How to Get Free (or Cheap) Landscaping in Tucson

Transforming your backyard into a beautiful oasis doesn’t have to break the bank. In Tucson, there are several programs and community initiatives that can help you save money while making your outdoor space thrive. Here’s how you can take advantage of these opportunities.

TEP “Trees for You” Program

The TEP “Trees for You” program offers TEP customers up to two shade trees at a discounted price of $5 each. These trees not only enhance the beauty of your property but also provide much-needed shade, which can help reduce your energy costs.

Tucson Clean and Beautiful

Tucson Clean and Beautiful offers a variety of programs to help residents plant trees and create sustainable landscapes. Their Trees for Tucson initiative provides low-cost trees to cool your home and beautify the neighborhood.

Free Plant Stands

Across Tucson, Free Plant N Garden Stands are set up for the community to exchange plants and seeds at no cost. This is a great way to find new plants for your garden and share your own surplus with others.

Tucson Seed Library

The Tucson Seed Library, available at Pima County Libraries allows you to get access to seeds, at no cost, to plant and grow at home. To participate, just get your free library card. It’s an excellent resource for finding a variety of seeds suited to our desert climate.

Rainwater Harvesting Rebate

If you are a Tucson Water customer, you can get up to a $2,000 rebate for installing a rainwater harvesting system. There are a lot of guidelines you must follow in order to get the rebate, and you're required to take the free rainwater harvesting workshop before being able to qualify for the rebate, but your commitment to water conservation will be rewarded from this generous rebate.

Ask For Cuttings

Cactus and many other desert plans are really easy to propagate. Often times it's as easy as cutting off a piece of the plant, letting it dry out for a week or two, and sticking it in the ground. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on new desert plans for landscaping, reach out to neighbors and friends for cactus and plant cuttings. You can also search Facebook Marketplace. There are always people offering cactus cuttings at little to no cost. It’s a cost-effective way to add diversity to your landscape.

Other Budget-Friendly Tips

• Attend local plant swaps or gardening clubs for free or low-cost plants.
• Use local rocks and stones for natural, low-maintenance landscaping.
• Implement xeriscaping principles to reduce water usage and maintenance costs.

By tapping into these resources and getting creative with your landscaping, you can enjoy a beautiful backyard without spending a lot of money.

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