Plants & Trees

Top performers for Phoenix include Texas Ranger, Desert Willow, Yellow Bells, Red Bird of Paradise, Bougainvillea, and Ruellia. For ground cover, Lantana, Trailing Rosemary, and Dalea work well. We select plants proven to thrive in your specific yard conditions: sun exposure, soil type, and irrigation availability.

Tree cost is a function of box size, species availability, and access. A 15-gallon tree is a two-person plant. A 36-inch box needs equipment, and a mature specimen or a transplanted palm may need a crane and a street permit, which is usually the largest single line on that item. Species matters as much as size, since some desert-adapted specimens are grown in limited supply. We usually recommend right-sizing rather than buying the largest box available: smaller stock establishes faster and often catches up to a larger transplant within a few seasons.

Fall (October-November) is the ideal planting time in Phoenix. Plants establish root systems during mild winter months before summer heat stress. Spring planting (February-March) is the second-best option. We avoid summer planting except for cacti and succulents, which handle heat well.

Contrary to myth, desert plants need regular water to thrive, especially when establishing. New plants require deep watering 2-3 times weekly for the first year. Established plants need deep monthly watering in summer, less frequently in winter. Proper drip irrigation delivers water efficiently to root zones.

Date Palms (Phoenix dactylifera), Mediterranean Fan Palms, Mexican Fan Palms, and Queen Palms all thrive in Phoenix. California Fan Palms are Arizona natives. Pygmy Date Palms work well in smaller spaces. We match palm species to your yard's size, sun exposure, and desired aesthetic.