ALCA March/April 2026 by Association Outsource Services, Inc.

The ALCA INFLUENCE

ARIZONA LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS’ ASSOCIATION

JOIN OUR TEAM TO VOLUNTEER

(collectively “Promotional

ALCA 2026 SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM AND SPRING EVENTS HIGHLIGHT

“Nurturing Connections, Growing Possibilities”

By Linda Turnage, ALCA Executive Director

The Arizona Landscape Contractors’ Association (ALCA) is proud to present its 2026 Sponsorship Program, offering yearround opportunities for visibility, engagement, and meaningful partnership within Arizona’s Green Industry. ALCA sponsorships go beyond logo placement, fostering strategic connections that support industry growth while helping businesses build lasting relationships.

Linda Turnage Executive Director

Throughout 2026, sponsors receive consistent exposure across ALCA’s education, networking, and signature events. Flexible sponsorship options allow partners to align their goals with the audiences and experiences that matter most, while supporting ALCA’s mission to advance the landscape profession through collaboration, innovation, and education.

The ALCA calendar begins with the 2026 Trade Show on March 13, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Heritage at Sportsman’s Park in Glendale. This must-attend event brings landscape professionals together to explore emerging trends, discover new products and services, and connect with peers and industry experts.

The Trade Show combines education and networking with a lively atmosphere featuring raffle prizes, live music, a beer garden, and food—creating a high-impact opportunity for sponsors and attendees alike.

On May 14, 2026, ALCA will host the ALCA & Sky Blu Underwood Golf Tournament at the exclusive, members-only Anthem Golf & Country Club. This year, ALCA has secured a full buyout of both championship golf courses exclusively for tournament players. Anthem Golf & Country Club offers 36 holes of championship golf designed by Greg Nash, thoughtfully crafted to challenge players while preserving the natural beauty of the desert landscape. The traditional Persimmon Course features a signature

18,000-square-foot double green, while the more demanding Ironwood Course includes the iconic “Anthem Alley,” where holes 10 through 12 wind around water to test even low-handicap golfers. With pristine fairways, stunning views, friendly competition, and nonstop networking, this tournament delivers a rare and memorable experience for sponsors and participants.

ALCA sponsors play a vital role in advancing the association’s mission and shaping the future of the Green Industry. Partnering with ALCA in 2026 offers more than visibility—it provides an opportunity to join a collaborative effort to strengthen the industry and grow together.

Linda Turnage

ALCA, Executive Director

Photo by Donald Teel on Unsplash

Photo by Dillon Pena on Unsplash

A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT, WARREN RUNCORN

I am honored to serve as your ALCA President and to lead our association into a year that is truly In Full Bloom. This theme reflects more than the natural beauty we cultivate; it represents the growth of our members, the advancement of our industry, and the collective momentum that continues to define ALCA.

Our industry thrives when knowledge, collaboration, and commitment come together, and ALCA remains the foundation for that success. Through education, certification, and shared best practices, we help ensure that every landscape professional in Arizona is equipped to flourish.

At Scapes, the company I am proud to lead, I see every day how valuable ALCA’s resources are in shaping exceptional work. We provide highly efficient landscape services, including lawn care, tree and shrub management, and seasonal plantings. But what truly distinguishes our team is how we utilize our ALCA membership to train and empower our staff. This training ensures our crews operate with the best industry practices available, practices that translate into healthier landscapes, happier clients, and stronger companies.

Because of ALCA’s training programs, our team isn’t simply performing routine maintenance; they deliver thoughtful, intentional care tailored to nature’s rhythms. By understanding the seasonal requirements of each landscape, they help ensure that every property can flourish and come into “full bloom,” just as our theme celebrates.

This year, my focus as President is to continue nurturing the programs, partnerships, and professional standards that help our members and their businesses thrive. Together, we will build upon ALCA’s strong foundation, expand our educational reach, and elevate the excellence that defines our industry.

Thank you for your continued dedication to elevating the landscape profession across Arizona. I am proud to grow alongside you and excited for all we will accomplish together in a year that promises to be truly In Full Bloom.

