Based on ALCA Sustainable Landscape Management Practices
Maintaining a landscape in Phoenix and Scottsdale’s desert climate requires a thoughtful approach. By following best practices in tree pruning, shrub pruning, irrigation maintenance, and water scheduling, homeowners can preserve the health of their landscape while maximizing sustainability.
This guide mirrors the specifications used in professional landscape plans, following the Arizona Landscape Contractors Association (ALCA) Sustainable Landscape Management (SLM) guidelines to ensure best practices in long-term maintenance.
For additional reference:
ALCA Sustainable Landscape Management: ALCA SLM Guide
The Sustainable Landscape Management Book: Google Books Preview
Tree Pruning
Proper tree pruning is essential for structural integrity, longevity, and safety. Over-pruning or incorrect pruning techniques can weaken trees, making them more vulnerable to pests, disease, and extreme weather.
Best Practices for Tree Pruning
- Prune at the Right Time
- Most desert trees should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
- Avoid pruning in hot summer months, as it can stress the tree.
- Some species, like mesquites and palo verdes, may require light pruning in monsoon season to reduce storm damage.
- Follow the "Less is More" Rule
- Never remove more than 25% of a tree’s canopy in a single pruning session.
- Over-pruning can lead to sunburn, weak regrowth, and pest vulnerability.
- Use Proper Pruning Techniques
- Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches first.
- Make clean cuts at the branch collar (the swollen area where the branch meets the trunk).
- Avoid "lion-tailing" (removing too many inner branches), which weakens structure.
- Shape for Strength & Balance
- For trees like palo verdes and acacias, thin the canopy strategically to allow wind to pass through, reducing breakage risk.
- Ensure branches have good spacing to prevent crossing and rubbing.
What to Avoid
- Tree Topping: Never cut off the top of a tree—it leads to weak, unstable regrowth.
- Heavy Pruning in Summer: Can cause sunburn and stress, leading to decline.
- Over-Thinning: Can remove too much shade and expose sensitive branches to heat damage.
For more details on proper tree pruning techniques, refer to:
ALCA Plant Pruning Guide: View Here
Shrub Pruning
Shrub maintenance is about enhancing growth, maintaining structure, and encouraging blooms while preventing overgrowth and pest issues.
Best Practices for Shrub Pruning
- Prune at the Right Time for Each Species
- Spring bloomers (e.g., Texas sage, oleander) should be pruned after blooming.
- Summer bloomers (e.g., bird of paradise) should be pruned in early spring before growth starts.
- For evergreen shrubs, light pruning throughout the year maintains shape without excessive stress.
- Use Selective Thinning Over Shearing
- Instead of shearing shrubs into geometric shapes, thin individual branches to preserve a natural look and allow air circulation.
- Over-shearing leads to dense outer foliage and a barren interior, reducing plant health.
- Rejuvenation Pruning
- For overgrown shrubs, cut back one-third of the oldest stems to encourage new growth.
- For some species, cutting back to near ground level every few years encourages vigorous regrowth.
- Shape Matters
- Trim shrubs to follow their natural growth pattern instead of forcing unnatural forms.
- Allow lower branches to remain fuller to shade soil and reduce evaporation.
Reference: ALCA Plant Pruning Schedule: View Here
Irrigation Maintenance
Water is the most critical factor in maintaining a healthy landscape in the Sonoran Desert. A well-maintained irrigation system ensures water efficiency, reducing waste and keeping plants hydrated without overwatering.
Irrigation Maintenance Checklist
- Check for Leaks & Broken Components
- Walk through your landscape monthly to inspect emitters, drip lines, and sprinkler heads for leaks or blockages.
- Replace clogged or broken parts promptly to prevent water waste.
- Adjust Watering Schedules Seasonally
- Plants require less frequent watering in cooler months (fall/winter).
- Increase watering gradually as temperatures rise in spring.
- Flush the System Regularly
- Once every few months, flush drip irrigation lines to remove sediment buildup.
- Check filters and pressure regulators to ensure they’re working correctly.
- Monitor Water Pressure
- Excessive pressure can lead to drip emitter blowouts and uneven watering.
- Use a pressure regulator to maintain consistent flow.
- Upgrade to Smart Irrigation Controls
- Consider a smart controller that adjusts watering schedules based on weather conditions.
- Use rain sensors to prevent unnecessary watering after storms.
Reference: ALCA Irrigation Maintenance Guidelines: View Here
Water Scheduling: When & How Much to Water
General Watering Guidelines
- Water Deeply & Less Frequently
- Encourage deep root growth by watering for longer durations rather than short, frequent bursts.
- Early Morning is Best
- Water before sunrise to reduce evaporation and allow soil to absorb moisture efficiently.
- Adjust for Seasonal Needs
- Summer: Water deeply and infrequently to sustain plants through high heat.
- Winter: Reduce watering frequency to prevent overwatering.
Sample Watering Schedule (Drip Irrigation)
Season
Trees (Weekly)
Shrubs (Weekly)
Groundcovers (Weekly)
Winter
Every 10-14 Days
Every 7-10 Days
Every 5-7 Days
Spring
Every 7-10 Days
Every 5-7 Days
Every 3-5 Days
Summer
Every 5-7 Days
Every 3-5 Days
Every 2-3 Days
Fall
Every 7-10 Days
Every 5-7 Days
Every 3-5 Days
Reference: ALCA Sustainable Watering Practices: View Here
Final Thoughts: Sustainable Landscape Maintenance Made Easy
By following these best practices, homeowners can maintain healthy, sustainable landscapes that thrive in the desert while minimizing water waste and unnecessary maintenance.
Need help planning a low-maintenance landscape? Let’s create a design that works with the environment, not against it. Reach out today!
