Last Updated on January, 2025
Phoenix, Arizona, is home to the Sonoran Desert, hot summers, mild winters, and, of course, the Grand Canyon. You won’t find a region with a more “desert climate” feel than this one.
If you’re a Phoenix homeowner looking to upgrade your backyard to suit the climate and fit in with the natural landscape of this desert utopia, we’re here to help!
In this article, we’ll fill you in on Phoenix landscaping ideas trending at the moment. These ideas will transform your dull existing landscape into a backyard oasis for you to relax in with your family and friends.
That’s not all. We have more scoops to share with you, so keep reading to find out!
Quick Summary
- Key backyard features trending in Phoenix include outdoor kitchens, fire and water features, shade structures, and native desert plants like cacti and succulents. These elements add value, functionality, and aesthetic appeal to outdoor spaces.
- Phoenix landscapes are tailored to the desert climate, focusing on materials like rocks, gravel, artificial turf, and drought-resistant plants that minimize water usage and maintenance needs.
- Professional landscapers can provide tailored designs, assess the feasibility of desired features, and bring expertise in creating sustainable, visually appealing, and functional landscapes for Phoenix homeowners.
Top Backyard Landscape Design Ideas in Phoenix, Arizona
Having an aesthetically appealing outdoor living space can make your home look much more inviting and boost curb appeal. And just like your side and front yard, your backyard deserves just as much visual appeal.
Let’s look at some trendy landscape designs implemented by Phoenix homeowners for their backyards.
Outdoor Kitchens
Spicing up those garden parties and family BBQs with an outdoor kitchen is a great way to create a fun and unique dining experience for your guests, especially if you have a large backyard.
Not only does it enhance the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space, but it also significantly increases the value of your Phoenix property.
Features for such an outdoor kitchen can include:
- Gas Grills: Low maintenance, easy, and quick to use compared to a regular grill. Plus, they are less smokey, complying with Arizona’s pollution policies.
- Media Walls: A shaded wall where you can install your entertainment equipment. An outdoor TV or even a projector with a screen can serve as the centerpiece for those family movie nights.
- Expanded Storage Space: You don’t want to go back and forth for equipment from your indoor kitchen, so having extra space to store pots and pans outdoors is a great way to save time and effort.
Outdoor Fire Features
Having fire features or fire pits is a great landscape design choice alongside an outdoor kitchen. Not only does it help with roasting those hot dogs and grilling burger patties., but it also significantly increases your property value. Plus, it just looks great.
A fire feature would also provide a cozy spot outdoors to curl up in front of and warm yourself during the cold winter months. There’s nothing more comforting than spending time with your family in front of a roaring fire, a warm cup of hot chocolate in hand.
Water Features
At first glance, adding water features to your backyard may seem wasteful, but these days, such structures are geared more towards water conservation.
Whether they offer a rainwater collecting system or recirculating pumps, you can be happy knowing your water feature does its part in helping the environment.
Incorporating water elements, such as a water fountain, swimming pool, or waterfall, provides a serene outlook to your backyard. The white noise helps drown out nearby noise pollution, promoting peace of mind and relaxation.
Shade Structures
Arizona’s heat is no joke and no Phoenix outdoor living area is complete without a shade structure to shield you from the blazing sun. Roofing structures like pergolas and ramadas provide shade and protect you and your family from weather elements.
A pergola may extend from your main house to your backyard. A cantilevered pergola is perfect for smaller yards. Poolside shade structures are popular in an arid climate like Arizona for its style and water evaporation abilities.
Growing Native Plants and Shrubs
A garden breathes life and adds beauty to any outdoor living area. In Arizona, it is recommended to grow desert adapted plants native to the region.
Choose plants and trees like Palo Verde, aloe vera, and Christmas cactus to keep your surroundings cool and to attract wildlife. They also require little maintenance, unlike many other types of plants.
Artificial Turf
Many Phoenix residents switch from natural grass to artificial turf for its low maintenance and minimal water needs. It’s a game changer for busy individuals and promotes water conservation.
Artificial grass is a great choice to install around your pool area due to its heat absorption qualities, slip-proof material, and aesthetic landscaping.
Plant More Trees
What better way to make your outdoor landscape look greener than to plant more trees and plants? They shade you from weather elements, cool your surroundings, and bring a sense of peace, harmony, and relaxation..
Plants and trees don’t have to be limited to only your backyard. Planting them in your front yard and side yards is recommended too. In this way, you’ll do your part to make our planet greener.
Common Materials Used for Phoenix Landscapes
Arizona homeowners prefer specific materials that can tolerate the hot climate for their landscaping ideas.
Here are some common materials used for their landscaping ideas:
- Rocks: Many choose rocks, gravel, and boulders over grass for their lower water needs.
- Cacti and Succulents: These plants are native to Arizona and come in many shapes and sizes to suit your design choices.
- Hardscaping: A patio or deck is a common landscape design. A patio is often made of concrete pavers or flagstone that can tolerate heat.
Why You Should Call in the Pros?
While it can be fun to design your yard on your own, you may not be aware if your outdoor area can accommodate the features you want.
A professional landscape designer will be able to assess your yard, deduce what features are feasible for your outdoor area, and even provide additional suggestions.
A seasoned design team will understand your landscape goals and ensure you receive what you have envisioned for your yard.
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Conclusion
Now that you know the current backyard landscaping trends among Arizona homeowners, you too can create a stunning yard that makes your home an inviting and relaxing place to spend time with your family and friends.
