Designing a Water-Smart Landscape in Las Vegas: A Guide
Stone Steps Landscaping Las Vegas
Designing a water-smart landscape in Las Vegas is not only a practical necessity, its also an opportunity to create a beautiful and sustainable outdoor space.
Designing a Water-Smart Landscape in Las Vegas: A Guide - Stone Steps Landscaping Las Vegas
Stone Steps Landscaping Las Vegas
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This city, known for its vibrant nightlife and bustling casinos, is situated in the heart of a desert. Best vegas landscapers Nevada. Therefore, its critical that the landscapes in this area are designed to be water-smart, to help conserve this precious resource.
The first thing you need to know when it comes to designing a water-smart landscape is that the choice of plants is of utmost importance. You cant just pick any plant you like, oh no!
Designing a Water-Smart Landscape in Las Vegas: A Guide - Front Yard Xeriscape Las Vegas
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The plants you choose must be well adapted to the desert environment. Common choices include desert marigold, red yucca, and agave plants. These are not only beautiful, but they also require minimal watering.
Of course, theres more to it than just choosing the right plants (important as that is). You also need to consider the layout of your landscape. Make sure to place plants that require similar amounts of water together. This strategy, often referred to as hydrozoning, can significantly reduce the amount of water used for irrigation.
Another important aspect to consider is the use of mulch. Mulch can greatly reduce evaporation, helping to retain water in the soil. But remember, not all mulch is created equal! Organic mulches, such as wood chips or compost, are generally more effective at retaining water than inorganic ones, like gravel or pebbles.
Also, consider integrating a rainwater harvesting system into your landscape design. Rainwater, although not abundant in Las Vegas, can be a valuable source of irrigation when it does fall. Plus, its free!
Lets not forget about maintenance, either. Regularly checking your irrigation system for leaks, over-spray or run-off is a must. This is because even the smallest leak can lead to a significant waste of water over time.
In conclusion, designing a water-smart landscape in Las Vegas isnt only about choosing desert-friendly plants. Its also about effective layout, smart irrigation practices, and regular maintenance. You dont need a green thumb to do it, just a little bit of knowledge and planning. And remember, every drop of water saved is a contribution to the sustainability of this beautiful city. So, lets do our part, shall we?
Designing a Water-Smart Landscape in Las Vegas: A Guide - Stone Steps Landscaping Las Vegas
Sustainable landscape design is a modern kind of horticulture or landscape design that takes the ecological issue of sustainability into account. According to Loehrlein in 2009 this consists of design, building and management of domestic and industrial gardens and incorporates organic lawn monitoring and organic horticulture techniques.
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About Landscape ecology
Landscape ecology is the science of examining and improving partnerships between eco-friendly processes in the environment and certain environments. This is done within a selection of landscape scales, growth spatial patterns, and organizational levels of research study and plan. Landscape ecology can be called the science of "landscape diversity" as the synergetic result of biodiversity and geodiversity. As a very interdisciplinary area in systems science, landscape ecology integrates biophysical and analytical strategies with humanistic and all natural point of views throughout the natural sciences and social scientific researches. Landscapes are spatially heterogeneous geographic locations characterized by varied communicating patches or ecosystems, ranging from reasonably natural terrestrial and aquatic systems such as forests, meadows, and lakes to human-dominated settings including farming and metropolitan settings. The most significant qualities of landscape ecology are its emphasis on the connection among pattern, process and scales, and its focus on broad-scale eco-friendly and environmental issues. These necessitate the coupling in between biophysical and socioeconomic sciences. Secret research subjects in landscape ecology include eco-friendly flows in landscape mosaics, land use and land cover change, scaling, connecting landscape pattern evaluation with eco-friendly procedures, and landscape conservation and sustainability. Landscape ecology likewise studies the duty of human effect on landscape diversity in the growth and dispersing of new human pathogens that can activate epidemics.
In 1952, reclusive casino and film executive Howard Hughes purchased 30,000 acres (12,000 ha) of land along the western edge of the Las Vegas Valley for $3 per acre in an area valued at $1.27 million in 2022 USD, according to development company, Howard Hughes Holdings.[2]
Despite initial intentions to reposition some of his business operations in Nevada, Hughes eventually chose not to relocate his core companies.[3] Even though Hughes did not relocate operations, he became the largest single land owner in Nevada by the early 1970s and, for a time, the largest employer in the state with over 8,000 on his payroll.[3] The land remained largely undeveloped for decades. In the mean time, the first large-scale master-planned community in Nevada, Green Valley in Henderson, began development
After Hughes' death in 1976 from kidney failure, his heirs organized the Summa Corporation (now Howard Hughes Holdings), named for Hughes's paternal grandmother Jean Amelia Summerlin, to manage his businesses and land holdings.[3][4][5]
To mitigate environmental impact, Summa Corporation made a deal with the Bureau of Land Management in which they traded 5,000 acres of environmentally sensitive land for 3,000 acres of land better suited for development.[6] After this environmental concern was addressed, development began. By the end of 1990, the construction of its first residential area, park, and school had been completed. In 1994, Summa Corporation rebranded itself as the Howard Hughes Corporation and continued to develop new areas of Summerlin.[3]
The Great Recession led to a temporary slowdown in new construction within Summerlin.[3] However, development activity increased significantly after 2014, highlighted by the opening of Downtown Summerlin, a 106-acre development featuring retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues.[7]
Summers tend to be very hot and very dry, with daily highs often exceeding 100 °F (38 °C); temperatures as high as 118 degrees have been observed. The spring and fall seasons are generally sunny, warm, and dry, with daily highs in the 70s and 80s. Winters tend to be cool and windy, with daily highs in the 50s; temperatures seldom drop below freezing, and snowfall is rare, but some rain is common (especially in January and February).[9]
Downtown Summerlin is a 400-acre (160 ha) mixed-use district. It opened in 2014, and includes a 106-acre (43 ha) shopping center with more than 125 shops, bars, and restaurants.[22] It also features office and residential space.[23][24][25] In addition, Downtown Summerlin also includes two sports facilities:[26]
Local events are held in Downtown Summerlin throughout the year, including an annual art festival,[29][30] outdoor fitness classes, wine walks, holiday festivals, and visits from celebrity guest speakers.[citation needed]
The city's NHL franchise, the Vegas Golden Knights, practice at City National Arena in Summerlin. The arena also offers skating lessons, hosts youth and adult amateur hockey leagues, and trains competitive figure skaters.[32]
The UNLV Hockey team plays its home games at City National Arena in Summerlin.
