Xeri – what?
Xeriscaping (pronounced “zeer-i-scape”) is a sustainable landscaping method designed to save water in dry areas. It uses native, drought-tolerant plants, smart design, and efficient watering systems like drip irrigation. It also conserves water by grouping plants with similar moisture needs, improving soil, using organic or gravel mulch, and installing efficient drip irrigation. It actively reduces outdoor water use by up to 50% or more while lowering utility bills and yard maintenance.Xeriscaping promotes water conservation while maintaining visual appeal, offering an environmentally responsible alternative to traditional lawns. This approach is particularly valuable in areas like Arizona where water conservation is a priority.
In light of the proposed 20% reduction in Central Arizona Project (CAP) allocation of Colorado River to Oro Valley, now is a good time for all to consider how to reduce water consumption. Xeriscaping can help.
Financial Incentives & Rebates
Many Arizona municipalities offer lucrative “Grass Removal” rebates to incentivize homeowners to ditch water-thirsty turf and transition to low-water xeriscapes:
- City of Phoenix: Offers $2 per square foot for removing a minimum of 250 sq ft of living grass.
- City of Mesa: Provides up to $4,200 through their Grass-to-Xeriscape Incentive Program.
- EPCOR Arizona (Maricopa County): Provides $3 per square foot as a credit on your water bill for eligible grass conversion projects.
- City of Chandler: Offers rebates up to $2,000 for replacing non-synthetic grass with approved low-water-use landscaping.
- City of Tempe: Provides $0.50 per square foot of grass converted, up to $2,000 per fiscal year.
- City of Glendale: Offers $1 per square foot (up to $3,000) with a requirement of 70% plant coverage and at least one drought-tolerant tree.
Vistoso Community Association’s Commitment to Xeriscaping
Closer to home, the Vistoso Community Association (VCA) is committed to sustainable landscaping that utilizes natural desert plants. The association is replacing passive grassy areas with xeriscape landscaping in common areas as refurbishments are needed. Examples of this are the monuments at Tangerine and Rancho Vistoso Boulvard. The VCA is will also refurbish the entry monument at Vistoso Highlands Drive and Rancho Vistoso Boulevard later this year, removing the old artificial turf and replacing with xeriscape landscaping. The VCA provides an approved list of desert-friendly plants. (VCA-Plant-List-Separate-FINAL.pdf) This keeps your yard beautiful, saves water, and honors the natural Sonoran Desert. There is no plan to replace grass in park areas.
Approved Xeriscape Plants
The association divides permitted plants by their type. Popular, low-water choices from their approved list include:
Agaves & Desert Plants (Cacti)
- Century Plant (Agave americana): A very large, striking blue-green succulent that grows well in dry heat.
- Blue Glow Agave: A smaller, rounded plant with blue-green leaves and glowing red edges.
- Octillo / Ocotillo: Tall, whip-like branches that grow bright red flowers in the spring. Shrubs & Bushes
- Texas Ranger / Texas Sage (Leucophyllum spp.): A tough desert shrub with silver leaves and bright purple or pink blooms.
- Lantana (Lantana spp.): A fast-growing ground cover shrub that produces bold, colorful flowers.
- Fairy Duster (Calliandra spp.): A feathery plant that produces unique, brush-like pink or red flowers.
- Little Leaf Cordia: A hardy shrub with rough green leaves and bright orange flowers.
- Mexican Honeysuckle (Justicia spicigera): A great shade-loving plant that produces tubular orange flowers.
Trees
- Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis): A beautiful, hardy tree that sprouts pink and purple orchid-like flowers.
- Palo Verde: Trees with striking green bark and bright yellow flowers.
- Mesquite: Tough desert trees with feathery leaves that provide great shade.
What to Avoid
The Vistoso HOA has a strict Prohibited Plant List. To prevent HOA fines and neighborhood damage, you must never plant invasive or “thirsty” species like: Palms (over 18 feet), Mulberry, Fruiting Olive.
Best Desert-Adapted Plants
You can replace high-maintenance turf with hundreds of beautiful, heat-resistant, low-water species native to the Sonoran Desert:
- Trees: Palo Verde, Desert Willow, Velvet Mesquite.
- Shrubs: Yellow/Orange Bells (Tecoma), Baja Red Fairy Duster, Texas Sage.
- Succulents & Cacti: Saguaro, Agave, Ocotillo, Golden Barrel Cactus, Soap Tree Yucca.
Essential Design Tips
- Use Drip Irrigation: Water all trees, shrubs, and groundcovers using a low-volume, automated drip system rather than overhead sprays.
- Add Mulch: Use decomposed granite or organic mulch (like wood chips) to reduce soil evaporation and suppress weed growth.
- Microclimates: Group plants that require slightly more water together (e.g., in low-lying areas designed to catch rainwater)
Environmental Benefits
- Saves Water: It cuts outdoor water use by up to 50% to 75% compared to grassy lawns.
- Helps Nature: Native plants provide food and homes for local birds, bees, and butterflies.
- Less Pollution: It needs no gas-powered mowers or chemical fertilizers, which keeps the air and local water clean.
Why it works in Oro Valley
Oro Valley is in the high desert. It gets very hot, sees little rain, and has strict watering rules. Xeriscaping is perfect here because:
- Adapts to Climate: Desert plants naturally handle the intense sun and dry, rocky dirt.
- Low Maintenance: You spend less time and money watering, weeding, and mowing.
Matches Nature: It looks beautiful and fits right into the natural desert views.