you want winter color in February and March. Scarlet-red blooms open along tall bloom spikes in early to mid-spring, lasting four to six weeks.
\n\n\n\nThese flowering plants do best in sandy soils that drain well and love it if they get sun from the north, south, or east. Avoid fertilizing firecracker penstemon plants. They are known to “bloom themselves to death” when given adequate nutrients.
\n\n\n\nGrowth Habit: Herbaceous perennial
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 2 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nMature Width: 15 inches
\n\n\n\nSunlight Needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil Preferences: Well-drained
\n\n\n\nWater Requirements: Occasional watering in summer
\n\n\n\nDisease or Insect Problems: Susceptible to root rot
\n\n\n\n![\"Baileya](\"https://lawnlove.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Baileya_multiradiata_kz03-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThe desert marigold adds color to your landscape from late winter to mid-spring with its impressive mounds of daisy-like bright yellow flowers. Plants may bloom the rest of the year intermittently with supplemental water. It grows much shorter than other plants on our list, making it a great accent plant or addition to your native wildflower garden.
\n\n\n\nThese attractive plants easily reseed themselves, helping to fill in bare spots over time. When desert marigolds are in full bloom, snip some stalks for a cut flower arrangement and bring the bright color inside.
\n\n\n\nGrowth Habit: Herbaceous perennial
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 20 inches
\n\n\n\nMature Width: 4 to 12 inches
\n\n\n\nSunlight Needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil Preferences: Well-drained
\n\n\n\nWater Requirements: Needs little water if winter rains are sufficient
\n\n\n\nDisease or Insect Problems: Root rot, crown rot
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/white-desert-plumbago-adrianna-moya-photography-cc20.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Adrianna Moya Photography / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe sprawling white desert plumbago is gaining popularity for its startlingly bright white flowers that pop against dramatically deep green evergreen foliage. These plants prefer part sun, which is surprising for a Sonoran Desert native, but their propensity for slight shade make them great for growing under trees or taller shrubs.
\n\n\n\nA low-maintenance, easy-going plant, the white desert plumbago tolerates various soils, and a little supplemental water promotes a showy flower display and lush foliar growth. You can also plant it along the edge of your yard if you’re looking for an innovative, informal living fence or hedge.
\n\n\n\nGrowth Habit: Evergreen shrub
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 3 to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nMature Width: 3 to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nSunlight Needs: Full to part sun
\n\n\n\nSoil Preferences: Tolerates most soils
\n\n\n\nWater Requirements: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nDisease or Insect Problems: White fly
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Arizona-Poppy.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Miwasatoshi / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThe Arizona poppy is the only annual plant on this list, but it self-seeds, so new plants may germinate year after year if conditions are right. While not an actual poppy, it gets its name from its yellow-orange flowers that look like California poppies. It blooms prolifically from July to October in Phoenix.
\n\n\n\nPlant Arizona poppies as a groundcover in open spaces with room to spread and grow. An individual plant can easily reach three to five feet across, putting on a brilliant display in full bloom. The spectacular flowers attract birds; the seeds are an essential food source for doves and quail.
\n\n\n\nGrowth Habit: Summer annual
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 1 ½ to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nMature Width: 3 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nSunlight Needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil Preferences: Prefers light, well-drained, but tolerates all soils
\n\n\n\nWater Requirements: Supplemental light watering during dry periods
\n\n\n\nDisease or Insect Problems: No serious problems
\n\n\n\n![\"Olneya_tesota\"](\"https://lawnlove.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Olneya_tesota-_leaves-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Thayne Tuason / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0
\n\n\n\nIf you want to add shade to your yard and love the classic, twisted “desert tree” look, desert ironwood is a great choice! This slow-growing tree tolerates many different soils and can easily grow over 30 feet tall when given enough water. It is one of the few desert trees that doesn’t shed its leaves, providing light shade year-round.