Large community parks, which are available for free public use, are located throughout Summerlin. As of 2018[update], there are 25 community parks that feature a variety of recreational amenities, which may include: community centers, barbecue areas, walking trails, playgrounds, swimming pools, interactive water features, soccer fields, baseball fields, football fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, volleyball courts, bocce ball and shuffleboard courts, and motorized toy areas. In addition, the parks with community centers typically offer special events, classes, and children's camps.[33] Swimming pool access, sports field and court registration and league participation, facility rentals, and classes require a Summerlin identification card issued only to owners and tenants who live in an area governed by a Summerlin HOA.[34][35]
As of 2018, the Summerlin Trail System is more than 150 miles long and connects local neighborhoods to various amenities throughout the community.[36] The system includes five types of planned trails: street-side, village, bike, regional, and natural.
Upon completion, the trail system will be more than 200 miles long and will connect to more than 2,000 miles of regional trails, making it one of the most comprehensive and efficient trail systems in the southwestern United States.
In 2008, Summerlin and the Howard Hughes Corporation received the American Trails Developer Award, which is given to developers in recognition of "quality, well designed multi-use trails systems that are integrated into private developments."[37]
The adjacent Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area offers 26 hiking trails (ranging in difficulty from easy to strenuous). The canyon is also suitable for bouldering and rock climbing and has an overnight camp site.[38]
In addition to the above-listed public schools, some Summerlin residents may be zoned for schools located just outside of the Summerlin boundaries (many families in Summerlin South, for example, are zoned for Durango High School in nearby Spring Valley).[39]
In addition to local government (either the City of Las Vegas or Clark County depending on jurisdiction), Summerlin is divided into community associations covering the north, south, west, and center, as well as separate community associations for Sun City Summerlin and the two gated country club developments (Siena and Red Red Country Club).[40][41] Homeowners and business owners contribute into each community association through monthly dues. The four main community associations contribute into and send representatives to the Summerlin Council, which is the owner and operator of the community centers and adjoining parks, swimming pools, and sports facilities in the community.[42] In addition, individual villages or townhome developments may have their own homeowners associations to govern their neighborhoods. Properties are also in a special improvement district to pay for public infrastructure, which is assessed annually as a bond payment.[43]
The Summerlin Hospital Medical Center, a private hospital operated by the Valley Health System, provides 485 beds to the local community. It is an accredited Chest Pain Center and Primary Stroke Center. Other features include: the Children's Medical Center, the Breast Care Center, the Cancer Center, the Rehab Center, and the Robotic Surgery Center. Its 40-acre campus is located in The Crossings village of Summerlin North.[44]
^Except for Summerlin South (which is within unincorporated Clark County and is a census-designated place). Neither Summerlin nor Summerlin South are municipalities, towns, or cities of their own. Keep in mind, the term "unincorporated" as in unincorporated towns has specific legal definition in Nevada. [1]
^PILOTS - Frequently Asked Questions. "The first few days of orientation are usually spent at Allegiant Air Headquarters in the Summerlin community in Las Vegas, NV". Accessed 13 July 2020.
Top Landscaping Trends for Las Vegas Homes in 2025
As Las Vegas grows, so does its love for bold, modern, and sustainable outdoor spaces. This year, homeowners are embracing a fresh wave of landscaping trends tailored to desert living.
First on the list is artificial turf with stone borders. This combo offers clean lines and low maintenance—perfect for front yards and pet areas. No more brown spots or weekend lawn care!
Next, fire pits and hardscape lounges are turning backyards into true outdoor living rooms. Paver patios surrounded by succulents and native plants create a cozy yet contemporary vibe.
Vertical gardens are gaining popularity for small side yards and privacy screens. Paired with lighting and sleek fencing, they bring life to otherwise unused spaces.
Sustainability is key. Homeowners are choosing smart irrigation systems, solar lighting, and permeable pavers to reduce water use and runoff.
These trends prove that you can have a stylish, functional yard in Las Vegas without sacrificing comfort or conservation. Ready to refresh your landscape?
The Ultimate Guide to Drought-Tolerant Landscaping in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is known for its sunshine and dry desert climate, making water conservation a top priority for homeowners. Drought-tolerant landscaping isn’t just eco-friendly—it’s practical and beautiful too.
One of the best ways to save water is by embracing xeriscaping. This landscaping method uses native and drought-resistant plants like agave, desert spoon, and red yucca. These plants not only survive in Las Vegas heat but thrive with minimal irrigation.
Replacing traditional grass with artificial turf or decorative gravel is another popular choice. Not only does it reduce water bills, but it also keeps your lawn looking fresh year-round without mowing or fertilising.
Adding mulch to your garden beds helps retain soil moisture and prevent evaporation. Pair this with a smart drip irrigation system, and you’ll be watering efficiently without waste.
Drought-tolerant doesn’t mean dull. With the right design, you can create a vibrant landscape full of colour, texture, and curb appeal—all while protecting Las Vegas’ precious water resources.