Desert Backyard Ideas
A desert backyard uses drought-tolerant plants, stone and shade to create a space that stays good-looking with very little water. It's ideal for hot, dry climates and anyone who wants to stop watering a lawn.
Try this style on your yardDesert Backyard: before & after
Same house, same angle. Only the landscaping changes.
Before
AfterWhat makes a desert xeriscape backyard
Plants
- Agave, yucca and sotol (desert spoon)
- Barrel cactus and prickly pear
- Red yucca, penstemon and desert marigold for color
- Palo verde or mesquite for light shade
Materials
- Decomposed granite ground cover
- River rock and large boulders
- Flagstone paths and steppers
- Drip irrigation instead of sprinklers
Features
- Dry creek beds that handle rare heavy rain
- Plants grouped in clusters with open gravel between
- Little or no lawn
- Boulder groupings as focal points
Design tips
Create shade first
In hot climates a desert backyard is only usable with shade. Plan a shade tree, pergola or sail over the seating area before choosing plants.
Keep a small cool zone
A patch of artificial turf, a small patio with potted plants or a water bowl can make a xeriscape backyard more comfortable for kids and pets.
Plan for heavy rain
Desert storms can be intense. A dry creek bed of river rock channels water away from the house and doubles as a design feature.
See a desert xeriscape design on your own yard
Upload a photo and we’ll preselect the backyard and desert xeriscape style for you. New accounts get 3 free designs.
1. Upload a photo of your yard
2. What are we designing?
3. Pick a style
Your redesigned yard will appear here.
Frequently asked questions
Will a desert backyard look bare?
Not if it's planted densely enough. Clusters of agave, grasses and flowering natives, plus boulders and a shade tree, make it feel full.
Is a xeriscape backyard cheaper to maintain?
Generally yes. Once plants are established, a xeriscape needs far less water, no mowing and only occasional pruning.