Desert planting across Glendale
Glendale's older core has smaller lots and mature yards, many with grass and older trees. The middle of the city is mostly established suburban neighborhoods, and the west side around Westgate and State Farm Stadium has filled in with newer homes. In north Glendale, Thunderbird Conservation Park protects a stretch of the Hedgpeth Hills, and nearby neighborhoods back up to rocky desert terrain.
Local conditions and what grows well
West Valley heat is intense in summer, and many Glendale lots are fully exposed with little existing shade. Getting a tree or two established early makes the rest of the yard easier. Plants that do well in Glendale include:
- Fast shade: Desert Museum palo verde and mesquite, which grow quickly once established.
- Tough shrubs: Texas ranger, cassia, Baja fairy duster and creosote.
- Low-care accents: Agaves, red yucca, golden barrel and totem pole cactus.
- Natives near Thunderbird Park: Brittlebush, globe mallow, ocotillo and foothills palo verde to tie into the hillside desert.
Caliche is common in Glendale soils, so planting holes need to drain. For young trees, deep and infrequent watering builds the roots you want. Our tree watering guide explains the schedule.
Glendale xeriscape conversion rebate
The City of Glendale offers a landscape conversion rebate for residential water customers who replace grass. The city's page lists up to $3,000 for xeriscape conversions at existing homes ($1.00 per square foot), with a 500 square foot minimum. Rebates are first come, first served and subject to available funding, and requirements can change. Review the current program rules on glendaleaz.gov before you start.
Starting from scratch
For a yard with little existing landscaping, start with trees on the south and west sides of the house, where they block the hottest sun. Add shrubs next to fill gaps and soften walls, then finish with accents and color. Planting in that order lets the trees start growing first, and fall is the best season to get them in the ground.
Planting notes for Glendale
Glendale covers historic neighborhoods near downtown and newer communities in the north near Arrowhead Ranch and Thunderbird Conservation Park, so yards range from small and established to large and near open desert.
Plants we recommend in Glendale
- desert willow for flowering shade
- Texas sage and Green Hopseed for structure
- yellow bells and yellow bird of paradise for color
- trailing rosemary for groundcover
Helpful guides: Valley rebate guide, Phoenix xeriscape cost guide, drought-tolerant plant list.
For every rebate rule, amount and step, read our step-by-step rebate guide.
How it works in Glendale
Shop plants at threetimbersshop.com and add planting and the plant survival warranty at checkout. Delivery is free Valley-wide on orders over $150.
Our delivery team drops plants off on day one, and you do not have to be home. The planting crew returns the next day to plant. If your neighborhood has a gate, please send us the code before delivery day.
Xeriscape design and installation, booking now
We are back to booking full xeriscapes: consultation, design and installation, with native plants, weed fabric, landscape rock, dry riverbeds and boulders, along with advice on optimizing your irrigation.
Plant your Glendale yard
Order at threetimbersshop.com, or call (612) 214-1955 to get help with plant choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I apply before or after a Glendale xeriscape?
After. Glendale's rebate is applied for within 24 months of finishing. Take clear before photos of the grass first.
How much does Glendale pay?
$1.00 per square foot for xeriscape, up to $3,000. Artificial grass earns only $0.25 per square foot, up to $250.
What plants qualify for Glendale's rebate?
At least 75% of new plants must be on the ADWR Phoenix AMA low water use list.