\n\n\n\nDesert ironwoods bloom profusely in spring, displaying pinkish-purple flowers that look similar to the flowers on sweet peas. The extremely dense desert ironwood is culturally and ecologically important, serving as a staple in the Mexican carving trade.
\n\n\n\nGrowth Habit: Flowering tree
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 30 feet, but varies with irrigation
\n\n\n\nMature Width: 25 feet
\n\n\n\nSunlight Needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil Preferences: Tolerates a variety of soils
\n\n\n\nWater Requirements: Periodic watering in the summer to help with vigor
\n\n\n\nDisease or Insect Problems: No serious problems
\n\n\n\n![\"Chilopsis](\"https://lawnlove.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/735px-Chilopsis_linearis_flower_2-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Stan Shebs / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nNative to the Southwestern United States, the desert willow is a great small tree for arid climates. This hardy tree handles temperatures down to 10°F and tolerates many soil types. In the summer (April through September or October), it is filled with trumpet-shaped pale pink, white, or purple flowers.
\n\n\n\nIt does form a weeping growth habit but isn’t related to the weeping willow common across other parts of the country. The desert willow is deciduous, which means it sheds leaves during the cooler winter months and isn’t as attractive as when in bloom. If you can handle the shocking transformation between seasons, having it in your garden when flowering is worthwhile.
\n\n\n\nGrowth Habit: Deciduous tree
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 15 to 35 feet
\n\n\n\nMature Width: 25 feet
\n\n\n\nSunlight Needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil Preferences: Tolerates a variety of soil types
\n\n\n\nWater Requirements: Some watering during summer to support foliage
\n\n\n\nDisease or Insect Problems: Root rot
\n\n\n\n![\"Muhlenbergia](\"https://lawnlove.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/800px-Muhlenbergia_rigens_form-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Stan Shebs / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nDeer grass is a beautiful, easy-to-grow native bunchgrass with light silver-green to purple blades that pour out like a waterfall from the plant’s center. It prefers sandy or rocky soils but will grow anywhere that’s well-drained and receives at least eight hours of sun.
\n\n\n\nThese grasses make great landscape accent pieces. Long, arching flower panicles develop in spring and change from a creamy white to a straw color by late summer.
\n\n\n\nGrowth Habit: Ornamental grass
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 3 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nMature Width: 3 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nSunlight Needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil Preferences: Well-drained
\n\n\n\nWater Requirements: Weekly or once every two weeks during summer
\n\n\n\nDisease or Insect Problems: No serious problems
\n\n\n\n![\"Bull](\"https://lawnlove.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/18567782498_7d400b09e5_c-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Patrick Alexander / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nBull grass is a classic-looking, coarse-textured desert grass that grows upwards of 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. It prefers dry, well-drained soil, often growing on rocky ledges, slopes, and forest edges.
\n\n\n\nFrom June to November, the long blue-green leaves send up massive clumps of purplish flower spikes, which dry to a tannish color during winter. Bull grass’ fast-growing root system is fantastic for erosion control.
\n\n\n\nGrowth Habit: Ornamental grass
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 3 feet
\n\n\n\nMature Width: 3 feet
\n\n\n\nSunlight Needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil Preferences: Well-drained
\n\n\n\nWater Requirements: Occasional during severe dry periods
\n\n\n\nDisease or Insect Problems: No serious problems
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Saguaro.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nVery few plants say Arizona desert like the saguaro cactus! These plants grow very slowly when started from seed and easily live to be over 200 years old. If you’re looking for something that many generations will enjoy to come, the saguaro is a top choice.
\n\n\n\nOnce established, saguaros make a stunning focal point in Phoenix home landscapes as the largest cactus type in the United States. The mammoth, tree-like plant develops arm-shaped branches that bend upward to give it its iconic shape. Large specimens can have more than two dozen “arms.”