Warm regards,

Warren Runcorn

ALCA 2026 President

Warren Runcorn 2026 ALCA President

Kevens Landscape Co.

Steve LaMagna

10341 N El Mirage Rd, El Mirage, AZ 85335 steve@kevenslandscape.com

Full-service landscape company offering design, installation, and maintenance.

Contractor Class 4

City of Flagstaff Parks & Recreation

Lynold Herder

600 N Thorpe Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001 lherder@flagstaffaz.gov Affiliate

Atrium LLC

Isabelle Amrhein

501 E Cheery Lynn Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85012 isabelleamrhein216@gmail.com

ATRIUM is an interior plantscape design business that also offers maintenance services. We treat plants as art, curating and crafting them to create your personal ATRIUM—a unique focal point that brings nature and light indoors. With a focus on both design and maintenance, we emphasize each specimen with the intention of bringing plants into the heart of every space.

Architect & Designers

ICBINGAZ

Eric Johnson

17457 N 66th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85308

ICBINGAZ@gmail.com

I Can’t Believe It’s Not Grass aims to let more people enjoy their outdoor spaces by making them comfortable and restorative. We aid this process by building lawn furniture, adding plants, and performing general lawn maintenance, and hopefully soon to roll out irrigation and hardscaping offerings. ICBING derives natural and synthetic options to deliver lush landscapes and modern oasis in the desert.

Contractor Class 1

Earnhardt Ford

Windy Devlin

7300 W Orchid Ln, Chandler, AZ 85226 windy.devlin@earnhardt.com

Since 1951, the Earnhardt family has been selling cars and trucks to people across the southwest United States and will continue to do so for many years to come. Although times have changed, what has never changed is the Earnhardt commitment to world class service, famous low prices and the best selection of America’s most popular vehicles. Earnhardt – it’s “a name you can trust” …and that ain’t no bull!

Associate Class 3

Apex Landscape Management

Dakota R. Redd

11311 E Germann Rd, #102, Chandler, AZ 85286 apex@apexlandscape.org

Apex Landscape Management provides landscape maintenance services in the East Valley to Master Planned Communities, individuals, commercial clients and municipalities We are a member of the “Women’s Owned Business Enterprise National Council”

Contractor Class 3

Quality Irrigation & Hardscapes

Ray Soto

10358 78th Ave, Peoria, AZ 85345

Ray@Qualityirrigationhardscapes.com

Contractor Class 3

Armada Technologies

Heidi Hankins

8535 Byron Commerce Dr SW Byron Center, MI 49315 hhankins@armadatech.com

Armada Technologies is an independently owned and operated manufacturer of underground electrical testing tools. Based in Byron Center,

Michigan (just south of metropolitan Grand Rapids), Armada Technologies has been the irrigation industry’s leading supplier of location and test tools since 2004.

Associate Class 1

Lost Canyon Young Life

Bobby Lombardi

1450 S Perkinsville Rd, Williams, AZ 86046-9127 blombardi@lc.younglife.org

Young Life Lost Canyon is a youth camp that consists of 400 acres of beautiful mountainous land designed to host thousands of teens each summer. Our landscaping department focuses on keeping the property safe, functional, and visually stunning.

Affiliate

The Native Design Group

Mark A. Lucie

8080 E Speedway Blvd, Unit 911, Tucson, AZ 85710

mark@thenativedesigngroup.com

Landscape Design/Build and Maintenance. Servicing Residential and Commercial. Contractor Class 3

Lakeside Nursery

Matt Litchfield

6651 S Arndt Rd, 6651 S Arndt Rd Canby, OR 97013 matt@lakeside-nursery.com

Lakeside Nursery is a family owned and operated nursery located in beautiful Canby, Oregon on 37 acres. We strive to provide you with over 200 of the healthiest varietals of annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees.

