Hillside yards with a view
Fountain Hills was built across rolling terrain between the McDowell Mountains and the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, with McDowell Mountain Regional Park to the north. The town's centerpiece fountain, built in 1970, is one of the tallest in the world. Many neighborhoods are on slopes, and lots often have areas of undisturbed desert alongside the yard, sometimes with saguaros and native shrubs that are worth keeping.
Local conditions and what grows well
Hillside lots mean rocky, shallow soil, faster runoff during monsoon storms and, in some spots, colder nights than the valley floor. Plants should be chosen to handle all three. Good options for Fountain Hills include:
- Native trees: Foothills palo verde, ironwood and velvet mesquite, which match the surrounding desert.
- Slope-friendly shrubs: Brittlebush, creosote, jojoba and globe mallow, whose roots help hold soil.
- Accents: Parry's agave, desert spoon, ocotillo and golden barrel cactus.
- Color for courtyards: Red yucca, penstemon, Baja fairy duster and desert marigold.
Plants that tie into the natural desert also help keep views open. Instead of tall hedges, many Fountain Hills homeowners prefer lower native plants and a few well-placed trees. When privacy is a priority, our privacy hedges page covers desert-friendly options.
Protecting the natural desert on your lot
Many Fountain Hills lots include areas of natural desert that should be left undisturbed. Working new plants in around the edges of that native area, instead of replacing it, keeps the look seamless and saves water. Saguaros and other existing natives are best left in place. When planting near them, keep new irrigation away from their roots, since established native cactus do not want extra water. Fall and spring are the best times to plant.
Water and rebates in Fountain Hills
We could not find a Town grass removal rebate for Fountain Hills. Ask your water provider whether it offers one before you plan around a rebate.
Planting notes for Fountain Hills
Fountain Hills homes sit on hillsides east of the McDowell Mountains, so slopes, rock and views shape every yard. Cooler winter nights than the Valley floor favor frost-hardy plants.
Plants we recommend in Fountain Hills
- Texas mountain laurel and Arizona rosewood for screening without blocking views
- desert spoon and Parry's agave on slopes
- Texas sage for color
- damianita to hold rocky banks
Helpful guides: drought-tolerant plant list, privacy tree guide, Phoenix xeriscape cost guide.
How it works in Fountain Hills
Choose your plants at threetimbersshop.com and add planting and the plant survival warranty at checkout. Free delivery across the Valley includes Fountain Hills on orders over $150.
On day one, our delivery team drops off your plants, and you do not need to be home. On day two, the planting crew returns to plant them. Fountain Hills has a number of gated neighborhoods, so if you live in one, send the gate code before delivery day. If your driveway is steep, tell us where you would like plants staged.
Xeriscape design and installs, booking now
We are booking xeriscape projects again, including consultation, design and installation. Projects can use native plants, weed fabric, landscape rock, dry riverbeds and boulders. On sloped lots, dry riverbeds are a practical way to guide runoff. We also offer advice on optimizing your irrigation.
Get started in Fountain Hills
Order plants at threetimbersshop.com, or call (612) 214-1955 to talk through your hillside yard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What plants work on Fountain Hills slopes?
Low, spreading plants like damianita and trailing rosemary, plus accents like desert spoon and agave, hold rocky banks without much water.
How do I add privacy without blocking the view?
Screen only the sightlines that matter with Arizona rosewood or Texas mountain laurel, and keep the view side low.
Is there a grass rebate in Fountain Hills?
We could not find a Town program. Ask your water provider.
