Desert planting in a master-planned town
Gilbert's agricultural roots still show in its flat, deep-soiled lots and its wide streets, but today the town is defined by planned communities with shared landscape standards. Many neighborhoods have approved plant lists, rules about rock color and size, and requirements for front yard tree counts. A good plant plan in Gilbert starts with knowing what your HOA allows.
Gilbert also has a soft spot for low-water landscapes. The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, a wetland and wildlife area built around recharge basins, is a well-known local example of how the town thinks about water.
Local conditions and what grows well
Former farmland soil can be better than the rocky ground in foothill areas, but caliche and compaction from construction are common. Reliable choices for Gilbert yards include:
- HOA staples: Desert Museum palo verde, Texas ranger, red yucca and Baja fairy duster, which appear on many approved lists.
- Clean accents: Agaves, golden barrel cactus and desert spoon for modern front yards.
- Color for curb appeal: Lantana, yellow bells (Tecoma), damianita and desert marigold.
- Backyard shade: Mesquite and sweet acacia near patios and play areas.
Gilbert grass removal rebate
The Town of Gilbert offers a Residential Grass Removal Rebate for qualifying customers who convert grass to a low-water landscape. The town's page says qualifying customers can receive up to $2,000 for grass removal, with an additional incentive for up to $3,000 total, depending on square footage. Rebates are limited and first come, first served, and you need pre-approval before removing grass. Check the current program rules on gilbertaz.gov.
Working with your HOA
Before ordering, check whether your HOA needs an architectural approval for landscape changes, especially in front yards. Some communities only review plant swaps when the layout changes, and others want a plant list for any visible change. Having your plant list from the shop ready makes that submission quick. Fall and spring are the easiest planting seasons in Gilbert, and cactus and agaves do best when the soil is warm.
Planting notes for Gilbert
Most Gilbert homes are in HOA communities with approved plant lists, and former farmland soils can be heavy. Gilbert also sees colder winter nights than central Phoenix, so pick frost-hardy plants for exposed spots.
Plants we recommend in Gilbert
- Green Hopseed and Dwarf Myrtle for HOA-friendly hedges
- desert willow for flowering shade
- Texas sage and yellow bells for color
- red yucca and Parry's agave near walks
Helpful guides: HOA front yard guide, Valley rebate guide, drought-tolerant plant list.
For every rebate rule, amount and step, read our step-by-step rebate guide.
How it works in Gilbert
Choose plants at threetimbersshop.com and add planting plus our plant survival warranty at checkout. Delivery is free across the Valley on orders over $150.
On the first day, our delivery team drops off your plants. You do not have to be home. On the second day, our planting crew comes back to plant. If your community is gated, send the gate code before delivery day so we can get to your door.
Xeriscape design and installation, booking now
We are booking full xeriscape projects again: consultation, design and installation, including native plants, weed fabric, landscape rock, dry riverbeds and boulders. We also give advice on irrigation, which matters when you take out grass and the old sprinkler zones no longer match the yard.
- HOA front yard landscaping
- Grass to desert conversion
- Front yard xeriscape ideas
- Drip irrigation in Arizona
Plant your Gilbert yard
Order at threetimbersshop.com, or call (612) 214-1955 to talk through a plant list that works with your HOA.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Gilbert pay to remove grass?
Up to $2,000 for removal plus up to $1,000 through the Desert Plant Bonus, for up to $3,000 total.
Do I need HOA approval to xeriscape in Gilbert?
Usually, yes. Most Gilbert neighborhoods have design review. We can put together a plant list and layout for your submittal.
What plants pass most Gilbert HOA lists?
Common desert plants like Texas sage, hopseed, yellow bells and red yucca appear on many lists, but always check your own HOA's list.
