What Is Drought-Tolerant Landscaping?
Drought-tolerant landscaping is the practice of designing and installing outdoor spaces using low-water plants, drought-resistant shrubs, waterwise plants, and xeriscape grasses that require minimal supplemental irrigation to stay healthy and attractive. It's the foundation of every xeriscape design — the principle that your landscape should work with Scottsdale's climate rather than constantly fighting against it. According to the City of Scottsdale, outdoor water use accounts for approximately 70% of total residential water consumption in the Valley, making drought-tolerant landscaping one of the single most impactful changes a homeowner can make for both their utility bills and the region's long-term water security. And unlike traditional landscaping, a well-designed drought-tolerant yard actually looks better as Arizona's seasons progress rather than worse — because the plants are genuinely suited to the environment they're growing in.
