[Rhedrich]

We purchase house where the backyard face west and has old grass and some pretty dead bushes that all need to be removed. Want to go with desert scape with the rock flooring. Also want to plant some low water plants including trees and cacti. Looking for recommendation of hardy plants because I do not have a green thumb. My wife says I can just look at a plant and it will call it quit. Also I thought their are some rebate on this. Help need.

[airics]

Dead grass isn't eligible for the rebate... It has to be somewhat healthy. Do you own the property?

[Rhedrich]

Grass is alive the bushes are dead is their a rebate for removal of the grass

[MediocreButArrogant]

Let me google that for you

[Clarkcty]

Go with Palo Verde or Acacia for trees, both beautiful trees but if I have to choose between the two, I'll pick Palo Verde. Both have beautful yellow flowers. Palo Verde blooms last longer all the way to October. Acacia blooms have a very sweet scent. You can also plant a Chase tree, fast growing with purple flowers all summer. As far as xeriscaping, head on to the Springs Preserve and see what is planted there. Great place!

Red Yuccas are very hardy and should do well in a West facing backyard. It has long red stalk of flowers from Spring to Summer. Another hardy desert plant are the Lantanas. Succulents are nice on any backyard but you have to wrap them during Winter so if you don't feel like doing that chore on a regular basis, stay away from it. Aloe Vera is beautiful and thrive well here but you have to wrap the plant during Winter, especially during a freeze.

I could go on and on but I will just post photos of my yard later on with all the flowers blooming.

[jet757f]

Originally Posted by Clarkcty

Go with Palo Verde or Acacia for trees, both beautiful trees but if I have to choose between the two, I'll pick Palo Verde. Both have beautful yellow flowers. Palo Verde blooms last longer all the way to October. Acacia blooms have a very sweet scent. You can also plant a Chase tree, fast growing with purple flowers all summer. As far as xeriscaping, head on to the Springs Preserve and see what is planted there. Great place!

Red Yuccas are very hardy and should do well in a West facing backyard. It has long red stalk of flowers from Spring to Summer. Another hardy desert plant are the Lantanas. Succulents are nice on any backyard but you have to wrap them during Winter so if you don't feel like doing that chore on a regular basis, stay away from it. Aloe Vera is beautiful and thrive well here but you have to wrap the plant during Winter, especially during a freeze.

I could go on and on but I will just post photos of my yard later on with all the flowers blooming.

How are the trees you mentioned as far as dropping leaves and flowers? I like the Chaste tree as far as looks go.

[Clarkcty]

Originally Posted by jet757f

How are the trees you mentioned as far as dropping leaves and flowers? I like the Chaste tree as far as looks go.

Chaste tree is messy but manageable since it is a medium size tree, needles from the Palo Verde tree is easier to pick up since it does not fall off all at once. I chopped off the top part of the Palo Verde tree this year, borers. It is still living and buds are coming out now.

I have a very large beautiful Mesquite tree in front of my unit. It sheds early spring then the buds come out and soon after the pea pods. It takes me around two weeks of cleaning up the pea pods twice a day to clear the yard. Not really complaining since the trees add beauty to my area.