Arizona’s unique desert climate and 300 days of sunshine is quite fun and challenging in its own way but what’s even more challenging is creating beautiful outdoor spaces.
But how do we create a beautiful Arizona backyard without emptying our wallets? There are so many Arizona backyard ideas online to go through, but which one can really work for your backyard is hard to tell just by pictures.
But it’s not that difficult, all you have to focus on is, getting native plants instead of those good looking plants that won’t survive a day in this weather.
Incorporating some sustainable gardening practices, so your garden thrives throughout the whole year, opting for DIY stuff, you can create the best Arizona backyard that will have your neighbours and passers by take double look.
In this article, I’m going to share some of the best Arizona backyard ideas that are not just going to charm your outdoor space but also make it more practical and affordable.
No matter what type of look you want to achieve, with these smart solutions and creativity, you will be able to create an outdoor space that’s just going to enhance your house’s overall appeal.
15 Best Arizona Backyard Ideas On A Budget
Creating your backyard while still keeping it within budget, is not that difficult, in fact, this just makes things all more interesting.
Now keep this in mind, the key to make your Arizona backyard landscaping work is by working with the environment instead of going against it.
Those peonies and lilacs may look stunning in those pictures online but they are not going to survive in the Arizona’s desert weather.
You need plants that can actually thrive in that desert weather like barrel cactus and succulents, as they require minimal care and maintenance.
This helps in keeping things simple and also reduces long term costs.
You just need to think like that when creating your backyard, and by following budget friendly and eco friendly strategies, you will have a beautiful garden that is going to charm your home throughout the year.
Without any further wait, let’s help you enhance your backyard’s functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability, with these 15 best Arizona backyard ideas on a budget.
Go for Xeriscaping and Other Native Plants
It’s kind of tiring when you have to look after your plants from time to time, making sure they get enough water in that dry weather of Arizona.
But how about changing those sensitive, fragile plants with those familiar native plants of Arizona.
You can go for drought tolerant plants like succulents, cacti, agave, yucca, desert willow etc.
These plants are familiar with Arizona’s dry climate so they don’t really need much care or maintenance. Incorporating these native plants is a smart, budget friendly way to create a sustainable and visually appealing outdoor space.
Another thing you can try, Xeriscaping, which is a landscaping method that helps in water conservation. This way you can reduce outdoor water usage by up to 75%, so lots of savings on the water bills and no hassle of watering plants.
Create Gravel Pathways
An affordable and creative way to make your outdoor space more appealing is by creating gravel pathways.
Not only are they affordable but also a practical way to enhance your Arizona backyard’s charm.
You won’t have to worry about muddy puddles anymore as they offer excellent drainage while maintaining the natural aesthetic of your garden.
You can create these gravel pathways throughout the garden, they are perfect for high traffic areas and create a polished look.
Depending on what type of look you want, you can choose either decorative gravels or natural ones.
While installing gravel pathways, make sure to place edging around it to keep the gravel contained and maintain the path’s shape.
Remember to pour a 2 inch layer of crushed stone or decomposed granite, this helps in creating a solid foundation.
Use Recycled Materials for Planters
Another way to save on money and make your backyard more attractive is by using recycled materials. There’s so much you can try by using your creativity and repurposing those recycled materials and using it for planters.
Not only is it eco friendly, but it’s a great way to add a personal touch to your outdoor space.
You can use tin cans, drill holes at the bottom, and use them to grow plants like herbs and mint.
If you have an old dresser then you can repaint them, stack or arrange them in a way that you find fitting. You can arrange them at different angles for a tiered planting effect.
Just remember whatever recycled container you use, make sure it has proper drainage to prevent water logging.
This is actually a quite sustainable way to add charm and personal touch to your backyard space.
Build Shade Structures in Arizona Backyard
Now to fight that scorching Arizona’s sun, you surely need some shade to sit in your outdoor space.
A budget friendly way to create a cool, comfortable outdoor area. Now to build shade in your Arizona backyard, you can go for shade sails that are really affordable and easy to install too.
These are available in various colors, sizes, and styles.
You can arrange them in creative patterns if you feel a bit too creative. This will enhance your backyard’s aesthetics and make it stand out.
You can also go for DIY pergolas, this may sound difficult but you can construct it using cost effective materials like softwood lumber.
