{"id":25717,"date":"2022-01-17T18:20:52","date_gmt":"2022-01-17T21:20:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/?p=25717"},"modified":"2025-04-02T17:26:20","modified_gmt":"2025-04-02T20:26:20","slug":"how-to-xeriscape-phoenix-yard","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/az\/phoenix\/how-to-xeriscape-phoenix-yard\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Steps to Xeriscape Your Phoenix Yard"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are you ready to save the environment and some money? Ditch your Phoenix yard and you’ll have a low-maintenance landscape as well as a garden you can be proud of. <\/p>

Why i<\/strong>s xeriscaping popular in Phoenix?<\/p>

Americans use nearly a third of their water on their lawns. Xeriscaping is a water-conscious alternative: Low-water and drought-tolerant plants cut down on your water usage. Instead of sending water down the drain, your xeriscape conserves water, blends with its environment, and can seriously upgrade your curb appeal.   <\/p>

Phoenix is the perfect city for xeriscaping. Centered in the Sonoran Desert, this city records an average of 334 days of sunshine a year, which makes Phoenix the country’s sunniest major city. No wonder Phoenix is called the Valley of the Sun.<\/p>

All that sun means we also have to deal with heat. Phoenix endures more than 100 days a year with temperatures topping 100 degrees. <\/p>

But what makes this city a xeriscaper\u2019s paradise is the arid climate. Although the Sonora is considered wet for a desert, it receives only about 8 inches of rain a year. The native plants that thrive in Phoenix<\/a> can survive a dry spell. This makes Phoenix an ideal location to upgrade your yard to a new low-maintenance masterpiece.   <\/p>

Here are some tips to get you started on your very own Phoenix xeriscape: <\/p>

1. Plan Your Xeriscape<\/h2>
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Photo Credit: Simeon87<\/a> \/ CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a> via Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>

When crafting your desert oasis, we recommend you draw up a landscaping blueprint<\/a>. You can set out on this adventure by first diagramming your lawn, including measurements and relevant features like trees and hardscapes. Decide on a purpose for your xeriscape design. Do you need space to chase your dog around, or do you want to charm guests with a xeric front yard?<\/p>

The blueprint is also an opportunity to research and select the best plants for your Phoenix xeriscape. We\u2019ll run down some of the best plants for your growing conditions. You\u2019ll also want to place plants with similar water needs together so you can coordinate a more efficient irrigation system<\/a>. <\/p>

Make sure you draw up a budget for your drought-resistant landscaping, too. Xeriscape costs can add up quickly. <\/p>

2. Analyze Your Soil<\/h2>
\"Cracked
Photo Credit: Needpix<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Your soil conditions<\/a> largely determine the kind of plants that will thrive in your Phoenix xeriscape. High-quality soil will give your plants nutrition, water, and a nice cool temperature.  <\/p>

Drainage impacts your plants\u2019 water needs, and every type of soil drains differently.<\/p>