Planting for the heat of the Valley floor
Most of Phoenix sits on the flat floor of the Salt River Valley, where summer highs regularly top 110 degrees and nights stay warm. The city also wraps around some of the largest city-owned desert parks in the country, including South Mountain Park and Preserve and the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, home to Piestewa Peak. Those mountain areas are a good reminder of what thrives here naturally with no extra water.
Older neighborhoods and flood irrigation
Some older Phoenix neighborhoods still receive flood irrigation from SRP, with lawns and big shade trees that were planted around that water schedule. If you are moving away from grass, the right desert trees can keep the shade without the flooding. Mesquite, Desert Museum palo verde and Chinese pistache are common choices, and native ironwood is a long-lived option for a slower-growing statement tree.
What grows well in Phoenix yards
- Heat-proof shrubs: Texas ranger, Baja fairy duster, yellow bells (Tecoma) and Valentine bush.
- Accents: Agaves, red yucca, golden barrel and Mexican fence post cactus.
- Groundcover and color: Trailing lantana, damianita, blackfoot daisy and desert marigold.
West- and south-facing walls are the toughest spots in any Phoenix yard. Save them for the most heat-tolerant plants and keep tender ones in morning sun. Caliche, a hard cemented layer, is common in Valley soil, so good drainage at planting time matters. Our drip irrigation guide covers how to water each plant type once it is in.
Phoenix grass removal incentive
Phoenix Water Services offers a residential grass removal incentive for qualifying customers who replace grass with a desert landscape. The city's program page describes it as $2 per square foot of grass removed, and projects must be approved before work begins. Check the current program rules on phoenix.gov before you start, since terms and funding can change.
Timing your planting
October through April is the easiest time to plant in Phoenix. Fall planting gives roots several cool months to grow before the heat returns, and spring is ideal for cactus, agaves and other plants that prefer warm soil. During monsoon season, expect sudden wind and heavy rain, so young trees benefit from proper staking and a well-drained planting spot.
Planting notes for Phoenix
The Valley floor holds heat at night, and older central neighborhoods often have flood-irrigated lots and big mature trees. Desert plants that take reflected sun do best near streets, walls and gravel.
Plants we recommend in Phoenix
- Desert Museum palo verde and Texas ebony for shade
- Texas sage and brittlebush for full, reflected sun
- yellow bells and red bird of paradise for summer color
- red yucca along walks and driveways
Helpful guides: drought-tolerant plant list, Phoenix xeriscape cost guide, Valley rebate guide.
For every rebate rule, amount and step, read our step-by-step rebate guide.
How it works in Phoenix
Pick your plants at threetimbersshop.com. At checkout you can add planting and our plant survival warranty. Delivery is free across the Valley on orders over $150.
Day one, our delivery team drops off your plants. You do not need to be home. Day two, the planting crew arrives and plants everything. If you live in a gated community, send the gate code before delivery day.
Full xeriscapes, booking now
We are taking on complete xeriscape projects again, from consultation and design through installation. Projects can include native plants, weed fabric, landscape rock, dry riverbeds and boulders, plus advice on tuning your irrigation.
Ready when you are
Order plants and planting at threetimbersshop.com, or call (612) 214-1955 with questions about your Phoenix yard.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Phoenix pay to remove grass?
$2 per square foot of living grass, with a 250 square foot minimum. Approval comes first; do not remove grass before your Notice to Proceed.
Can flood-irrigated Phoenix lots be xeriscaped?
Yes, many central Phoenix homes keep flood irrigation for mature trees and add drip for new desert plants. We plan the layout around both.
What are the best low-water plants for Phoenix?
Desert Museum palo verde, Texas ebony, Texas sage, brittlebush, red yucca and agave are all rated very low water use.
