Landscaping Design Trends. Summer is a time to have friends over to the house for barbecues. You do not want to greet your guests with a backyard in a state of disarray. Fortunately, you have plenty of options to choose from to bring your backyard into the 21st century. The following backyard designs are currently en vogue, and you can make an excellent impression by incorporating one or several of these elements into your landscape. These trends are just like Arizona during the summer: hot! Now is the perfect time to invest in your property.
Modern Landscaping Design Trends
Pergolas
Pergolas are back in style. They are overhead structures that provide plenty of shade, which you will definitely need in the Arizona heat. You can design yours however you please. That can include fixtures that will allow you to hang plants or string lights around the structure. Many Arizona residents use their pergolas to shade an outdoor kitchen or seating area. Once you have shade handy, you will want to spend a lot more time outdoors enjoying the summer weather.
Fire Pits
You may think a fire pit in Arizona is counterintuitive, but it does have its perks. Although it may be hot during the summer, it cools down during the fall and winter months. This is a more enjoyable time to spend outdoors. Family, friends, BBQ’s and sitting around the perfect fire pit. S’mores sound great!
You can choose whether you want regular logs or a natural gas fire ring. You also have limitless options when it comes to the shape, size, and finish of your new fire pit. It will make for an ideal focal point in your backyard, especially when you complement it with a drink station, refrigerator, or a wood-burning pizza oven.
Automated Irrigation Systems
Landscaping designs in Arizona do not all center around having parties. Summer months are too hot to spend a lot of time outdoors doing yard work. This is where an automated sprinkler system comes in handy. You can program the system to turn on and off automatically however often you want. You can even adjust for when monsoons and dust storms come through. Furthermore, you will have one less thing to worry about, and you will no longer have to stand out in the yard with a hose trying to keep your plants alive.
Drought-Resistant Plants
If you really want to avoid worrying about watering the lawn, then you should invest in some desert-friendly plants. They are incredibly useful in states like Arizona that do not always get a lot of rain. Succulents make for a beautiful addition to any yard, but you can also plant some ornamental grasses, such as:
- Pampas grass
- Blue Fescue
- Purple Fountain Grass
- Blue Oat grass
- Fountain grass
- Little Bluestem
In the event you still want some flowers around the yard, then consider planting perennials. They come in an array of colors, and they smell wonderful.
Edible Plants
This year is shaping up to be a fantastic one for edible plants, with a rising interest in sustainable gardening and a renewed focus on homegrown, nutrient-rich foods. They come in all kinds of colors and shapes, and they can perk up a drab-looking garden. You can also display them in a herbal wall planter or place them in special containers. You can feel free to get as creative as you like. Edible plants truly add value to a landscape, and they make your lawn feel unique.
Landscaping Design Professionals in Arizona
As you look at all of these trends, sustainability is the name of the game. Every person looking to enhance their residential landscaping wants to reduce their carbon footprint while optimizing their yard for resale in the future. For help with any of these endeavors, you need to get in touch with the professionals at Mesquite Landscaping. Reach out to us today to find out more about your options and how we can help you construct the backyard of your dreams.
Cons of Installing Artificial Grass
Now for the part no one likes to talk about—but needs to.
1. Surface Heat
Here's the big one: artificial grass gets hot.
During Arizona summers, turf can heat up to 30–50 degrees hotter than natural grass. That means surfaces can become uncomfortable—or even dangerous—for bare feet and paws.
Solutions include installing shade structures, using cooling infill, or misting systems to lower temperatures.
2. Potential Environmental Concerns
While it conserves water, artificial turf is still made from synthetic materials.
That means at the end of its life, disposal could become an issue if it’s not recyclable. Some brands are working toward greener products, so ask your landscaping company about sustainable options.
3. Limited Biodiversity
Artificial lawns don’t support the same ecosystems as natural ones.
Bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects rely on real plants for survival. If creating a pollinator-friendly environment is important to you, you’ll want to reserve at least part of your yard for real greenery.
4. Repairs and Replacement
Turf is tough—but it’s not indestructible.
Heavy furniture, sharp objects, or poor installation can cause damage. While individual repairs are possible, they can be noticeable and sometimes costly.