1

RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPEREVITALIZATION WORKBOOK

Plann

ing a

nd D

evelo

pmen

t Ser

vices

This workbook is offered as a guide only and is not intended to be used asa legally binding document for landscape and construction standards. TheCity of Scottsdale disclaims all liability in connection with the use of thisworkbook.

General Information

Graphics LegendThroughout this workbook, youwill see various graphics todraw your attention toimportant points.

Question Mark Indicates commonly asked questions

FlagIndicates those things you needto be aware of

Helpful Hint Indicates helpful ideas andinformation

One Stop Shop Information If at anytime during the process you havequestions about this workbook, your specificremodel or would like to contact someoneregarding your application requirements,please contact the City’s One Stop Shop at(480) 312-2500.

One Stop Shop Main Number480-312-2500

One Stop Shop Permit CounterCity of Scottsdale First Floor, One Civic Center7447 E. Indian School Rd.www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/onestopshop(480) 312-2500Office Hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Wednesday

One Stop Shop Records CounterCity of ScottsdaleFirst Floor, One Civic Center7447 E. Indian School Rd.(480) 312-2356Office Hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Wednesday

Other Important Phone Numbers Arizona Blue Stake Center(locating Utility lines)(602) 263-1100

Arizona Registrar of Contractors(480) 542-1525

Building Code Hotline(480) 312-2633

Building Official (Building Variances)(480) 312-7080

Code Enforcement(480) 312-2546

Housing Resources Program(480) 312-4304

Inspections and Land Survey(general inspection questions and permitextensions)(480) 312-5750

Plan Review(480) 312-7080

Water Conservation(480) 312-5650

NORTH

P

P

75th

Stree

t

Indian School Road

Drink

water

Boule

vard

One Civic Center

City Hall

CommunityDesignStudio

One Stop Shop

i

Introduction

Information on Xeriscape principles and the step-by-step guide Xeriscape, Landscaping With Style In The ArizonaDesert is available to assist you with installing and caring for your landscape. Ask for it at the One Stop Shop or theWater Conservation Office. All plants selected for the landscapes comply with the Arizona Department of WaterResources Low-Water-Use/Drought Tolerant Plant List.

Envision Your Yard

Would a cool umbrella of shade welcome you home at the end of yourday? Could a colorful display of flowers energize you? Maybe the sightof an easy-care landscape would evokea sigh of relief.

Two of Scottsdale’s local landscapearchitects have teamed up to bringthese visions to life. They havedesigned seven unique landscapeoptions for you - Birdscape,Colorscape, EZscape, Flutterscape,Nativescape, Shadescape, andVerdescape. Each has a look and character all its own. Choose the onethat suits your taste and fits yourlifestyle. All of the landscapes havebeen designed with the low-water-useprinciples of Xeriscape* in mind; sothey are both beautiful and water efficient.

In addition to the landscape designs,the workbook includes photographs,contact numbers, information on permits, and a listing of booklets thatare available to help with the installation and maintenance of yournew landscape.

C

Contents

STEP 1 - BEFORE BEGINNING YOUR PROJECT 1● Checklist 1

STEP 2 - IDENTIFY EXISTING CONDITIONS 2● Seven Steps to Site Assessment 4● Site Assessment Worksheet 5-10

STEP 3 - CHOOSE A DESIGN THEME 12● Things to Consider 12● Birdscape 13● Colorscape 15● EZscape 17● Flutterscape 19● Nativescape 21● Shadescape 23● Verdescape 25

STEP 4 - PUT IT ALL TOGETHER 27● Making Adjustments 27● Watering the Landscape 30

STEP 5 - IMPLEMENT THE LANDSCAPE PLAN 31● Order of Installation 31● Maintaining Your Vision 33

RESOURCES 35● Booklets ● Contacts ● Incentives● Web Sites

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 36● Special Thanks

Water Conservation Tips 37

Notes 38

Welcome to the City of Scottsdale’sRemodeling Workbook. This easyto use 5-step workbook has beendeveloped to assist you with reno-vating your front yard landscaping.

Most landscape professionals agreethat the average lifespan of anygiven landscape is about 20 years.As many of Scottsdale’s neighbor-hoods mature, a growing numberof homeowners are opting to reno-vate their landscapes.

This reinvestment by residents notonly beautifies their homes, butalso contributes to the value oftheir neighborhoods and the sur-rounding community.

Based on real estate studies onhome landscaping investments,homeowners can garner returns upto 200%.