\n\n\n\nGrowth Habit: Cactus
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 25 to 50 feet
\n\n\n\nMature Width: Up to 25 feet
\n\n\n\nSunlight Needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil Preferences: Well-drained
\n\n\n\nWater Requirements: None after establishment
\n\n\n\nDisease or Insect Problems: Bacterial necrosis
\n\n\n\n![\"Hedgehog](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/hedgehog-cactus-brent-myers-cc20.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Brent Myers / Flickr / CC 2.0
\n\n\n\nMuch smaller than the saguaro, the hedgehog cactus is a low-growing succulent adorned with short, spiny stems resembling hedgehogs. Plants grow in clusters of up to 60 stems in sandy, rocky soils on exposed slopes and desert prairies. In March and April, all varieties of the cylindrical cacti display magnificent pink or purple blossoms. The flowers last about five days, opening in the morning and closing at night.
\n\n\n\nAfter flowing, the hedgehog cactus produces red-orange fruit whose fleshy white pulp tastes like strawberry. At first, sharp spines inhibit fruit picking, but as fruits mature and ripen, the spines fall off.
\n\n\n\nGrowth Habit: Cactus
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 12 inches
\n\n\n\nMature Width: 3 feet
\n\n\n\nSunlight Needs: Full to part sun
\n\n\n\nSoil Preferences: Well-drained
\n\n\n\nWater Requirements: None after establishment
\n\n\n\nDisease or Insect Problems: Mealybugs, scale insects
\n\n\n\n![\"Rhus](\"https://lawnlove.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Rhus_ovata-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Michael J. Plagens / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nNative to the foothills and mountains of the Southwest, sugar sumac (also called sugar bush) is commonly found growing in dry canyons and on exposed slopes. Prized for its deep green leathery evergreen leaves, this shrub is often used in parks and along freeways as a filler plant. Hence, it is an excellent choice if you have ample space in your yard you want to be filled with greenery.
\n\n\n\nPlants are resilient and easy to grow, reaching 10 feet tall in as little as three years. When sugar sumac is grown in residential gardens, it needs water only once a month to encourage small white flowers with red sepals to adorn the reddish twigs.
\n\n\n\nGrowth Habit: Evergreen shrub
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 6 to 15 feet
\n\n\n\nMature Width: 8 to 10 feet
\n\n\n\nSunlight Needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil Preferences: Well-drained
\n\n\n\nWater Requirements: No irrigation needed in high elevations. In lower elevations, water infrequently but deeply.
\n\n\n\nDisease or Insect Problems: No serious problems in dry climates
\n\n\n\nAll of these native plants will do well in Phoenix with its hot temperatures and low rainfall, but you need to consider a couple of things.
\n\n\n\nWhat kind of soil are you working with?
\n\n\n\nPeople automatically think that since Phoenix is in the desert, it has sandy soil. The truth, though, is that you can find some sandy soils in the Valley, and you can also find heavy clay soils known as caliche.
\n\n\n\nThese caliche soils are almost cemented with calcium carbonate and do not drain well. If you have this type in your yard, you’ll need to avoid plants that need well-draining soil or are prone to root rot.
\n\n\n\nIs your yard in full sun, or are you planting in partial or full-shade spots?
\n\n\n\nThese native plants mostly prefer full sun and have excellent heat tolerance. If you have a spot shaded by your house, fence, or other plants at times during the day, white desert plumbago, bull grass, and hedgehog cactus can tolerate partial shade.
\n\n\n\nWhat size space are you working with?
\n\n\n\nWhen looking at plants, always consider their mature size, not their size when you buy them. You don’t want to move a plant that’s too big for the space after a few years.
\n\n\n\nBuying native plants is a great way to encourage sustainability, as they have naturally adapted to your local climate and growing conditions. When purchasing plants, though, it’s even better to try and find natives that were propagated and raised in your region. A plant may be native to the Sonoran desert, but if the seedling was grown elsewhere, it might not tolerate the hot summers.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking for local plants, check out the following retailers, or contact the Phoenix chapter of the Arizona Native Plant Society or Maricopa County Cooperative Extension for more information.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDesert Foothills Gardens Nursery Inc.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhitfill Nursery
If you dream of a yard filled with native plants, but need a little help, reach out to our Phoenix lawn care pros! They can make your landscaping dreams come true and thrive in this challenging Valley of the Sun climate.
