The Sonoran Desert is a beautiful place, and keeping your landscaping thriving and in harmony with the local environment is easier than you might think. Consult a landscaping company for assistance, and consider the following dos and don’ts of Southwest landscaping:
Do Stick with Desert-Adapted Plants
The plants that are easiest to care for in an Arizona landscape are those that are adapted to growing in the desert. Native plants, in particular, offer many benefits—they can handle the heat and aridity of the Southwest, they help to support native wildlife, and there’s no need to worry about them becoming invasive. Plants that are non-native, but still adapted to desert living, can also work well in Tucson landscapes.
Don’t Mix Plants with Different Water Needs
Even if you are sticking with plants that do well in the desert, be mindful of different watering needs. For instance, combining cacti, which require little to no irrigation, with citrus trees that need regular watering can be disastrous. The amount of water required for the citrus tree will quickly result in rot and the destruction of the cacti.
Do Consider Elevation and Drainage
While trees may look nice when planted in a raised area, they typically do better when planted in lower areas of your yard. Trees require more water than other plants, and planting them in areas where the ground is lower will ensure that they receive the benefit of excess water draining towards them.
Don’t Bury Trees Too Deep
You may be tempted to enclose trees in raised beds or with walls to make landscape maintenance easier. However, this can result in the death of the tree. Avoid planting trees too deep and adding too much dirt or mulch around their bases once they are established. Be sure that a tree’s root flare is always exposed to the air, which will ensure that it receives the ventilation necessary to remain healthy.
You don’t have to navigate the dos and don’ts of desert landscaping on your own when you work with an experienced Tucson landscaper. At Complete Landscaping, we have over 100 years of combined experience, and we’re ready to put that knowledge to work for you. For more information, call us at (520) 323-8918 today.