How to Use This Workbook The step-by-step format of theworkbook is easy to follow and willguide you through the landscapingprocess. References to additionalresources for further assistance areoffered throughout the workbookand have been compiled in theResources section.

6

Before Beginning Your Project

Checklist● If you have a homeowners’

association, check the Covenants, Codes, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) to determine if there are landscaping guidelines or plant selection restrictions in your neighborhood. Scottsdale’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands Ordinance (ESLO) restricts landscape requirements in the northern portions of the city.

● Plan to apply for approvals when necessary. Many landscaping improvement projects, including the removal of certain types of plants, wall construction, and grading or significant terrain alterations, require prior plan approval from the City of Scottsdale. If you are unsure whether a permit is required, please contact the city’s One Stop Shop at 480-312-2500.

● Before digging, call Arizona Blue Stake Center (1-800-STAKE IT) for free assistance in locating and marking underground power- lines and other utilities.

Share the CostA landscape rebate is availablefor converting water intensivelandscape to low-water-useXeriscape. For more informa-tion and requirements, contactWater Conservation at 480-312-5650.

Your neighborhood may be eligible for a grant through theNeighborhood EnhancementProgram. For application infor-mation contact Citizen andNeighborhood Resources at480-312-3111.

Need Help?Landscape professionals canhelp with all or part of yourlandscaping project.

Tips for choosing professionalservices can be found in theXeriscape brochure (p.19).

Be a good neighborRespect property boundarieswhen altering storm-waterdrainage and placing trees andplant material.

1

1

2

Identify Existing Conditions

Sketch Your YardSketching your yard as it looks now willhelp define landscape considerations forchoosing a design, and the measurementswill be helpful when making adjustmentsfor size and the number of plants neededfor the design. A simple sketch with basicdimensions will do. Use one of theworksheets and the landscape legend onpages 5-10 and follow the Seven Steps toSite Assessment. Several worksheets areincluded, so you can make changes easilyor experiment with a number of designs.

2

3

4

MicroclimatesThe climate in a yard can be modi-fied by factors such as sun orshade, heat reflected from build-ings, or even contours in the land-scape. Identifying the variousmicroclimates in your yard will helpyou make appropriate plant selec-tions.

Relocating PlantsDesert trees and palms fare best ifmoved during the summer whenthey are actively growing.

Free Water!Rainwater harvesting retains anduses the water that falls on thesite. If your design incorporatesrainwater harvesting, as in theNativescape, identify locationswhere water usually collects orwhere it will be retained.

Water RunoffRooftop runoff may need to bedirected away from the house orhardscapes. It can also be directedthrough grading and contouring toturf, trees, and planted areas.

2Seven Steps to Site Assessment1. Measure your front yard and draw a map on the Site Assessment

Worksheet provided on page 5 using a scale of 1 in. equals 10 ft.

2. Indicate north on the arrow.

3. Note location of overhead and underground utility lines and public utility easements. (Trees should not be planted in public easements or within 7’ of water/sewer lines and 10’ of ground-mounted transformers.)

4. Note sunny and shady areas of the yard.

5. Note location of doors, windows, and points of access into the yard.

6. Note location of gables and gutters or where rain drains from the roof.

7. Identify and note existing plants that you wish to incorporate into the new landscape as well as existing hardscape elements that will be retained, such as patios, walkways, and walls.

Identify Existing Conditions

N 1”=1

0’

Site

Ass

essm

ent W

orks

heet

5

6

Land

scap

e Le

gend

SYMB

OLPL

ANT

HEIG

HTX

SPRE

ADEX

POSU

REQU

ANTIT

Y

BOTA

NICA

L/CO

MMON

NAME

7

N 1”=1

0’

Site

Ass

essm

ent W

orks

heet

8

Land

scap

e Le

gend

SYMB

OLPL

ANT

HEIG

HTX

SPRE

ADEX

POSU

REQU

ANTIT

Y

BOTA

NICA

L/CO

MMON

NAME

9

N 1”=1

0’

Site

Ass

essm

ent W

orks

heet

10

Land

scap

e Le

gend

SYMB

OLP L

ANT

HEIG

HTX

SPRE

ADE X

POSU

REQU

ANTIT

Y

BOTA

NICA

L/CO

MMON

NAME

11

Choose a Design Theme

How do you want your yard tolook? Do you prefer a certain style orlook? If you envision your yardwith lawn, the Verdescape may bea good choice. However, if thebeauty of the desert captivatesyou, the Nativescape may be thelook you prefer.

