Xeriscaping Archives - Desert Foothills Gardens Nursery Inc.

Xeriscaping costs in Arizona can vary depending on several factors, but here’s a general breakdown to give you an idea:

Per Square Foot: This is a common way to estimate costs and typically ranges from $5 to $20 per square foot. A larger project will obviously cost more in total, but the price per square foot might go down slightly for bigger areas.
Materials: Plants, mulch, rocks, gravel, and edging all contribute to the cost. Here’s a tip: native, drought-tolerant plants are typically more expensive upfront but require less water in the long run, saving you money on your water bill.
Labor: Hiring a professional landscaper will add to the cost, but they can design and install a water-efficient xeriscape that meets your needs and budget. Expect to pay $50 to $100 per hour for landscaping services.
Additional Features: If you want fancy stuff like irrigation systems, lighting, or pathways, that will also increase the cost.

Here are some average costs to give you a ballpark figure:

500 sq ft: $2,500 – $10,000
1,000 sq ft: $5,000 – $20,000
1,500 sq ft: $7,500 – $30,000

Saving on Xeriscaping:

DIY some work: If you’re handy, you can save money by removing old plants and installing mulch yourself.
Choose low-cost materials: Look for native plants readily available in your area and consider recycled materials like rocks and gravel.
Get multiple quotes: Compare prices from several landscapers before making a decision.
Rebates: Many cities and water districts in Arizona offer rebates for xeriscaping. Check with your local government to see if you qualify.

Best Materials For Xeriscaping

The best materials for xeriscaping will depend on a number of factors, including your climate, soil conditions, and desired aesthetics. However, some general principles apply to all xeriscapes:

Drought-tolerant plants: These are plants that have adapted to survive with little water. They typically have deep root systems that can access water stored deep in the soil, and leaves that are coated with a waxy layer to help retain moisture. Some examples of drought-tolerant plants that are popular in xeriscapes include cacti, succulents, ornamental grasses, and native wildflowers.
Mulch: Mulch is a layer of material that is applied to the surface of the soil. It helps to conserve water by reducing evaporation, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic mulches, such as wood chips or bark, also decompose over time and add nutrients to the soil. Inorganic mulches, such as gravel or rocks, are less likely to decompose and may reflect heat back up onto the soil, so they may not be the best choice for all climates.

Rocks and gravel: Rocks and gravel can be used to create paths, patios, and other hardscape features in a xeriscape. They also help to conserve water by reducing the amount of soil that needs to be irrigated. However, it’s important to choose rocks and gravel in light colors, as dark-colored rocks can absorb heat and make the surrounding area hotter.

Here are some additional tips for choosing materials for your xeriscape:

Consider the size and scale of your yard. When choosing plants, rocks, and other materials, be sure to consider the size of your yard. Large plants and rocks can overwhelm a small space, while small plants and rocks may be lost in a large space.
Think about your maintenance needs. Xeriscapes are designed to be low-maintenance, but there will still be some maintenance required. Choose plants that are relatively easy to care for and that don’t require a lot of water.
Don’t forget about aesthetics. Your xeriscape should be both beautiful and functional. Choose plants, rocks, and other materials that you find appealing and that complement the style of your home.

If you are interested in increasing the beauty of your landscape by buying desert plants, stop by our convenient location at 33840 N. Cave Creek Rd., in Cave Creek. For customers interested in our landscaping services, give us a call at (480) 488-9455 to schedule a visit to your home.

1). Strategize and design for smarter water use

Prior to you planting anything, identify the water resource for your xeriscape and how to use them appropriately. You are also going to want to take into consideration your budget, its function, its aesthetics, and anticipated maintenance.

2). Strengthen soil quality

Quality soil preserves moisture, in which promotes plant growth. Mixing organic matter into your soil can help improve its quality. Nevertheless, you need to understand the type of soil that is going to help plants in your region flourish. Many native plants don’t need much organic matter, whereas others could drown in soil that holds too much moisture.

3). Decrease turf and other water-consuming plants

The main objective of xeriscaping is to decrease water waste, meaning decreasing the size of lawns. Consider replacing lawns with drought-tolerant grasses that’s ideally suited for your area. You can also replace all or a portion of your lawn with low-water ground-covers that are drought-tolerant and need little to no fertilizer.

4). Choose the correct plants

Select plants that are drought resilient, but also have tasteful appeal. Choose plants that are native to your area or thrive in your kind of climate. It’s suggested that you select a good mixture of plants at different heights that bloom during the year. Don’t forget that various plants require various amounts of sunlight, so plant adequately.

5). Water efficiently

Sorry, xeriscaping does not mean you are never going to have to water again. Nevertheless, it does strive to guarantee you water sensibly and by no means overwater. Select drip irrigation systems that directly water the roots and stay away wasteful sprinklers that leave excessive water on sidewalks and/ or streets. Strive to water your plants deep at their roots and do so intermittently to help them establish long, healthy drought-resilient root systems.

6). Mulch

It is suggested that you use 2 to 3 inches of all-natural mulch. This helps prevent evaporation and hinders weed growth. It’s also a way to enhance the beauty of your landscape.

7). Maintain your landscape

When you do the proper amount of research and planning, you are going to end up with an attractive, low-maintenance landscape. However, even xeriscape landscaping still requires some maintenance. Pulling weeds, pruning shrubs and trees, raking, and replacing mulch as needed

Phoenix Valley Xeriscape Design & Installation

Desert Foothills Gardens, Inc. has a team of award winning landscape design specialists that are professionals in Xeriscape landscaping. We will help you design a visually impressive, low maintenance, low water use Xeriscape that will bring unmistakable beauty to your residential or commercial property. If you have any questions or are looking to get started please stop by or give us a call today.

Call Us Today At – (480) 488-9455

Xeriscaping Costs 2024