Landscapers in the Phoenix area: desert yards and irrigation

AZ Business Directory lists local, independently owned landscaping companies around the Phoenix area, each with a phone number. Tell them what you want, ask for a written estimate, and check that the company holds the right license. In the desert, good landscaping means plants that handle heat, water that is delivered on purpose, and a plan for each season.

How do you choose a landscaper?

Call two or three and compare more than the price.

• Do they design, build, maintain, or all three? Some firms do design and installation, others do upkeep.
• Is the company licensed? Check with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors at roc.az.gov before you sign.
• Can they show past work? Photos or a visit to a finished yard help.
• What is in the estimate? Look for plants, rock, irrigation, labor and cleanup.
• How do they handle irrigation? Ask who sets up the controller and who fixes leaks.
• What is the timeline? Ask when they can start and how long it takes.

What does desert landscaping involve?

Desert landscaping uses plants and materials that handle heat and little water, such as native shrubs, cactus, trees like palo verde and mesquite, and decomposed granite. It still needs water, especially when new plants are getting started, and a drip system is the usual way to deliver it.

The listings show the range. AZ Outdoor Designs is a family-owned landscape design and installation company serving Cave Creek, Carefree, Paradise Valley and north Scottsdale. Better Life Landscape and Design in Mesa lists turf, pavers, rock, lighting, fire pits and pergolas, with 3D design renderings. Kevens Landscape in El Mirage is family-owned and does design, build and maintenance for the West Valley.

How does irrigation work in a Valley yard?

Most yards use drip lines for plants and a separate system for grass. A controller turns the water on and off by schedule. Plants need much more water in June than in January, so the schedule should change with the seasons.

Signs of trouble: a wet spot that never dries, plants that wilt even after watering, a bill that jumps, or a drip emitter that has popped off. Many leaks are small fixes, but ask a pro if you are unsure.

What seasonal clean-ups do Arizona yards need?

• Spring: Check the irrigation before the heat arrives. Trim frost-damaged plants after the last cold nights.
• Summer, before monsoon: Thin heavy trees so the wind does not break them, and clear debris that can clog drains.
• After storms: Pick up branches and check for washed-out rock and clogged emitters.
• Fall: A good time to plant, since roots can settle in before the next summer. Some Valley lawns are overseeded with winter rye.
• Winter: Water less, and protect frost-tender plants on cold nights.

Not sure who to call? Ask the directory helper or browse every listing in Phoenix.

Questions people ask

How much does landscaping cost in Phoenix?

It depends on size, materials and design. Ask for written estimates from two or three companies and compare what is included, not just the total.

How often should I water desert plants?

It depends on the plant, the season and how long it has been in the ground. New plants need regular water until roots are established, and then less. Ask your landscaper for a schedule for your yard.

Do I need a license to hire a landscaper?

Check with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors at roc.az.gov to see what applies to the work you want. They can also tell you whether a company's license is in good standing.

See every landscaper in Phoenix