How do you use your yard?Define your lifestyle. Lifestyles areoften related to life stages, such aschild rearing or retirement, whichaffect the use and purpose of theyard. ● Do children or pets play in the

area? ● Where do you entertain?● Do you spend leisure time in

your yard?● Do you enjoy attracting and

watching wildlife?● Do you spend weeks or months

away from your home each year?

Things to ConsiderWhen you have completed thesite assessment, you are ready tochoose a landscape design. Whilethe designs are intended to com-plement any home, you may findthat a particular theme fits withthe architecture of your home oris more appropriate for yourneighborhood. Answering the fol-lowing questions will help youdecide which design suits yourneeds and your lifestyle.

How much time do you want todevote to landscape maintenance?The maintenance requirements ofa landscape can vary significantly.While avid gardeners may relishtime spent maintaining their yard,a household with young childrenand a schedule filled with outsideactivities could make EZscape theperfect choice. If time is a factor,consider these guidelines whenchoosing a design:● Simple planting designs can

make irrigation and maintenance of a landscape easier.

● Natural looking landscapes typically require less time and energy to maintain than manicured landscapes.

3

12

13

14

BIR

DS

CA

PE

LEG

END

Chilo

psis

linea

ris/D

eser

t Willo

w

Cerci

dium

florid

um (P

arkin

sonia

flor

ida)/

Blue

Palo

Ver

de

Justi

cia sp

icige

ra/M

exica

n Ho

neys

uckle

Muhle

nber

gia ri

gens

/Dee

r Gra

ss

Dalea

frut

esce

ns/B

lack

Dalea

Pens

temon

eato

nii/F

irecra

cker

Pen

stemo

n

Teco

ma st

ans/

Yello

w Be

lls

Punic

a gra

natum

‘Nan

a’/‘N

ana’

Dwar

f Pom

egra

nate

Agav

e palm

eri/P

almer

’s Ag

ave

Hesp

eralo

e par

viflor

a/Re

d Yu

cca

Baile

ya m

ultira

diata

/Des

ert M

arigo

ld

Aloe

vera

/Med

icina

l Aloe

Bird

bat

h (

small

earth

stone

wok

bow

l)

Bould

er (n

atur

al su

rface

selec

t, va

rious

size

s)

*See

ds m

ay b

e use

d to

repla

ce o

r sup

pleme

nt

plant

ings.

25’ x

20’

30’ x

30’

3’ x

3’

4’ x

4’

3’ x

4’

1’ x

1.5

’

6’ x

6’

8’ x

6’

3’ x

3’

3’ x

5’

1’ x

1’

2’ x

5’

Full s

un

Refle

cted

sun/

full s

un

Full s

un/p

art s

hade

Full s

un/p

art s

hade

Full s

un/p

art s

hade

Full s

un/p

art s

hade

Full s

un/p

art s

hade

Full s

un/p

art s

hade

Full s

un/p

art s

hade

Full s

un/p

art s

hade

Full s

un

Full s

un/p

art s

hade

2 1 7 4 5 10* 5 2 2 8 20* 9 1 6

SYM

BOL

BOTA

NICA

L/CO

MM

ON N

AME

HEIG

HT X

SPR

EAD

EXPO

SURE

QUAN

TITY

The

bea

uty

and

antic

s of b

irds

are

both

del

ight

ful a

nd e

nter

-ta

inin

g. T

he B

irdsc

ape

isde

signe

d to

invi

te b

irds i

nto

the

land

scap

e an

d fe

atur

espl

ants

that

offe

r foo

d, sh

elte

ran

d ne

stin

g sit

es.

Nat

ive

bird

sar

e of

ten

attr

acte

d to

tree

s tha

tar

e in

dige

nous

to o

ur re

gion

and

to p

lant

s tha

t are

a fo

odso

urce

they

reco

gniz

e. P

lant

sth

at p

rodu

ce b

right

ber

ries o

rse

eds a

re su

re to

attr

act a

wid

era

nge

of b

irds,

whi

le h

um-

min

gbird

s are

dra

wn

to re

dan

d or

ange

tubu

lar f

low

ers.

