Desert Landscaping in Peoria, AZ

We build planting plans around desert-adapted and native species that look good at maturity: palo verde, mesquite and ironwood for shade; desert spoon, agave, ocotillo and red yucca for structure; and lantana, brittlebush, penstemon and globe mallow for color. Plants are grouped into irrigation zones by water need, so one valve isn't overwatering a cactus to keep a shrub alive.

Placement matters as much as species. A shade tree on the west or southwest side of the house or patio does far more for comfort than the same tree on the north side. We also leave room for growth, because crowding is the most common problem in desert landscapes after a few years.

Lots in north Peoria often come with native saguaros, palo verdes and other protected plants. Arizona's Native Plant Law covers many of these species, and moving or removing them involves notifying the Arizona Department of Agriculture first. We work around existing natives whenever we can and plan any relocation properly, because a mature saguaro or ironwood is worth more in place than anything we could plant.

Many foothill lots also have real slope. We use boulders, terracing and dry creek beds to manage it, so the yard holds together through monsoon season instead of washing out.

Monsoon storms put a lot of water on a yard quickly. We grade so runoff moves away from the house, route it through dry creek beds and rock swales, and add drains where the yard needs them. Every install includes properly sized drip irrigation on a programmable controller, set for the season before we leave.

Communities such as Vistancia, Fletcher Heights and WestWing Mountain have landscape guidelines, and front-yard changes usually need HOA approval. We prepare planting plans for your association's review and choose plants and rock colors that fit the guidelines.