Creating a Desert Oasis with Minimal Upkeep in a Tucson Backyard

By LawnZ

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Their newly built home in Tucson was nestled in the heart of a breathtaking desert landscape, surrounded by rugged mountains. While the yard had a few plants and some gravel, it was mostly bare and filled with exposed soil. Both in terms of functionality and appearance, there was plenty of opportunity for enhancement.

Preparing the Blank Canvas for Pool Excavation
As the final touches were being made on the home, the pool construction kicked off.
The narrow side yard, with its deep shade and high walls, was considered a lower priority in the overall design plan.
Thoughtfully selected plants, including a standout desert willow in the corner, were arranged to mimic the natural landscape’s plant distribution, helping to minimize water usage.

DESERT DESIGN

One thing was clear: the design had to honor the desert. “The desert views were a major selling point,” Brando explained. “We wanted the backyard to feel like it was part of that striking landscape.”

No matter what design they chose, it needed to preserve the scenic views and incorporate plants and materials that blended with the natural surroundings. Water conservation was also a top priority. “Our dogs needed a place to play, but having a lawn was off the table due to water usage,” Leo added.

A section of artificial turf provides a designated area for the dogs while minimizing water use. The turf weaves between travertine “steppers,” creating a seamless transition between the patio and turf.

Ornamental plants were also a priority, but they had to thrive in the hot, arid environment. “We wanted plants to soften the look of the yard, but also needed to keep water consumption low,” Brando explained.

Staying cool was essential, with shaded outdoor areas and a planned pool being key features. “We already had designs from a pool contractor, but we needed LawnZ’s expertise to create a cohesive landscape around the pool that offered additional ways to beat the heat,” said Leo.

FORM

“We’re both drawn to modern aesthetics, and we knew our yard needed elements of that style to truly reflect who we are,” Brando explained.

Square “stepper” pavers, which are often made from poured concrete, were given a more traditional and heat-resistant update by using travertine.

At the same time, they aimed to be mindful of the neighborhood’s character. “This isn’t an ultra-modern area, so we wanted to ensure the design would appeal to future buyers if we ever decided to move,” Brando shared.

Finding the perfect style required balance: modern but not overly so, natural yet clearly designed, timeless yet bold.

FUNCTION

Enough about aesthetics—what will you actually do in your new yard? “An outdoor kitchen was our top priority, along with a comfortable space for entertaining,” said Leo. It was also crucial to keep the area dog-friendly and low-maintenance.

The spacious countertop serves dual purposes as a prep area and a casual gathering spot.

Maintaining a cool surface underfoot was also essential. “I grew up in Arizona, and the wrong type of paving can become unbearably hot,” Brando noted. Especially around the pool, the paving had to stay comfortable for bare feet.

THE DESIGN

In both function and form, LawnZ’s design expertly addresses the specific challenges of this project.

The pool anchors one side of the yard, while the outdoor kitchen is situated on the opposite side. A modest patch of artificial turf lines the back fence, which features a simple metal design that provides unobstructed views of the desert landscape.

A baja shelf, complete with a mounted umbrella, is positioned to face the panoramic view.

The kitchen is set on a spacious area of travertine stone pavers, which extends toward the house to cover a patio space. The paving creates a unified flow, while the L-shaped kitchen and the patio roof overhang provide some spatial separation.

The decision to use travertine was driven by both function and style. “Travertine stays relatively cool under the sun and features warm neutral tones that complement the desert setting,” Brando explained. This choice helps address the issue of hot surfaces and keeps ground temperatures cooler in the backyard.

A single expanse of travertine paving creates a smooth connection between the kitchen and the covered patio.

To achieve a modern look, LawnZ’s design incorporates oversized “stepper” pavers interspersed with patches of artificial turf.

The yard’s open layout, where each area seamlessly flows into the next, enhances the modern aesthetic. At the same time, the wicker lounge furniture and the creamy tones of the cushions and umbrellas provide a nod to traditional style, echoing the tan hues of the house, paving, and surrounding landscape.

The kitchen similarly blends modern and traditional elements, featuring a sleek stainless steel grill and cool gray countertop alongside natural stone walls and counter inlays.

THE INSTALLATION

How did the transition from design to construction go for their new landscape? “Great!” said Leo. “LawnZ promptly connected us with a local contractor, and we were able to begin the installation process immediately.”

Ground-breaking began with excavation of the pool.
The oversized “steppers” were crafted from travertine pavers rather than the usual poured concrete.
The kitchen design featured stone finishes applied over a CMU (concrete masonry unit) structure.
Preparing for a section of poolside turf and a strip of border planting.
Rebar installation for the custom pool.
The pool design features a baja shelf, perfect for enjoying the scenic view.

Before breaking ground, Brando and Leo worked closely with their contractor to make a few adjustments. They added a wall to conceal pool equipment and reduced the number of plants to better meet their low-water goals.

They also decided to construct the large “stepper” pavers from the same travertine used for the patio, rather than the typical concrete. “I’m thrilled that we could use a traditional stone material for a modern paving design,” Leo said.

Aside from these changes, the yard was installed exactly as planned. “I wasn’t surprised that everything went so smoothly, but it was still incredible to see the new yard come together so quickly,” Brando remarked.

The outcome? “We love our new yard. It allows us to fully enjoy outdoor living, and more importantly, it truly feels like us,” Brando added.

Light fixtures are positioned to cast light downward, reducing light pollution while ensuring the pool remains usable after dark.

DESIGNING YOUR LOW-MAINTENANCE BACKYARD OASIS

LawnZ’s award-winning online landscaping design service caters to clients across all fifty states in the U.S. Our process starts with a thorough understanding of your space, design ideas, and aesthetic preferences, along with a discussion about your budget and vision to ensure no surprises during the build.

Our expert designers then craft a customized vision for your yard, presented through 3D renderings, 2D plan drawings, and detailed lists of plants and materials. This design will achieve the look, feel, and functionality you desire, all while keeping costs in check.

Once your design is finalized, we’ll assist you in connecting with a local contractor from our Pro Network of vetted professional landscapers to bring your new design to life (if DIY isn’t your plan).

Ready to enhance your curb appeal or backyard with a professional design and remodel that realizes your vision? Create your design profile or explore our design packages today!

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