15

16

CO

LOR

SC

AP

E LE

GEN

D

Acac

ia fa

rnes

iana/

Swee

t Aca

cia

Cerci

dium

florid

um

(Par

kinso

nia fl

orida

)/Bl

ue P

alo V

erde

Bauh

inia

lunar

ioide

s/An

acac

ho

Orch

id Tre

e

Justi

cia ca

lifor

nica/

Chup

aros

a

Lant

ana

mont

evide

nsis/

Traini

ngLa

vend

er La

ntan

a

Caes

alpini

a pu

lcher

rima/

Red

Bird

of

Para

dise

Erica

meria

laric

ifolia

/Tur

pent

ine B

ush

Dalea

pulc

hra/

Bush

Dale

a

Hesp

eralo

e par

viflor

a/Re

d Yu

cca

20’ x

20’

30’ x

30’

8’ x

6’

4’ x

4’

1’ x

4’

6’ x

6’

2’ x

3’

4’ x

5’

3’ x

5’

Full s

un

Refle

cted

sun/

full s

un

Full s

un/p

art

shad

e

Full s

un/p

art

shad

e

Full s

un

Full s

un

Full s

un

Full s

un

Full s

un/p

art

shad

e

W-Sp

Sp Sp W-Sp

Sp/S

/F

S F W-Sp

Sp-S

1 2 3 14 13 3 18 5 10

SYM

BOL

BOTA

NICA

L/CO

MM

ON N

AME

HEIG

HT X

SPR

EAD

EXPO

SURE

QUAN

TITY

BLOO

M S

EASO

N

Vib

rant

col

ors

com

bine

to

ener

gize

the

Col

orsc

ape.

Tree

s an

d sh

rubs

wit

h a

vari

ety

of b

loom

per

iods

are

com

bine

d w

ith

an a

rray

of p

rolif

ic a

nd lo

ng-b

loom

-in

g pe

renn

ials

. A

cap

tiva

t-in

g la

ndsc

ape

that

cha

nges

thro

ugh

the

seas

ons,

Col

orsc

ape

offe

rs a

del

ight

-fu

l ele

men

t of

sur

pris

e in

the

land

scap

e.

17

18

EZS

CA

PE

LEG

END

Olea

euro

pea

‘Swan

Hill’

/‘Sw

an H

ill’Ol

ive

Eben

opsis

eban

o (P

ithec

ellob

ium fl

exica

ule)/

Texa

s Ebo

ny

Dasy

lirion

whe

eleri/

Dese

rt Sp

oon

Lant

ana

mont

evide

nsis/

Trailin

g La

vend

er La

ntan

a

Caes

alpini

a pu

lcher

rima/

Red

Bird

of P

arad

ise

Agav

e des

metti

ana/

Smoo

th A

gave

Conv

olvulu

s cne

orum

/Bu

sh M

ornin

g Gl

ory

Hesp

eralo

e par

viflor

a/Re

d Yu

cca

Leuc

ophy

llum

langm

aniae

/Lan

gman

’sSa

ge

25’ x

25’

20’ x

15’

4’ x

4’

1’ x

4’

6’ x

6’

3’ x

3’

2’ x

3’

3’ x

5’

5’ x

5’

Full s

un/p

art s

hade

Full s

un

Full s

un/p

art s

hade

Full s

un

Full s

un

Part

sun/

shad

e

Full s

un/p

art s

hade

Full s

un/p

art s

hade

Full s

un

1 2 3 10 3 9 11 6 12

Sim

plic

ity

of d

esig

n is

ast

reng

th o

f th

e E

Zsc

ape

that

car

ries

thr

ough

to

sim

-pl

ify b

oth

irri

gati

on a

ndla

ndsc

ape

mai

nten

ance

.U

ndem

andi

ng a

nd t

ough

,dr

ough

t to

lera

nt p

lant

sw

ork

hard

in t

his

land

scap

eso

you

don

’t ha

ve t

o.Pl

ants

wit

h pl

easi

ng n

atur

alfo

rms

seld

om r

equi

re p

run-

ing,

and

a m

inim

um o

f lit

-te

r w

ill m

ake

this

land

scap

eea

sy t

o m

aint

ain.

SYM

BOL

BOTA

NICA

L/CO

MM

ON N

AME

HEIG

HT X

SPR

EAD

EXPO

SURE

QUAN

TITY

19

20

FLU

TTER

SC

AP

E LE

GEN

D

But

terf

lies

float

ing

thro

ugh

the

land

scap

e cr

eate

ase

rene

set

ting

. A

land

scap

ede

sign

ed t

o at

trac

t bu

tter

-fli

es, t

he c

olor

ful

Flut

ters

cape

ent

ices

but

ter-

flies

into

the

yar

d w

ith

nec-

tar-

prod

ucin

g flo

wer

s fo

rth

e ad

ults

to

feed

on

and

food

plan

ts f

or t

heir

you

ng.

Larg

e op

en f

low

er c

lust

ers

serv

e as

land

ing

pads

tha

ten

cour

age

them

to

linge

r in

the

yard

.

