People who have never been to or near the state of Arizona often have a preconceived idea that it is a dry, desolate place with scorching hot weather year-round. Little do they know, Arizona is a vast state with diverse climates ranging from hot deserts to cool mountain forests. 

The topography, mountain ranges, creeks, rivers, and other land features play a significant role in an area’s temperature and precipitation. Climate determines which landscape and vegetation thrive in any given location, and Arizona is composed of primarily arid and semiarid environments. 

When it comes to designing a backyard landscape, it is essential to take the climate of the environment and terrain into account. Otherwise, you may end up with plants or features that aren’t suitable for your location.

Key Landscaping Elements

There are certain elements to consider regardless of where you are landscaping or what look you are going for while designing a yard layout. Ideally, you want to create a space that has continuity and is appealing to the eye.

Most yards combine softscape (the living elements) and hardscape (the nonliving, rigid material features). Essential landscaping elements include color, texture, scale, form, line, and balance.

Color

Color is one of the most important elements because color can intentionally capture the eye’s attention. The colors chosen play an influential role in the feel of the space and the mood it brings to people.

Consider utilizing flowers and plants for all seasons experienced in the area you live in and whether or not you want the color in your hardscape materials to be subtle and natural or bring a bold pop of color to the space.

Texture 

Landscaping design can incorporate various textures using natural and artificial features to add dimension and visual interest to the space. Components can be hard or soft, thick, rough and dense, or thin and smooth. The textures may change as the eye draws near or far from the material.

Scale 

Scale and size can enhance the overall appearance of the design. Use varying heights and widths when it comes to both your softscape and hardscape materials that complement each other and fit with the home and nature that is already part of the property. 

Form 

Form refers to the shape, line, direction, and arrangement of the softscape and hardscape features. It also adds visual interest to the scene and can guide the eye to a focal point of the yard. The plants and structures around the yard can be of various shapes and heights, ranging from free-formed and natural to precise and perfectly manicured.

Line 

The line, or rhythm, connects and compartmentalizes the yard. You can utilize lines to define specific areas or draw attention to a desired feature, almost like creating an outside room. You can control the movement patterns within the yard with walkways or planter beds formed in straight lines, curves, or other desired flows.

Balance

Consider the elements above when designing any backyard space. Additionally, consider the balance, or the intentional symmetry and asymmetry, in the yard’s design. 

Simplicity creates unity in the yard through repetition, while variety helps prevent monotony through contrast. Lastly, you want your emphasis (focal point) and sequence (varied pattern) to flow together to make the landscape design cohesive.

Arizona-Specific Landscaping

Arizona weather makes outside spaces perfect for entertainment and relaxation throughout most of the year. Before designing your backyard, consider your intended outdoor activities, guests, and lifestyle to build a space that works best for you. 

Arizona is large and diverse, but many parts are hot and lack above-ground water sources. Drought tolerance is a crucial aspect to factor in when it comes to planning the landscape of your home or business space. 

Most people opt for a water feature to cool down the space. However, choosing an eco-friendly landscape design is vital to help manage and conserve water usage. It can also significantly reduce your monthly utility bills. 

Xeriscaping

Considering the environmental impact of your landscaping is essential in any part of the world, especially in places with limited water supply. You can create an eco-friendly landscape by xeriscaping. Xeriscaping minimizes (and sometimes eliminates) the need for water and irrigation use. 

In addition to xeriscape features, consider naturally occurring plant species for those extra touches. Arizona backyards receive lots of sunshine, little shade, and little water. By utilizing plants native to your area, you ensure they will naturally thrive in your environment and won’t require extra water. 

Avoid grassy areas as they are hard to maintain in the hot, dry climate. If you want green space, consider incorporating a stretch of artificial turf into your design.   

Saving Water Outdoors

Many Phoenix area homeowners include water features in their yards due to appeal and the ability to add a nice break in the desert heat. Features such as fountains and pools can add a pleasant coolness, but they have high maintenance and operating costs. Even in Arizona, most people don’t use an outdoor pool year-round. 

Instead of making an outdoor pool or fountain your focal point, consider some water-saving alternatives. Automatic drip irrigation, misting systems, and rainwater collection work to conserve water and reduce utility bills. Native trees and shade structures work to cool your outdoor patio spaces and create beautiful and spacious entertainment locations. 

Determine whether or not you will be spending a lot of time outside on your own or entertaining guests. Then, create a space that best suits your needs. Fireplaces/pits, pizza ovens, and gazebos are great features to include in your Arizona backyard. 

Solar Power

Many cities around the state of Arizona get a considerable amount of sun. Phoenix boasts an annual sunshine rate of 85.8%, making it the number one sunniest city in the United States. 

Solar power is a great option to take advantage of your natural resources and save a little money. Solar power can power a whole house or a small portion of it. Even something as small as solar lights lining the walkway to the front door can make a lovely focal point and save on electricity.   

Low-Maintenance Hardscape

Considering the harsh sun, dry heat, and little water, landscapes designed for Arizona typically opt for hardscape features over lush green yards. Walkways can add some visual interest as well as functionality to a backyard. Pavers are an easy way to create this and add an extra layer of visual appeal, while concrete pathways can have a slight cooling effect.

Rock, mulch, and sand make up the bulk of most Arizona yards and work to mimic a sonoran desert wash. Natural landscapes absorb heat from the sun and hold and distribute water to planted areas. Stones, pebbles, rocks, and boulders of varying colors and sizes provide a beautiful, intentional landscape that requires little to no upkeep. 

DIY Landscaping Ideas

If you want to spruce up your backyard on a budget, you can do a few small things to make the space more inviting. String lights, lanterns, and tiki torches add pleasant warmth to the space. Outdoor rugs and patio furniture can add a pop of color and design to create a space for people to sit and hang out. 

A garden is a great way to add seasonal color to your yard and provide herbs and vegetables to your kitchen. You can lay down pavers for design and pathways and build rock formations to add more texture and color to the yard. 

Roof Options That Match Your Landscape

Regardless of where you live in Arizona and your budget, there are endless possibilities regarding your backyard landscaping dreams. Investing in your yard and patio spaces makes sense when you live in a warm-weather state because they will be usable most days out of the year. 

While it’s great for outdoor lounging and activities, the Arizona sun and dry heat can cause wear and tear to your rooftops and patio areas. Legacy Repair specializes in repairs and maintenance of all roof types so your roofing can last longer and perform better. 

We offer patio roofs and multiple tile options to match your desired aesthetics. Reach out today at 623-303-0537 to discuss your roofing needs with a professional.