ASLA ARIZONA CLIMATE ACTION & BIODIVERSITY
MATERIALS
Materials & Place
Materials shape how landscapes perform and how much environmental impact they create. In Arizona’s desert environment, thoughtful material choices improve long term durability under intense heat and sun while reducing waste and emissions. Studies and local initiatives show that material reuse and circular resource systems can dramatically reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and cut down transportation-related emissions that add to climate impact. By prioritizing local and reused materials, landscape projects can lower embodied carbon and support a more sustainable built environment.
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Reclaimed Materials
Using reclaimed materials from existing structures or diverted waste keeps valuable resources out of landfills while preserving the energy already invested in them. Reusing construction materials such as concrete and steel extends their life through new paving, structural, or accent applications. Composting plant waste and green debris similarly transforms organic material into soil amendments that support healthy plant growth and reduce irrigation needs. Together, practices like these reflect a circular approach that minimizes waste and reduces overall environmental impact.
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Common Materials
Steel (Metal)
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Steel is a common material and is relatively easy to source, adding a natural, rustic feel that highlights regional character. It is versatile and can be used for framing, fences, shade structures, and other structural components, making it a staple in many landscape projects. Choosing recycled steel further enhances sustainability by reducing energy use and emissions while keeping all the strength and durability that makes steel such a reliable material.
Decomposed Granite
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A widely used material in Arizona landscapes, and comes in a range of colors and textures that reflect the surrounding desert. It can be used for walkable paths, plazas, and gathering spaces, offering a stable surface that still feels connected to the land. Different blends and compactions allow decomposed granite to support accessibility, reduce runoff, and maintain a natural desert character, creating spaces that feel both functional and rooted in place.
Concrete
Used for paving, walls, steps, and site features, with finishes such as exposed aggregate and acid wash influencing texture and character, concrete shapes spaces while absorbing and holding heat, requiring design responses in Arizona’s desert climate. When concrete is present, it can be reused as urbanite, breaking down old material and incorporating it into projects as paving or accent elements, extending the life of the material and reducing environmental impact.
Rip Rap
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Riprap is widely available in Arizona and valued for its durability and versatility. It anchors landscapes while working with the desert environment and can create striking planter accents or bold design features while also controlling drainage and irrigation, letting water move through channels without washing material away. When old riprap is repurposed, it continues to serve the site, giving the material new life and reducing the need for new resources.
Pavers
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Pavers offer a variety of materials, colors, textures, sizes, and patterns, giving designers flexibility to shape paths, plazas, and accent spaces. Their dense surfaces absorb and radiate heat, creating high surface temperatures that can limit use in Phoenix’s desert climate. Permeable pavers allow water to move through the surface, improving infiltration, reducing runoff, and supporting healthier soil. When pavers are reused, they extend material lifespan, reduce waste, and support sustainable, locally informed design.
Research & Links
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There is so much to explore when it comes to materials, design, and sustainability in Arizona landscapes. From steel and concrete to riprap, pavers, and decomposed granite, each material offers unique opportunities for function, beauty, and environmental stewardship. The research and articles included here highlight local sourcing, reuse, and innovative approaches that extend material lifecycles while reducing impact. Dive in, explore these resources, and discover strategies and examples to inspire your own projects. Please feel free to reach out and share any additional studies or guides you think should be added!
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