Lysil

oma

micro

phyll

a/Fe

athe

r Bus

h

Eben

opsis

eban

o (P

ithec

ellob

ium fl

exica

ule)/

Texa

s Ebo

ny

Pros

opis

velut

ina/V

elvet

Mesq

uite

Eyse

nhar

dtia

orth

ocar

pa/K

idney

wood

Dalea

frut

esce

ns/B

lack

Dalea

Callia

ndra

calif

ornic

a/Ba

ja Fa

iry D

uster

Verb

ena

good

dingii

/Goo

dding

’s Ve

rben

a

Budd

leia

marru

bifoli

a/Wo

olly

Butte

rfly

Bush

Lant

ana

mont

evide

nsis/

Trailin

g La

vend

er La

ntan

a

Lant

ana

cama

ra h

ybrid

/Bus

h La

ntan

a

Caes

alpini

a pu

lcher

rima/

Red

Bird

of P

arad

ise

Leuc

ophy

llum

laevig

atum

/Chih

uahu

an Sa

ge

Ascle

pias s

ubula

ta/D

eser

t Milk

weed

15’ x

15

20’ x

15’

25’ x

25’

15’ x

10’

3’ x

4’

5’ x

5’

1’ x

3’

5’ x

5’

1’ x

4’

4’ x

4’

6’ x

6’

4’ x

5’

3’ x

3’

Full s

un/p

art s

hade

Full s

un

Full s

un

Full s

un/p

art s

hade

Full s

un

Full s

un/p

art s

hade

Full s

un/p

art s

hade

Full s

un

Full s

un

Full s

un

Full s

un

Full s

un

Full s

un

1 1 1 2 3 8 8 7 9 6 3 7 7

SYM

BOL

BOTA

NICA

L/CO

MM

ON N

AME

HEIG

HT X

SPR

EAD

EXPO

SURE

QUAN

TITY

21

22

NAT

IVES

CA

PE

LEG

END

Nat

ives

cape

def

ines

the

char

acte

r of

our

reg

ion

and

brin

gs t

he b

eaut

y of

the

dese

rt in

to y

our

yard

for

you

to e

njoy

. N

ativ

e tr

ees

are

used

to

recr

eate

nat

ure

in t

his

natu

ralis

tic

land

-sc

ape

and

prov

ide

filte

red

shad

e w

here

man

y pl

ants

will

flo

uris

h. ‘

Des

ert

pave

-m

ent’

(rak

ed, s

alva

ged

nati

ve d

eser

t so

il) is

use

d in

plac

e of

dec

ompo

sed

gran

-it

e, a

llow

ing

annu

als

and

gras

ses

to g

row

thr

ough

and

mim

ic t

he d

eser

t flo

or.

Stri

king

acc

ent

plan

ts a

dddr

ama,

and

indi

geno

usw

ildflo

wer

see

ds c

an b

esc

atte

red

in t

he f

all t

o ad

da

colo

rful

dis

play

in t

hesp

ring

tim

e.

Carn

egiea

giga

ntea

/Sag

uaro

Pros

opis

velut

ina/V

elvet

Mesq

uite

Olne

ya te

sota

/Iro

nwoo

d

Fouq

uieria

splen

dens

/Oco

tillo

Opun

tia en

gelm

annii

/Eng

leman

n’s P

rickly

Pea

r

Baile

ya m

ultira

diata

/Des

ert M

arigo

ld

Spha

eralc

ea a

mbigu

a/Gl

obe M

allow

Ence

lia fa

rinos

a/Br

ittleb

ush

Larre

a tri

dent

ata/

Creo

sote

Bush

Justi

cia ca

lifor

nica/

Chup

aros

a

Erica

meria

laric

ifolia

/Tur

pent

ine B

ush

Pens

temon

par

ryi/P

arry

’s Pe

nstem

on

Bould

er (

natu

ral s

urfa

ce se

lect,

vario

us si

zes)

20’ x

10’

25’ x

25’

25’ x

25’

12’ x

10’

4’ x

8’

1’ x

1’

3’ x

3’

3’ x

4’

6’ x

6’

4’ x

4’

2’ x

3’

1.5’

x 1

.5’

Full s

un/p

art s

hade

Full s

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26

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27

Put It All Together

Making AdjustmentsModifying a design to fit yourproperty has been simplified withthe matching scale and gridlineson your site assessment work-sheets on pages 5-10. The grid-lines make it easy for you to com-pare the landscapes and see whereadjustments are needed. If youryard measurement is shorter, yourlandscape will require fewerplants. If your yard measurementis longer, your landscape willrequire additional plants toachieve the look of the design.(All designs are based on themature size of each plant.)

