Low Maintenance Backyard Ideas for Easier Living in Arizona

The summer temperatures can be brutal in Arizona and you don't always have the energy, or water, for high-maintenance plants and landscaping. If you live in Arizona and want to spruce up your backyard without investing a lot of time and money, here are 8 ideas to achieve a low-maintenance landscape.

1. Incorporate Stones and Pebbles

Steer away from traditional grass lawns and incorporate stones and pebbles! This creates a unique aesthetic and is effortless in terms of maintenance. Stones and pebbles will need to be repositioned from time to time to avoid an untidy appearance, but it won't take much effort. Some stones and pebbles are better in desert climates than others so be sure to do some research before making a purchase.

2. Select the Right Plants

When considering landscaping for a low-maintenance backyard idea in Arizona, it's important to choose plants that easily survive in the desert climate. Such plants can include agave, aloe, baby tears, and morning glory, among others. Check with your local nursery to find out which plants are the best fit for you.

3. Consider Native Species

If you are wanting to make a statement with your landscape, look no further than native species of plants and trees. Locals are sure to recognize the beauty and most of them require little to no maintenance while still looking beautiful throughout the year. Desert willows, palo verde trees, and dusters are well-suited for Arizona backyards.

4. Utilize Gravel and Decomposed Granite

Gravel and decomposed granite offer a beautiful hue to your backyard while remaining low-maintenance. The stones provide excellent drainage, keeping weeds at bay, and they are also extremely quiet under foot. Besides pebbles and gravel, you can also consider flagstone or pavers when budgeting for your backyard landscaping project.

5. Add a Shade Structure

As we all know, Phoenix can be an unforgiving place in the summer months. Adding a shade structure can give relief and bring a stylish touch to your backyard. You can add a permanent fixture such as a pergola, or go with a removable one if you need to make changes in the future.

6. Install Artificial Turf

If you're looking for a low-maintenance lawn option, consider artificial turf. This is a perfect fit for homeowners looking for a green area in their backyard. The installation requires little time and the yearly maintenance is virtually nothing.

7. Build Containers and Blocks

Adding raised garden beds, additionally known as container gardens, is a great way to get creative and add color and texture to your backyard. Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to purchase new containers. An old wheelbarrow, a discarded bathtub, a broken tea pot, and/or any other old material can be recycled into containers adding character to your landscape.

8. Use a Pour-n-Pull Watering System

Living in the Phoenix desert can be tough for established plants and grass. Be sure to install a pour-n-pull watering system to make sure your plants have a sufficient water source. Installing water-wise plants and landscapes will help reduce your water bill and eventually your water usage while still keeping your yard looking nice.

Brief Recap

Transforming your backyard in Arizona for a low-maintenance landscape doesn't have to be overly complicated or expensive. Incorporating stones and pebbles, selecting the right plants, considering native species, using gravel and decomposed granite, adding a shade structure, installing artificial turf, building containers and blocks, and using a pour-n-pull watering system can lead way to a beautiful, low-maintenance backyard.