Short answer: professional desert landscaping (xeriscape) in Arizona usually costs about $5 to $20 per square foot, or roughly $5,000 to $20,000 for a 1,000 sq ft yard. Doing some of the work yourself can bring that down to about $1 to $5 per sq ft. City grass removal rebates can cover part of the bill.
Typical cost by yard size
| Area converted | Professional install ($5–$20/sq ft) |
|---|---|
| 500 sq ft | $2,500 – $10,000 |
| 1,000 sq ft | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $10,000 – $40,000 |
Calculated from the $5–$20 per sq ft Arizona range published by Lawn by Season (updated July 2026). Simple rock-and-plants yards land near the bottom; yards with pavers, turf or walls land near the top.
What goes into the price
| Item | Typical installed cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Grass removal and haul-away | $0.88 – $1.84 / sq ft | Phoenix figure from Lawn by Season |
| Decorative rock | $0.85 – $1.60 / sq ft | From our rock guide (Phoenix prices) |
| Artificial turf | $8 – $16 / sq ft | See turf cost guide |
| Pavers or flagstone | $8 – $26+ / sq ft | See paver patio cost guide |
| Plants and drip irrigation | Varies | Depends on plant count and size. Ask for a plant list with sizes (1-gallon, 5-gallon, 15-gallon) and prices. |
Grass removal rebates
- Phoenix: $2 per sq ft for removing at least 250 sq ft of live grass. You must be pre-approved and get a Notice to Proceed before removing anything. Work done earlier doesn't qualify.
- Chandler, Scottsdale, Glendale and others have their own programs and caps. See our rebates by city guide.
- Rules change and funds can run out, so confirm with your water provider before you sign a contract.
Why Arizona homeowners convert
- Water: University of Arizona Extension notes that a Bermuda grass lawn needs more than 55 inches of irrigation a year, compared with less than 18 inches for an average xeriscape, and that converting turf can cut outdoor water use by about 50%.
- Upkeep: a study cited by UA Extension found xeriscape yards saved about $206 a year in maintenance compared with turf.
- Heat: plan shade trees and plants, not just rock. Bare rock in full sun gets very hot and reflects heat onto the house.
Ways to keep the cost down
- Do it in phases: front yard first, backyard later.
- Use rock and native plants for most of the area, and save turf and pavers for the spots you use.
- Keep healthy existing trees and convert the sprinklers you have to drip instead of starting over.
- Plant in fall. It's the best planting season in the low desert, and plants need less water to get established.
How to compare quotes
- Ask each contractor to price the same plan: square footage, rock type and depth, plant list and irrigation.
- Check whether grass removal, weed barrier, grading and haul-away are included.
- Ask who handles the rebate paperwork and timing.
- Hire an ROC-licensed contractor for jobs of $1,000 or more. Why it matters →
Find licensed xeriscape pros by city
More Arizona cost guides
Sources
- Lawn by Season: Xeriscape cost in Arizona (updated July 2026)
- Lawn by Season: Artificial turf cost in Phoenix (Apr 2026), grass removal figures
- City of Phoenix: Residential grass removal incentives
- University of Arizona Extension: Conversion of Turf Areas in Arizona (AZ2115, 2025)
Prices last checked Nov 7, 2026. These are published ranges, not quotes. Your price depends on your yard, materials and contractor, so get 2–3 written quotes.