Make the adjustments for size● Determine plant sizes and

planting space in the design by counting gridlines.

● Compare the design measurements to worksheet measurements. Are the design measurements shorter or longer?

● Remove or add plants to the design as needed to fit the space.

Make adjustments for doors,windows, and points of accessinto the yardSlight adjustments in a designmay be necessary to accommo-date doors, windows, or accessinto the yard.● Compare notations from your

site assessment to determine if adjustments are needed.

Utilizing existing plants orhardscape elementsIf there are plants or elements inthe landscape you wish to incor-porate, the design can be modi-fied around those elements. Aswith adjusting for size, use grid-lines to compare measurementson the design and your work-sheet.● Eliminate plants from the

design where existing plants will suffice.

● Redirect hardscapes such as walkways where necessary.

OUCH!Plants with thorns should not beplaced close to walkways orplay areas.

Plan for adequate visibilityaround driveways and parkingareas. Choose plants that willnot grow above 2’ in height orhave a canopy above 7’ tall.

The City of Scottsdale’s PropertyMaintenance Ordinance,Chapter 18-5 (sections m andn), prohibits vegetation thatoverhangs into the public right-of-way and obstructs visibilityor safe passage. For more infor-mation, contact the city’s CodeEnforcement Department at 480-312-2546.

Planting TipsMost plants perform best ifplanted in the fall. This allowsplants to establish a root systemand develop stamina before theheat of summer arrives.

The slopes of mounds are idealmicroclimates for plants thatrequire good drainage.

28

4When making substitutionsThe size of a yard, plant availability, orvarious site conditions such as deep shademay require substitutions for plants in thelandscape design. All the landscapedesigns are oriented to a south-facingexposure, but are suitable for other expo-sures as well. However, if deep shade orother factors significantly affect themicroclimate of your yard, you may needto use plants with growing requirementsthat more closely match the conditions ofa particular area.

When making substitutions,use the worksheet measure-ments and your notations onorientation and sun/shadefrom your site assessment tomake appropriate plantselections.

● Allow space for a plant to grow to its mature size to minimize pruning and maintenance. Excessive pruning and shearing to maintain a plant in an area that is too small compromises plant health and can detract from your landscape design.

● Refer to the booklet Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert. The booklet features over 200 plants as well as information that will help you match plants to the space and conditions in your yard.

Plant SelectionThe brochure Landscape Plantsfor the Arizona Desert can helpyou select plants that are suit-able for any situation. Ask for itat the One Stop Shop or call theWater Conservation Office (480-312-5650).

Planting in ESLOHomes that are zoned ESLO(Environmentally Sensitive LandsOrdinance) may only plantindigenous plants within all non-enclosed areas. Non-indigenousplants may be used within awalled backyard but may nothave the potential to exceed 20ft. in height. Contact the OneStop Shop for a list of indigenousplants.

PowerlinesOverhead powerlines mayrequire substituting appropriatelysized plantings that will not growtaller than 15 feet.

Plan for adequate visibilityaround driveways, street inter-sections, and corner lots. Chooseplants that will not grow above 2‘ in height

29

Put It All Together

Mounds and contouring for interest and rainwater harvestingMounds and depressions in alandscape can create more inter-esting areas, provide microcli-mates for plantings, and be effec-tive in directing and holdingrainwater for use in yourlandscape.

● When possible, observe the flow of rainwater runoff from rooftops as it moves through your landscape to identify drainage patterns.

● Locate mounds to divert water to planted areas.

Water RetentionRetain drainage on site.Modifications to gradingshould not direct water intoneighbors’ yards or towardbuilding foundations.

Want to know more?From simple to complex, watercollection systems in the land-scape offer a wide range ofmethods to capture and utilizerainwater. Ask for the bookletHarvesting Rainwater forLandscape Use at the One StopShop or call the WaterConservation Office to find outmore.

Water SavingsConsider replacing high-mainte-nance and high-water-use plantswith native or drought tolerantvegetation. Native plants are notonly colorful and attractive, butthey are also well adapted to ourdesert heat.

Grouping plants that have similarwater requirements into higherand lower water-use zones pro-motes plant health and makeswatering easier and more effi-cient.

