What Does Landscape Design Include? A Complete Guide for Phoenix Valley Homeowners

Designing a beautiful, functional yard goes way beyond planting a few bushes or laying down some gravel. So, what does landscape design include? If you live in the Phoenix Valley and you’re looking to upgrade your outdoor space, this guide will break it down in simple terms.

From patios and plants to lighting and irrigation, professional landscape design blends art and science to create spaces you’ll love spending time in. Let’s walk through everything that goes into a complete landscape design.

1. Hardscape Elements: The Foundation of Outdoor Design

Hardscape elements are the non-living parts of your landscape. They give your yard structure and function.

Patios and Decks

These are your go-to spots for lounging, grilling, or hosting friends. In Arizona, durable materials like travertine or concrete pavers stand up well to heat. (Need help deciding? Check out this comparison of travertine vs. concrete pavers.)

Walkways and Pathways

Stone, brick, or gravel paths guide people through your space and connect areas like your garden, patio, or pool.

Retaining Walls

These are used to manage slopes, stop erosion, and add terraced levels for planting or seating.

Water Features

From fountains to waterfalls, water elements add soothing sound and visual appeal. Here’s how waterfalls can elevate your space.

2. Softscape Elements: Bringing Life to the Landscape

Softscapes are the living parts—plants, grass, and flowers—that make your yard vibrant and colorful.

Plants, Trees, and Shrubs

In the desert, low-water-use plants like agave and palo verde trees are perfect choices. Explore options for low-water plants.

Lawns and Groundcovers

Grass can be beautiful, but in Phoenix it requires careful water management. Sod vs. seed: which is right for your Arizona lawn?

Flower Beds

Seasonal flowers add bright pops of color and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Raised beds or borders also help define space.

3. Additional Landscape Components

Lighting

Landscape lighting increases safety and adds mood at night. It highlights key features like pathways, trees, or your outdoor kitchen. Here’s a guide to landscape lighting design.

Outdoor Furniture

Seating, dining tables, and lounge chairs help you use your yard like another room. Combine this with an outdoor kitchen and your space becomes the perfect gathering spot.

Irrigation Systems

Drip irrigation is best for Arizona’s desert climate. It saves water and delivers moisture right where plants need it. Adjusting irrigation timers is also a smart water-saving move.

Drainage Solutions

Good drainage keeps your yard from flooding or pooling during monsoon season. Learn more in our yard drainage guide.

Key Principles of Landscape Design

Great designs follow a few important rules that make everything feel “just right.”

Line

Lines direct the eye and create flow. Straight lines feel formal, while curves look more natural.

Form and Shape

From round shrubs to tall cacti, shape creates character. Use a mix of forms to keep things interesting.

Color

Color sets the mood. Cool tones (blues, greens) calm you; warm tones (reds, yellows) energize.

Texture

Mix textures like soft flowers with spiky succulents or smooth stones with rough bark for contrast.

Scale and Proportion

Keep things in balance. A tiny plant next to a huge boulder will look off.

Balance

Symmetry (same on both sides) is classic; asymmetry (varied elements that still feel balanced) is more modern.

Unity and Harmony

All elements should feel like they belong together. Pick a theme and stick with it.

Want more guidance? Hire a landscape designer to bring these principles to life.

The Landscape Design Process (Step by Step)

1. Site Analysis: Look at the land, sun, shade, soil, and views.
2. Needs Assessment: What do you want? A BBQ space? Kids’ play area? Shade?
3. Conceptual Design: Create rough sketches and layout ideas.
4. Design Development: Finalize materials, plants, and features.
5. Implementation: Build it! This includes grading, planting, and installing irrigation.

We cover the full process in our ultimate guide to landscape installation.

Sustainable Practices for Phoenix Valley Yards

Arizona’s dry climate means we need to design with sustainability in mind.

Use Native Plants

They thrive in local conditions with less water and maintenance. Low-maintenance landscape ideas make your yard beautiful without all the upkeep.

Install Efficient Irrigation

Drip systems save water by watering roots directly. Smart timers can adjust based on the season.

Reduce Lawn Area

Lawns need a lot of water. Use gravel, groundcovers, or artificial turf instead.

Permeable Surfaces

Pavers or gravel let water soak into the ground instead of creating runoff.

Final Thoughts: What Does Landscape Design Include?

Landscape design isn’t just about plants—it’s a blend of beauty, function, and sustainability. Whether you’re dreaming of a desert retreat or a family-friendly backyard, it all starts with a good plan.

At Kevens Landscape, we specialize in creating custom outdoor spaces for Phoenix Valley homes. Our team can help with everything from design to build, whether you want a built-in grill, a new patio, or a low-water landscape that fits Arizona’s climate.

Ready to bring your dream yard to life? Contact Kevens Landscape today for a free consultation!