This will offer you partial shade and to further enhance its appeal by adding climbing plants around it. You can also drape fabric over it for better coverage and also give it a dreamy look.
Create Budget-Friendly Fire Pit
An outdoor space with a fire pit is something that everyone should have in their backyard for those amazing evening barbeques and parties.
And building a budget friendly fire pit in your Arizona backyard doesn’t have to shake your whole budget, it will only need a few materials and some of your efforts.
To create a budget friendly fire pit, you can use materials like cinder block that will cost you somewhere around $20 to $50.
You can arrange them in circular or square shape, and for more durability, use construction adhesive to secure the fire pit.
But if you don’t feel like working or putting much effort then simply repurpose an old drum, it’s perfect for efficient burning and keeps those evenings warm and cozy.
Create Outdoor Seating Are
An outdoor seating area is just perfect for any home, and it doesn’t have to be expensive.
You just need to use some creativity and resourcefulness to design a space that’s comfortable and stylish for you.
You can go for pallet seating which is a versatile option and you can find them at low cost too.
Just make sure to add weather resistant cushions and pillows for more comfort and keep it hassle free.
Whatever furniture you use, make sure it is weather resistant and built from high quality materials.
The upfront cost might be a bit more but it’s worth the long term savings.
But if that’s not an option then you can go foldable furniture that you can take with you outside whenever you want to use the outdoor area. It’s an ideal option if you have limited space in your backyard.
Do Mulching to Retain Moisture
To keep those plants thriving in that dry Arizona weather then it’s important to use mulch.
This is a great and cost effective way to save on the water bills and keep your backyard looking lively and well cared.
Applying mulch around your plants is an effective way to retain moisture and maintain the health of plants.
This mulch will act as a barrier between soil and sun, to keep water from evaporating quickly.
You can use organic options like wood chips, bark, straw, or shredded leaves, this will help in enriching the soil, maintain its temperature, and stop weed growth.
You can also go for inorganic mulch like gravel or rocks, for durability and lessen the hassle of watering plants again and again.
Build Raised Beds for Vegetable Garden
Now what’s the use of a garden if there’s nothing but flowers. Flowers are great but having something to eat that you have grown yourself is much better.
It’s a smart way to maximize your garden’s functionality and also get something yummy and healthy stuff to eat.
You can build raised beds for your vegetable garden as they help maintain soil quality, better drainage, and easier access for planting and maintaining them.
You can plant herbs or small vegetables that are perfect for growing in Arizona’s dry weather.
To build those raised beds, you can use cinder blocks or corrugated metal sheets.
Just keep the height between 13 to 18 inches as it works best for most vegetables and also allows roots to grow deeply in the soil.
Install Solar Lights Along Pathways and Garden Beds
Add some charm to your backyard when the night falls with these solar lights. You can simply install them along the garden’s pathways and around the garden beds.
It’s a cost effective way to enhance the look of your backyard without increasing your energy bill.
And you don’t have to worry about wiring and all because these lights are solar charged, once it’s charged, it will automatically illuminate at night.
Plus these lights are low maintenance, eco friendly, and help saving costs while adding charm and functionality to your backyard space.
Build Dry Creek Bed in your Arizona Backyard
Make things more interesting in your Arizona backyard by building a creek bed.
A creek bed is perfect for Arizona backyard landscaping as they are budget friendly and also ideal for the dry weather.
Dry creek beds help in improving drainage and also keep the garden looking nice and visually pleasing.
These creek beds help mimic natural water flow and also help in managing rainwater.
They help prevent erosion and pooling in your backyard around the plants, and keep the soil from becoming a muddy mess.
Dig a shallow line, add some landscape fibre to stop weeds from growing, and then add some river rocks, gravel, and large stones to create a natural looking stream bed.
Install Drip Irrigation System for Moisture
Installing drip irrigation systems in Arizona’s dry weather is a smart and budget friendly way to maintain moisture of your soil while conserving water.
This drip irrigation system is different from those traditional sprinklers that just waste water.
The drip irrigation system directly delivers water to the roots through a network of tubes, emitters, and valves, leaving no chances of water evaporation.
Even though their upfront cost might be more, it’s all worth it in the long run. It’s perfect for garden beds, container plants, shrubs, and also trees.