30

Watering the LandscapeWater is the lifeline to the plantsin your landscape and an essentialelement of the design. There are anumber of ways to apply water tothe landscape. Factors such as effi-ciency, reliability, and costmay influence the methodyou choose; but if your land-scape doesn’t have a drip irri-gation system, this may be agood time to install one. Dripirrigation is an efficient water-ing system that delivers waterdirectly to the root system of aplant.

Existing irrigation systems can bemodified to accommodate newlandscape plantings. ● Sprinkler systems can be

retrofitted for drip irrigation.● Drip irrigation can be modified

with components available at hardware and irrigation supply stores.

● Many irrigation supply stores offer design services or assistance at no charge with the purchase of irrigation components.

Irrigation Basics Find information on irrigationcomponents and drip irrigationinstallation in the Xeriscapebrochure.

Attend a free workshop on irrigation. Call the WaterConservation Office for details(480-312-5650).

A comprehensive technical publication, Guidelines ForLandscape Drip IrrigationSystems, is available from theWater Conservation Office.

Locate landscape or irrigationprofessionals to handle the irrigation segment for you. Tipsfor choosing professional services can be found in theXeriscape brochure (p.19).

How Much, How Often Confused about how to water thelandscape? You’ll find help in thebooklet Landscape Watering bythe Numbers. Ask for it at theOne Stop Shop or call the WaterConservation Office.

4

31

Implement the Landscape Plan

Order of InstallationTaking your landscape designfrom paper to a finished land-scape is a step-by-step process.The following guidelines can helpyou organize and implement yourplan.

1. Prepare your site ––clearing/marking/grading/contouring

2. Install hardscape areas

3. Mark plant locations

4. Install irrigation

5. Put in plants

6. Spread decomposed granite and/or install lawn areas

Where to startLay the landscape plan out onyour yard by using temporarymarking paint (available at hard-ware stores). ● Paint the ground where walks,

mounds, depressions, and plants will be located, noting where existing utilities have been painted by Blue Stake.

ContouringIf elevation changes are used inthe design you have chosen, grad-ing and contouring will be thefirst step in the installation ofyour new landscape.● Contour the soil surface to

form depressions and create gently sloping mounds.

● Major irrigation components such as hardpipe can be

installed in this step.● Bury boulders to a depth 1/3 of

their size for a more natural look.

Want More Details?Installing your landscape is covered in more detail in thebrochure Xeriscape (p. 29). Toengage help with theinstallation phase, see “Tips forChoosing Professional Services”(p. 19).

32

Hardscape elementsThe hardscapes in your landscapeinclude patios, walkways, andwalls. Top dressings such asdecomposed granite, while considered a hardscape, should beinstalled after the plants.

Marking plant locations fordrip irrigation installationMarker flags may be purchased athardware or irrigation supplystores. ● Flag locations of plants to mark

drip emitter placement.

Purchasing and installing plants Plant availability varies betweennurseries. If local nurseries do notcarry a particular plant, they canoften order it for you; or you maywant to visit nurseries that spe-cialize in desert-adapted plants.Many nurseries will also order thequantities specified in your land-scape design as well as an assort-ment of plant sizes.

Although prices may vary, pur-chasing smaller sizes can cut costs.Utilizing seeds to supplementreduced plant quantities is anoth-er cost-cutting option that workswell for fast-growing native plant-ings such as desert marigold andwill be noted on the landscapelegends.

5A Maintenance RoutineAppropriate maintenance willkeep your landscape healthyand beautiful. The Xeriscapebrochure can help you set up amaintenance routine (p. 41).

Planting TipsDig planting hole three to fivetimes wider but no deeperthan the plant’s root ball.

If roots are growing in a circle,make several slices along sidesof root ball.

When placed in planting hole,the top of root ball should belevel with soil surface.

Fill hole with native soil. It isnot necessary to add soilamendments to the backfill.

Remove nursery stakes.

New plantings require morefrequent watering than estab-lished plantings. You’ll findwatering schedules for bothnew and established plants inthe brochure LandscapeWatering by the Numbers.

● Install plants according to planting standards. (See Xeriscape p. 36 for illustrations and details.)

Decomposed granite (crushed rock)Decomposed granite (DG) coversthe soil surface, reducing waterevaporation, weed growth andblowing dust.● Spread DG by starting at the

farthest edge of the landscape and working back toward the pile.

● Apply to a depth of 2 inches for adequate coverage and level to 1/2 inch below hardscape surfaces.

● The use of plastic sheeting or landscape fabric as a weed barrierbeneath the top dressing is not recommended and may not be permitted by community CC&Rs or landscape rebate programs. Plastic in the landscape often surfaces over time, and impermeable barriers prevent proper watering of plantings and promote water runoff from the landscape.