Main Image Credit: Pxfuel
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\n","content":"\nDon’t move to Phoenix, AZ unless you love sunny days. Phoenix averages at least 300 days of sun every year, hence the nickname The Valley of the Sun. All those sunny days gives residents the opportunity to get out and enjoy nature or to grow some fantastic gardens. Sun is essential for happy living.
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Have questions about lawn care? Visit our Phoenix, AZ lawn care page for more information.
\n\n\n\nTop Photo: AZDew
\n","title":"29 Pictures of Life in The Valley of the Sun","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7853403141361257,"src":"/static/fc15f02bf2d92d24c37f4f6583062c2b/1789c/phoenix-arizona-skyline-photos-post.jpg","srcSet":"/static/fc15f02bf2d92d24c37f4f6583062c2b/107df/phoenix-arizona-skyline-photos-post.jpg 320w,\n/static/fc15f02bf2d92d24c37f4f6583062c2b/293e9/phoenix-arizona-skyline-photos-post.jpg 500w,\n/static/fc15f02bf2d92d24c37f4f6583062c2b/f2cbb/phoenix-arizona-skyline-photos-post.jpg 800w,\n/static/fc15f02bf2d92d24c37f4f6583062c2b/1789c/phoenix-arizona-skyline-photos-post.jpg 960w,\n/static/fc15f02bf2d92d24c37f4f6583062c2b/8e61a/phoenix-arizona-skyline-photos-post.jpg 1023w","srcWebp":"/static/fc15f02bf2d92d24c37f4f6583062c2b/1dd6e/phoenix-arizona-skyline-photos-post.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/fc15f02bf2d92d24c37f4f6583062c2b/67b76/phoenix-arizona-skyline-photos-post.webp 320w,\n/static/fc15f02bf2d92d24c37f4f6583062c2b/8df11/phoenix-arizona-skyline-photos-post.webp 500w,\n/static/fc15f02bf2d92d24c37f4f6583062c2b/98a65/phoenix-arizona-skyline-photos-post.webp 800w,\n/static/fc15f02bf2d92d24c37f4f6583062c2b/1dd6e/phoenix-arizona-skyline-photos-post.webp 960w,\n/static/fc15f02bf2d92d24c37f4f6583062c2b/0cf9f/phoenix-arizona-skyline-photos-post.webp 1023w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"29 Pictures of Life in The Valley of the Sun | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"58ffd8b1-04df-52e7-abae-46c6d8d9dbbf","slug":"the-most-instagrammable-spots-in-phoenix","path":"/lawn-care/az/phoenix/the-most-instagrammable-spots-in-phoenix/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Wikilawn","id":"706a455e-0b9c-56ea-aeed-4f411c6c1973","path":"/author/wikilawn/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fd0301960c52ded452e0b5fc145cb264?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"7fc32475-4c73-58a8-996f-8b8d79ba2450","name":"Arizona","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/az/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"90f74182-5f0d-5dd3-8d32-576a5a21d01d","name":"Phoenix","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/az/phoenix/"}],"date":"January 21st, 2019","excerpt":"There are plenty of beautiful things to photograph, let alone Instagram, in Phoenix, AZ. You’ll find the usual things like gardens, rock formations, and culture but what about those things that are a little off the beaten path? Check out these unique things that you should definitely add to your list as the most Instagrammable […]
\n","content":"\nThere are plenty of beautiful things to photograph, let alone Instagram, in Phoenix, AZ. You’ll find the usual things like gardens, rock formations, and culture but what about those things that are a little off the beaten path? Check out these unique things that you should definitely add to your list as the most Instagrammable spots in Phoenix.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Yayoi-Kusama-loz-pycock-cc20.jpg\")
One of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring places in Phoenix is within the Phoenix Art Museum. Step inside one of the infinity rooms by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama and experience an expansive feeling in just 25 square feet of space. The art installation entitled You Who are Getting Obliterated in the Dancing Swarm of Fireflies features mirrored walls and black granite as well as 250 LED lights that dangle at different heights throughout the room. The lasting effect on visitors is supposed to make you feel like you are floating in space and many have come back to the museum just for a chance to experience the room again. Although no flashes are allowed in the museum, many patrons do take pictures within the space thanks to the light in the room.
