Xeriscaping in Phoenix works with the Sonoran Desert, which gets about 7 inches of rain a year but is full of plant life. Most of the Valley is USDA Zone 9b–10a. As of September 2026, the City of Phoenix pays $2 per square foot to remove living grass and replace it with desert landscaping (City of Phoenix). Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler and Glendale run their own programs. Phoenix Water says choosing desert plants "can lower outdoor water use by 85% compared to grass." Good Phoenix xeriscapes start with shade.
Phoenix growing conditions
| Factor | Phoenix metro | Source |
|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone (2023 map) | 10a in central Phoenix and Scottsdale (85004, 85254); 9b in north Phoenix and outer suburbs (85032, Peoria 85383, Queen Creek 85142) | USDA |
| Annual precipitation | 7.22 inches (Sky Harbor), split between winter storms and the summer monsoon | NOAA 1991–2020 normals |
| Frost | Rare at Sky Harbor; NOAA's median dates show no reliable freeze season. Outlying low spots freeze more often. | NOAA |
| Soils | Alkaline desert soils, often with caliche; low in organic matter | Local observation |
- Heat, not cold, sets the limits. Summer highs above 110°F and warm nights stress plants more than winter does. Afternoon shade and reflected heat off walls decide what survives.
- Plan for two rainy seasons. Winter rains and July–September monsoon storms arrive in bursts. Shape basins so that runoff soaks into planting beds.
- Outer suburbs are colder. A 9b yard in north Phoenix or Queen Creek can see frost that central 10a yards don't. Protect frost-tender plants there.
Look up your address with our Phoenix zone tool.
Valley grass-removal rebates (as of September 2026)
| Program | Amount | Cap | Key requirement | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City of Phoenix | $2/sq ft | None published (over 5,000 sq ft case by case) | Min 250 sq ft; grass at 75% density; Notice to Proceed first | Phoenix |
| Scottsdale Water | $2/sq ft | $5,000 | Min 500 sq ft; pre-inspection; apply July 8–Oct 31, 2026 | Scottsdale |
| City of Mesa | $1,000 / $1,500 / $2,000 by size, +$50/tree (max 2) | $2,100 | Min 500 sq ft; 50% plant canopy; approval first | Mesa |
| City of Chandler | $1.50/sq ft | $2,000 | Min 500 sq ft; Notice to Proceed; 50% canopy from ADWR list | Chandler |
| City of Glendale | $1.00/sq ft xeriscape | $3,000 | Min 500 sq ft; apply within 24 months after completion | Glendale |
Get approval before you remove anything (Glendale is the exception, since it pays after completion). Phoenix says: "Any work completed before issuance of the NTP is not eligible for the incentive payment. DO NOT start work until the NTP has been issued." Two more Phoenix rules to know: plants must come from the ADWR Low-Water-Use/Drought-Tolerant Plant List, and removed grass can't be reinstalled while you own the property. Chandler cut its rate from $2.00 to $1.50 on January 1, 2026. Scottsdale's web page still shows an old "closed" banner, but its current 2026–27 application form accepts applications through October 31, 2026. Call Scottsdale Water (480-312-5650) to confirm.
Watering and water rules
Phoenix-area cities publish landscape watering guidance through the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association. AMWUA's seasonal watering guide advises staying on the summer schedule and checking soil moisture before adding water. Established desert trees want deep, infrequent soaks that wet the whole root zone. Frequent short drip cycles grow shallow roots that fail in a windstorm. Check your city's water conservation page for its current drought stage.
HOA rules in Arizona
Arizona has a specific statute on artificial turf: under A.R.S. 33-1819, a planned community that allows natural grass generally can't prohibit artificial turf, though it may regulate installation, location and quality (ARS 33-1819). We didn't find an Arizona statute that stops an HOA from banning low-water plants. In practice, desert landscaping is the norm in Valley HOAs. A Phoenix study found yards in CC&R communities had "less turf coverage" and more homeowners described their front yards as desert designs (Martin et al. 2003). Submit your plan for architectural approval before you apply for the rebate. Phoenix requires the new landscape to comply with your HOA's CC&Rs.