33

Implement the Landscape Plan

Maintaining Your VisionWhile all landscapes look bestwith regular care and attention,the landscape designs in thisworkbook have used the principles of Xeriscape and shouldrequire only minimal mainte-nance. The tough desert-adaptedplants thrive without fertilizers,resist insect damage, and seldomneed pruning. Well-designed andmaintained drip irrigation systemscan water your landscape evenwhen you are away from home.

A landscape that is attractive aswell as easy to care for willenhance the value of your homeand reward you with hours ofenjoyment in your beautiful yard.

34

5

35

One Stop Shop/Permit Services7447 E. Indian SchoolSuite 100Scottsdale, AZ 85251Phone: 480-312-2500

Water Conservation Office9312 N. 94th St.Scottsdale, AZ 85258Phone: 480-312-5650

Blue Stakewww.azbsinc.com602-263-1100 (within Maricopa County) or 1-800-STAKE-IT

BookletsThe following booklets are available at the One StopShop or from the Water Conservation Office. ● Xeriscape, Landscaping With Style In The

Arizona Desert● Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert ● Landscape Watering by the Numbers ● Guidelines For Landscape Drip Irrigation

Systems● Harvesting Rainwater for Landscape Use

Resources

Incentives ● Landscape Rebates

Water Conservation Office 9312 N. 94th St.Scottsdale, AZ 85258Phone: 480-312-5650

● Neighborhood Enhancement Partnerhsip ProgramCitizen & Neighborhood Resources7447 E. Indian School #300Scottsdale, AZ 85251Phone: 480-312-3111

Web Sites● City of Scottsdale Water Conservation

www.scottsdaleaz.gov/water

● City of Scottsdale Citizen & Neighborhood Resourceswww.scottsdaleaz.gov

● Arizona Municipal Water Users Association www.amwua.org

● Arizona Department of Water Resourceswww.azwater.gov

● Maricopa County Cooperative Extensionwww.ag.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden

● Water Use It Wiselywww.wateruseitwisely.com

36

Special thanks to landscape architects Greg Presto and DougDiggins for their countless hoursof work toward this project andfor volunteering their time andtalent in the production of thisbook.

Contributing photographer:Charles MannCharles Mann Photography

Contributing landscape architectsand designers:Jim Coffman cover (bottom)page 12

Landscaping by Andrepage 8

Carrie Nimmer, Xerarch Studiopage 3

Christie Ten EyckTen Eyck Landscape Architectscover (top)page 12

Steve Emerickpage 11

Acknowledgements

Robyn BakerWater Conservation SpecialistWater Resources

Wendy HardyNative Plant SpecialistPlanning & Development Services

Rick ForgusSenior Graphic DesignerCommunications & Public Affairs

Molly EdwardsHousing Resource ManagerCitizen & Neighborhood Resources/Housing Resources

Water Conservation Tips

37

Check your sprinkler system frequently and adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house,sidewalk, or street.

Avoid planting turf in areas that are hard to water such as steep inclines and isolated strips along sidewalks anddriveways.

Minimize evaporation by watering during the early morning hours, when temperatures are cooler and windsare lighter.

Use a layer of organic mulch around plants to reduce evaporation and save hundreds of gallons of water a year.

Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway or sidewalk and save 80 gallons of water every time.

Divide your watering cycle into shorter periods to reduce runoff and allow for better absorption every time youwater.

We’re more likely to notice leaky faucets indoors, but don’t forget to check outdoor faucets, pipes, and hosesfor leaks.

Adjust your watering schedule to the season.

Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. Longer grass shades root systems and holds soil moisture betterthan a closely clipped lawn.

Use the sprinkler for larger areas of grass. Water small patches by hand to avoid waste.

Water your summer lawn once every three days and your winter lawn once every five days.

Install a rain shut-off device on your automatic sprinklers to eliminate unnecessary watering.

Choose a water-efficient drip irrigation system for trees, shrubs and flowers. Watering at the roots is very effec-tive. Be careful not to over water.

Water your plants deeply, but less frequently to create healthier stronger landscapes.

Do one thing each day that will save water. Even if savings are small, every drop counts.

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38

Notes

Water Conservation9312 N. 94th StreetScottsdale, AZ 85258480-312-5650

Planning and Development Services7447 E. Indian School RoadScottsdale, AZ 85251480-312-2500

Citizen and Neighborhood Resources/Housing Resources7447 E. Indian School RoadScottsdale, AZ 85251480-312-2319