Serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa, and Tempe across the East Valley.
Connect the water to the rest of the yard
Choose complete desert-context environments, not isolated material samples.
- Integration with pools and outdoor-living areas
- Arizona climate-aware plant palettes and materials
- One coordinated source for the outdoor plan
Our scope
What does Phoenix hardscape and landscape design include?
HardscapeHardscape
- Pavers
- Travertine, porcelain, and stone decking
- Concrete and cool-deck surfaces
- Pool decks, walkways, and patios
- Retaining and planter walls
- Drive extensions
Landscape
- Full-yard landscape design
- Desert-adaptive planting
- Artificial turf and real SOD
- Drip irrigation systems and retrofits
- Landscape lighting design and installation
- Pool and outdoor-living integration
Landscape
Decking decisions
Which decking options fit a Phoenix backyard?
Decking should be selected for the way the yard will be used, not only for how a sample looks. Compare heat exposure, wet-foot traffic, drainage, maintenance, the surrounding architecture, and the transition into planting beds before choosing a surface.
Modern Pools can coordinate concrete pavers, travertine, porcelain, natural stone, concrete, and cool-deck surfaces with the pool, walkways, patios, walls, and planting plan. Each material has a different look and installation requirement, so the right choice depends on the property and the complete outdoor-living plan.
- Concrete paversCreate pattern and color flexibility across pool decks, paths, and patios.
- Travertine and natural stoneAdd a natural stone look that can connect the pool edge to walls, steps, and planting.
- Porcelain and concrete surfacesSupport a clean, coordinated finish when the product, base, drainage, and installation are appropriate for exterior use.
- Transitions and drainagePlan joints, edges, grade changes, and planting-bed transitions before the surface is installed.
For a closer comparison, read Travertine vs Pavers for an Arizona Pool Deck. Homeowners considering an update to an existing deck can also review the best pool deck resurfacing options.
Desert planting
How should desert planting and shade work together?
Phoenix landscape design starts with the sun path, reflected heat, views, and the places people want to sit or move. Plan shade structures, covered outdoor areas, shade trees, planting beds, and pool-deck transitions together so the yard feels comfortable and connected.
Choose planting for Arizona sun, mature size, irrigation access, and the amount of maintenance the homeowner wants. Desert-adaptive plants, decorative rock, turf, and selected accent planting can create a welcoming setting when each zone has a clear purpose.
Shade
Place pergolas, covered seating, and shade trees around the areas that need daytime comfort while protecting views and keeping access clear.
Planting
Use a deliberate palette around paths, walls, pool edges, and outdoor rooms instead of filling every open area with the same treatment.
Irrigation
Coordinate drip lines, sleeves, and access before hardscape closes off the yard.
Transitions
Connect planting beds, gravel, turf, coping, and paving with intentional borders and grade changes.
Read Desert Landscaping Ideas for an Arizona Pool Area for more guidance on shade, decking, planting, irrigation, and pool-area layout.
Which landscape details matter in a Phoenix backyard?
Turf
Artificial turf and real SOD can create usable lawn areas, with clean borders and transitions to pool decks and planting beds.
Irrigation
Coordinate drip irrigation systems and retrofits with planting zones, turf, drainage, and hardscape access so water reaches the areas that need it without creating conflicts.
Lighting
Plan low-glare path and accent lighting for steps, paths, planting, walls, trees, pool areas, and outdoor rooms. Fixture locations and conduit should be coordinated before hardscape closes access.
Grading & drainage
Coordinate grading and drainage with the pool deck, planting zones, and outdoor-living areas.
Climate-aware planting
Choose plants for Arizona sun, reflected heat, mature size, irrigation access, and the homeowner's desired maintenance level.
Planning resources
What should you review before planning a Phoenix backyard?
Use these guides to compare surfaces, plan planting, and connect hardscape decisions to the way your family will use the yard.
See how the whole environment comes together
These are real Modern Pools projects, with concrete pavers, travertine, stacked stone, turf, and desert planting working together as one yard.
Planning a pool, remodel, or connected backyard project in Scottsdale? Explore the local project guide.
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