Questions about landscaping (tree suggestion + planting next to pool)

[HX_Guy]

Originally Posted by MN-Born-n-Raised

I think you need to add something. Right now the front yard looks flat. Maybe add a small hedge in front of the sidewalk. Or build up a 3 course brick wall (adding dirt behind it) in the front of the house. Or possibly some tan cement colored curbs (that you shape and add dirt to give it contour). Something to give it some slope or depth versus all one level. Maybe a small berm?

See Curbing done by Creative Edgings of Jacksonville, FL

There will be some mounding and countering, plus a few boulders, it won't look as flat as the image.

[HX_Guy]

Originally Posted by R_Cowgirl

This might help on your pygmy palm question - How to Plant a Pygmy Date Palm | eHow

As far as the front yard - one consideration - (and I know you really didn't ask this, but I REALLY REALLY wish I had been told this when I landscaped my yard) -- If your back yard isn't maintained for a little while and there's a wall around it, you're OK. If your front yard isn't kept up to date in a community with an HOA, you're going to hear about it. So, I'm going to give you some plain ol' cowgirl advice and you can take it or leave it: buy red rock - tons of it - and put it in the front yard. You can build a nice berm, put some cool trees or Ocotillo, or a Mexican Bird of Paradise, or an agave plant for an accent. Desert landscaping is so much easier to maintain over the long haul and will look attractive with very little maintenance.

Just sayin' - I would NOT plant grass in the front yard. The first year it looks great. 2nd year, still not bad. 3rd year you start to wonder why you planted grass. 4th year it starts to get all weedy and harder to manage. 5th year you have to go out and rework it - especially in Phoenix. The dirt just gets compacted, the grass gets splotchy, re-seeding and scalping the lawn every year gets to be a pain no matter how many yard people you employ to assist. Not to mention desert landscaping cuts way down on water bills and the need to have a watering system in the front yard. Xeriscaping - Phoenix Home & Garden and Xeriscaping Phoenix Design Ideas, Pictures, Remodel, and Decor

Have fun! And think down the road, especially if you plan on only living there 5 years or so.

Oh no...I looove me some grass.

[Roger427]

I like some grass too but put it in the backyard where you will spend your time.

[MalteseJane]

Originally Posted by patrick85395

Swan Hill Fruitless Olive is one of the best tree to grow here (www.swanhill.com), IMHO.... Tough, drought tolerant, grown locally, cold hearty, and evergreen with silver-green leaves.

I was going to mention the fruitless olive.

[patrick85395]

Swan Hill's are a little pricey relative to other trees, but well worth it. I think that I paid about $500/tree + $175/tree to plant for a 36" box. I have planted five on my property. During last winter's freeze my neighbor's trees were severely damaged from the frost. My Olives suffered zero damage. I water them once a week in the summer and one a month during the winter.

Live Oaks are also wonderful choice. Slow-growing, but evergreen, hearty and look good when they share the landscape with olive trees.