Cactus Vs. Trees (Phoenix, Scottsdale, Cave Creek: landscaping, condo, homes)

[sunshinecities]

I notice in many places trees are being planted - where new developments go up. I am not a AZ resident - I LOVE cactus. Are they actually taking out the cactus to put in the trees and are the trees native to AZ? I prefer the natural desert look and wish AZ could be preserved that way in more places.
What are others thoughts on this?

[vegaspilgrim]

The vast majority of development occurs on former farmland-- land where the desert was already subdivided and plowed over years ago. Most of the East Valley, West Valley, and Central/South Phoenix are like this. Areas like north Scottsdale, Anthem, far north Phoenix or Cave Creek were built straight over the virgin desert. Usually the saguaros will be dug up and replanted.

[sablebaby]

Yep, when new development comes in in a desert area they just dig up everything and transplant any big cacti. They want a flat piece of land all dirt to build on. Then when the newly built homes do landscaping they (the builders or new owners) decide what they want in their yards. I happen to have all grass, one BIG green tree in the front and two orange trees in the backyard. I don't really care for cactus. Most homes have gravel with small green bushes and small trees (palm trees, etc), maybe with a cactus (small one usually) or no cactus and some flowers.

[sheena]

Originally Posted by sunshinecities

I notice in many places trees are being planted - where new developments go up. I am not a AZ resident - I LOVE cactus. Are they actually taking out the cactus to put in the trees and are the trees native to AZ? I prefer the natural desert look and wish AZ could be preserved that way in more places.
What are others thoughts on this?

There's still plenty of cactus and natural desert look everywhere. I used to love the big cactus too and the desert plants, colored rocks etc. Then I started going out of my way to drive through neighborhoods with big green trees, I was thirsting for green I couldn't take it anymore

You'll be fine, plenty of desert everywhere. The SE Valley is trying to do this old fashioned back east tree lined theme these days as well as the west side with their little old fashioned looking towns.

[AZ_singlemother]

I grew up in a green area - W Washington. But I realize this is a desert and I personally prefer to see cacti. When my place went condo, they got rid of the cacti

[BillyBaroo]

The good thing about trees is they help counter the urban heat island effect.

[riffrandall]

The deset trees here are gorgeous. Right now they are blooming and have nice color. Many new developments plant a mix of cactus and trees, it looks like an oasis - very nice!

[cbang]

The cactus are always replanted elsewhere, as they must be tagged. Generally speaking people from OUTSIDE of AZ love the cactus and desert-look, but once you live here a while that look as well as the prickly-type plants get really really old. GREEN becomes very appealing, which is why central Phoenix is such a popular spot.

[Ponderosa]

Speak for yourself. I have been here many, many years. I have NEVER tired of looking at the desert. I don't mean the plantings in the city, I mean the real desert surrounding the Phoenix area. Not to say I don't enjoy green, too. But the light, the angles, the contrast, the diversity of plant life, and the raw geology in the desert is endlessly fascinating.

[cbang]

I guess what I meant was that the typical rock yard with a couple of cactus doesn't really compare to a lush yard with mature shade trees. But yes, the NATURAL desert around Phoenix is awesome in its own natural way.