You can also try DIY kits of this drip irrigation system, they are easy to install and also good for your pocket.
It’s a perfect system that helps you save on water bills, making it a perfect long term investment.
Install wall-mounted planters or trellises
Installing wall mounted planters or trellises is an excellent way to maximize your Arizona backyard’s vertical space.
It’s an affordable way to add greenery and create visual interest in your desert-like backyard.
You can build these wall mounted planters using wooden planks or just reuse old pallets, it’s quite useful if you have limited space or soil.
In these wall mounted planters, you can grow herbs, succulents, or climbing plants like bougainvillea, jasmine, and small vegetables.
Not only will it enhance the beauty of your backyard but also helps in cooling and providing better air flow.
You can also use inexpensive stuff like wooden pallets, old wooden crates that you haven’t used in a while, or simply repurpose metal grates to build your planters or trellises.
Create Rock and Cactus Garden
Match Arizona’s desert sunny vibe by creating a rock and cactus garden in your backyard.
No need to worry about watering your plants every now and then, simply use some rocks, gravel, and drought resistant plants that can survive in this Arizona’s heat.
First you need to choose a sunny spot in your backyard, prepare it by cleaning any weeds or debris there.
Then gather some different sized rocks, now cover the area with gravel or decomposed granite for a clean and finished look.
Add the rocks to mimic the look of desert landscape in your Arizona backyard.
Now start planting different types of plants like a prickly pear, barrel cactus, agave, and some succulents. This way you can bring life to your garden without making it feel too boring like a barren desert.
Create a Custom Pool in Arizona Backyard
Having a recreation space in your backyard seriously makes things a lot more interesting.
You might think it’s not a budget friendly option, but it’s surely a valuable upgrade, you just need to plan smartly for it.
Considering Arizona’s hot weather, a pool is surely a functional focal point that’s perfect for relaxing, entertainment, or even hosting pool parties.
Now to keep this in budget, consider having a small plunge style pool or maybe a spool, both require less material and space.
By using affordable materials like concrete, vinyl liners, opt for simple shapes instead of going for complicated ones, this helps in reducing labor costs.
Now you have a cost effective pool in your backyard that not only increases your property’s value but also makes the outdoor space more functional.
Create a DIY Sand and Gravel Pit
If you have kids at home then having a DIY sand and gravel pit in your backyard is another idea that you can try.
It’s a low cost addition and great for recreational use.
Creating this pit is very easy, you just need to dig a shallow pit and line it with landscape fabric to prevent weeds from growing inside.
Now fill the pit with materials like coarse sand to keep it play friendly, then surround it with gravel or pebbles to add texture and visual interest.
And for this, you don’t need a huge space, just a little space will do.
Now you have a perfect zen style feature in your backyard that is easy to maintain and also fun for play.
How much does backyard landscaping cost in Arizona?
The cost of backyard landscaping can vary depending on several factors like yard size, design complexity, labor costs, material choices, and if you are going to hire professionals or go DIY.
For a rough idea, the average cost of landscaping in Arizona would be somewhere around $4.50 to $17.00 per square foot, so the total project cost for a 500 square foot yard would be $2,250 to $8,500.
You can have some savings by making some smart choices like going for native plants, choosing gravel or decomposed granite, using drip irrigation systems, and using recycled items instead of getting new ones.
Conclusion
Now that we have come to an end of our “arizona backyard ideas on a budget”, let’s have a quick recap of what we have discussed so far.
You just need to focus on a few things to make sure your Arizona backyard looks great, like using a bit of creativity, smart planning, and a focus on low maintenance but eco-friendly choices.
You can try these Arizona backyard ideas while keeping things between the budget, or you can take inspiration to create something different and unique for your backyard.
Each of these ideas have more than just one purpose, not only are they appealing and adding value to your home but also have a purpose too, like using solar lights to elevate the look at night and making the backyard visible to walk.
Also, using drip system instead of watering plants, this helps save on those water bills and also that extra effort of watering plants from time to time.
No matter what idea you go for, whether you build a shade structure, create a stunning rock garden, or just grow some vegetables in it, you can choose according to what your needs are.
With these arizona backyard ideas on a budget, you can turn that simple backyard into a space that’s perfect for relaxing and enjoying.