The Sonoran plant palette
Trees (shade first): palo verde, desert willow, mesquite, ironwood and Texas ebony. Shade is the most valuable thing you can plant in Phoenix. See more low-water trees.
Shrubs: brittlebush, Texas ranger (cenizo), desert ruellia, fairy duster and creosote. They look natural, provide cover and need almost no water once established.
Accents: red yucca, agaves, golden barrel, prickly pear, ocotillo and desert spoon. They add strong shapes and are easy to care for.
Color: penstemon (Parry's and firecracker), globe mallow, desert marigold, blackfoot daisy, and salvias for hummingbirds. Trailing rosemary works as a groundcover in partial shade.
AMWUA's Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert database lets you filter hundreds of plants for the Valley by size, water use and exposure.
Design notes: shade first
- Canopy before cactus. A tree shading a west wall or patio makes the hottest part of the yard usable. Plan the trees, then fill in around them.
- Put water where it lands. Shallow basins and a dry creek bed catch monsoon runoff for the trees.
- Leave space between plants. The desert has open ground between plants, and a sparse Valley yard looks natural. Keep enough living cover to meet rebate rules (Mesa and Chandler require 50% canopy at maturity) and to keep the yard from baking. See xeriscaping vs. zeroscaping.
- Choose decomposed granite colors that match local rock. Darker stone absorbs more heat.
From our installs: The mistake we see most in hot-desert conversions is planting in May or June. Fall planting (October–November) gives roots five months of mild weather before the first 110°F day. Spring-planted shrubs need babysitting all summer. More ideas: desert landscaping ideas.
Getting started
- Measure the grass with your city's tools (Phoenix has a square-foot measurement tool), and take the required photos while it's green.
- Apply and wait for your Notice to Proceed. Phoenix says to allow up to 3 weeks for review.
- Remove the grass and cap the sprinklers. Phoenix also requires compliance with Maricopa County dust-control rules during removal (methods compared).
- Plant trees first in October, then shrubs and accents, all on drip.
- Submit final photos. Phoenix mails the check 1–2 billing cycles after final approval.
The payoff goes beyond the check. Chandler reports that the average residential grass conversion saves 75,000 gallons a year.
Hire it out
For grass removal, drip, boulders and shade trees, browse the landscape pros listed for the Phoenix metro. Make sure the contractor knows your city's rebate rules. A Notice to Proceed has to be in hand before the crew arrives.
Our Tucson guide covers the higher, cooler Sonoran city two hours south. For cost planning, see the xeriscaping cost guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Phoenix pay to remove grass?
As of September 2026, the City of Phoenix pays $2 per square foot of living grass removed and replaced with desert landscaping. The minimum is 250 sq ft, and you need a Notice to Proceed before removing anything. Projects over 5,000 sq ft are approved case by case.
Which Phoenix-area city has the best grass removal rebate?
Phoenix and Scottsdale both pay $2 per square foot. Scottsdale caps it at $5,000, and its current application window closes October 31, 2026. Glendale pays $1/sq ft up to $3,000, Chandler $1.50/sq ft up to $2,000, and Mesa a tiered $1,000–$2,000 plus a tree bonus.
What zone is Phoenix?
Central Phoenix and Scottsdale are Zone 10a on the 2023 USDA map. North Phoenix and many outer suburbs are 9b, where occasional frost can damage tender plants.
When should I plant in Phoenix?
October and November are best. Roots establish through the mild winter and spring before summer heat. Late winter to early spring is second best. Avoid planting in May and June.
Can my HOA require grass in Arizona?
Arizona law (A.R.S. 33-1819) protects artificial turf in communities that allow natural grass. We found no statute specifically protecting low-water plants, but desert landscaping is standard in most Valley HOAs. Get architectural approval first.
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