![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/rDyYl-FsTSuOK2Y6iszDS3LX-vUbf5ewSLGsaHKI-1DYSduFRFpCa3NOQs-tT6RVPkysl1MeWQl3Tf5kh-7GQrlLD_Etu4VL24jTyHyYYa9iU2OBAijDpiPIhBL9o85MkWoK_dB7\")
This giant 11-foot bass was invented in 1850 by Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume and is twice the height of a double bass. The octobass makes sounds so low that they aren’t even audible to the human ear. This magnificent classical instrument is a rare and incredibly hard to play. The octobass is located within the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix and is quite the sight to see. Get an Insta-Worthy pic next to the octobass to get a feel for its immense size that will delight all of your band loving followers.
![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/UU1jMP_PV6K7p3SKsUWOz0yoE1S8rhSMXcNXhzthOwKReD77mifTO0tNSb65i7Nhe6DoHW91WgO2db3a4l5T7GqEZX5_K0yVVapzMOsPStFB1-JSEyO0sR3P4_N2ePdr5l08sZdm\")
This odd home was built in the 1920s and includes over 5,000 square feet of living space. The Tovrea Castle sits in the middle of Phoenix with 44 acres of preserved desert surrounding the home. It has had three families live within its walls since it was built and was recently opened up for tours to the public. The Tovrea Castle is said to look like a wedding cake and offers many interesting architectural features. The tours for the home sell out well in advance making this a hot spot for those who want to get a glimpse inside its walls. If you can’t get tickets, consider stopping by to snap a picture of the outside of this unique and popular Phoenix landmark.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-61-BbBX4WixOB_MvH_XXh8vuJWAIK-mnV-dVLvFJShQymP6VSVAFebfMnxZUJT-KrGYx51ltUHjk7slIERaZDYWoaqmxeBighl5Grjfmth5D9Fy2Nex6BfttJ3yV3GrGbPoyL-8\")
There are plenty of companies that offer hot air balloon rides in the Phoenix area. Get up before the sun and head out to the desert for your chance to ride in a hot air balloon over the Arizona desert. You’ll watch the sunrise, which is an Insta-Worthy opportunity in itself, as well as get to take magnificent pictures of the balloons that go up that morning. This once in a lifetime opportunity is great for spending time with a friend and will make a great photo to add to your Instagram feed.
\n\n\n\nThis 1960s Shasta camping trailer can be easily reserved on Airbnb and is touted as part art gallery, art studio, coffee bar, and much more. You can stay at The Hive at a great price and experience life in an open artist community. You’ll find the outdoor shower just steps from the camper and may even enjoy a cool shower under the stars. The trailer itself would be great to capture but the unique experience while staying at The Hive will undoubtedly bring about other unique photo opportunities.
\n\n\n\nIt’s almost no surprise that new residents of Phoenix are moving here with all the hot spots the city has to offer. So, if you’re looking for unique things to add to your Instagram handle, consider staying at The Hive to capture a community of artists at work or tour the interesting Tovrea Castle. Take amazing pictures of the sunrise in a hot air balloon ride over the desert or feel like you’re surrounded by fireflies at the Phoenix Art Museum. Cap off your interesting visit through Phoenix with a picture of the incredible Octobass for a unique addition to your Insta-feed. Consider visiting all of these Instagrammable spots in Phoenix for an exceptional tour of the area.
\n\n\n\nDo you have questions about lawn care in Phoenix? Visit our Phoenix lawn care page for more information and tips n’ tricks.
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