A xeriscape in the Phoenix area typically costs about $5 to $20 per square foot installed, and Arizona sources put the average near $9. Most Valley projects land between $3,000 and $15,000; a simple rock and plant refresh sits at the low end, and full designs with boulders, new drip and hardscape run $20,000 or more. City grass removal rebates can take $1,000 to $5,000 off the total.
Xeriscape cost by project size
| Project | Typical range | What drives it |
|---|---|---|
| Small front yard refresh (about 500 sq ft) | $2,250 to $8,500 | Rock depth, plant count and sizes |
| Grass to desert front yard (about 1,000 sq ft) | $5,000 to $15,000 | Grass and sprinkler removal, drip conversion, plants |
| Full backyard xeriscape (about 1,200 sq ft) | $8,000 to $20,000 | Access, boulders, trees, hardscape |
| Design-build with patio or pavers | $20,000 and up | Pavers at $15 to $35 per sq ft, lighting, grading |
Ranges are from A&P Nursery, Fixr, Angi and HomeAdvisor cost guides. HomeAdvisor's Phoenix data averages about $5,200 because many local jobs are small refreshes.
Cost by component
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Decomposed granite or rock, material | $30 to $80 per ton (about 100 sq ft per ton at 2 inches deep) |
| Rock installed | $1 to $4 per sq ft |
| Drip irrigation | $1.50 to $4.50 per sq ft, or about $1,800 to $2,500 per system |
| 5-gallon shrub | About $40 to $100 retail |
| 15-gallon tree or large shrub | About $100 to $250 retail |
| 24-inch box tree | About $300 to $700 retail |
| Boulders | $100 to $600 per ton |
| Grading or regrading | $1,000 to $3,300 |
| Landscape design | $500 to $5,000 for plans and consults |
| Pavers and patios | $15 to $35 per sq ft |
What makes a xeriscape cost more or less
- Size. Cost per square foot usually drops as the area grows.
- Access. A backyard with no side gate means wheelbarrows instead of a skid steer.
- Grass and sprinkler removal. Taking out sod, roots and old spray lines adds labor, and debris haul-off runs about $200 to $500.
- Rock depth. 2 inches is the common minimum (and Chandler's rebate rule). Going to 3 inches uses about 50% more rock.
- Plant size. Buying 5- and 15-gallon plants instead of boxed trees saves the most money; they catch up quickly when planted in fall.
- Weed control. Several city rebates ban black plastic under rock. Use breathable fabric or pre-emergent instead.
- Hardscape and extras. Boulders, pavers, lighting and grading are the biggest swing items.
Example: a 1,000 sq ft front lawn in Chandler
If the conversion costs $9 per square foot (the Arizona average), the project is about $9,000. Chandler pays $1.50 per square foot up to $2,000, so the rebate covers $1,500 and the net cost is about $7,500. In Phoenix, at $2 per square foot, the same lawn would earn a $2,000 rebate. See every city on our Valley rebate guide.
Ways to save
- Apply for your city's grass removal rebate before any grass comes out.
- Plant in fall with smaller container sizes.
- Reuse healthy existing trees and shrubs.
- Do it in phases: front yard this year, backyard next.
- Order plants online with free Valley delivery on orders over $150 at threetimbersshop.com.
How we price a xeriscape
Every yard is different, so we walk it with you, talk through what you want and give you one clear price for design and installation. Xeriscape design and installs are booking now across the Valley. See the kind of work we do on our Arizona projects page, and use the form on this page for a free quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does xeriscaping cost per square foot in Phoenix?
About $5 to $20 per square foot installed, with Arizona sources putting the average near $9. Simple rock and plant jobs are at the low end; boulders, new drip and hardscape push it higher.
How much does it cost to xeriscape a front yard in Phoenix?
A typical 500 to 1,000 square foot front yard runs about $2,250 to $15,000 depending on plants, rock and irrigation, before any city rebate.
Is xeriscaping cheaper than grass?
It usually costs more up front than sod but saves water, mowing and fertilizing every year after. City rebates of $1,000 to $5,000 also offset the cost.
How much decomposed granite do I need?
About one ton for every 100 square feet at 2 inches deep. Add about 10% for compaction and waste.
Can I get paid to remove my grass in Phoenix?
Yes. Phoenix pays $2 per square foot, and Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Glendale and Surprise have their own programs. Most require approval before you remove anything.
Sources
- A&P Nursery, Desert landscaping costs in Arizona
- A&P Nursery, Cost of desert landscaping (2026)
- Fixr, Xeriscaping cost
- Angi, Xeriscaping cost
- HomeAdvisor, Phoenix xeriscaping
- Angi, Decomposed granite cost
- Shasta Pools, Arizona landscaping costs 2025
- LatestCost, Moon Valley Nursery price estimates
- Earthstone Rock, How much decomposed granite do I need
Recent Valley xeriscapes