Associate Class 1

Verde Landscaping Inc

Gavin Bush

19206 E Rio Verde Dr, Rio Verde, AZ 85263 verdelandscaping03@gmail.com

We are a full-service landscaping company that has been servicing the communities of Rio Verde, Tonto Verde, & Verde River since 2003. Contractor Class 4

COMMAND SERIES MR16

The Command Series redeﬁnes smart outdoor lighting with a self-contained control network— no Wi-Fi, hubs, or subscriptions required. Enjoy instant dimming, adjustable Kelvin temperatures, and reliable o ine performance with simple app or remote control. UL-certiﬁed and built with patented radio-silent technology, Command delivers faster installs, fewer callbacks, and dependable lighting that lasts up to 50,000 hours.

WHY TOOL HYGIENE IS YOUR BEST DEFENSE THIS SEASON

By Frances Craik

For landscape professionals who spend their days immersed in soil, mud, and desert scrub, “cleanliness” can often feel like a secondary concern to the grit of the job. However, maintaining sterile equipment is more than just a cosmetic habit; it is a vital pillar of ecological health. Following an unusually mild winter without a hard freeze to reset the environment, our landscapes are facing an unprecedented surge in pest pressure and dormant pathogens. In this high-risk climate, an unsterilized blade acts as a primary vector for infection, turning a routine pruning job into a crosscontamination event. By prioritizing tool hygiene now, you aren’t just maintaining your gear—you are insulating your clients’ ecosystems against disease and eliminating a significant operational headache before the season hits its peak.

In the landscaping world, your tools are effectively the “scalpels” of the environment. Just as a surgeon wouldn’t use the same blade on two different patients without scrubbing in, a landscaper shouldn’t move from a diseased shrub to a healthy one with the same shears.

When you cut into a plant infected with fungal spores, bacteria, or viruses, those pathogens hitch a ride on the sap and residue left on your blades.

• The Entry Point: Pruning creates an open wound. If your tool is contaminated, you are injecting pathogens directly into the plant’s vascular system.

• The Ripple Effect: A single infected Oleander or Boxwood can lead to the contamination of an entire residential block if a crew moves quickly without disinfecting.

• The “Mild Winter” Factor: Without a hard freeze to kill off these microscopic threats, they remain active on both the

plants and your equipment longer than usual. Consistency is the key to prevention. If you wait until the end of the day, the damage is likely already done.

The “When”

Between Plants: Ideally, dip or spray your tools between every single plant, especially when pruning species known for susceptibility (like Roses or Citrus).

• After Removing Diseased Wood: If you see “bleeding” cankers, necrotic spots, or fire blight, clean your tools immediately after that specific cut.

• End of Shift: A deep clean and oiling to prevent rust and buildup.

Elevate Your Expertise: Register for ACLP Plant Problems on 4/30/26

In the field, the difference between a thriving landscape and a failing one often comes down to the professional’s ability to “read” the environment. The ACLP Plant Problems course is designed to transform you into a landscape detective, giving you the skills to thrive in our desert environment.

In class, you will move beyond guesswork by learning to differentiate between environmental stress and biological diseases, ensuring you never misdiagnose a thirsty plant for a sick one. We dive deep into the ecosystem, teaching you to identify and control common weeds and insects with precision, and how to spot nutrient

Method Pros Cons

70% Isopropyl Alcohol Kills instantly; no rinsing required; can be used in a spray bottle.

Flammable; can be drying to hands.

10% Bleach Solution Highly effective and very cheap. Corrosive; will ruin your tools if not rinsed and oiled; stains clothes.

Disinfectant Wipes

The “How”

Extremely portable and convenient for quick wipes.

Ultimately, tool hygiene is an investment in your reputation and the longevity of the landscape’s you curate. In a season where nature hasn’t provided its usual winter reset, the responsibility falls on the professional to act as the first line of defense. By taking thirty seconds to disinfect your gear between tasks, you ensure that your work remains a service of growth and beauty, rather than a vehicle for decline.

Can be expensive for largescale use; creates more waste.

deficiencies before they become fatal. Most importantly, you will gain the clinical confidence to determine if a pathogen is present and, crucially, if it is treatable—saving your clients money and saving your reputation. Don’t just work in the landscape; master the science behind it.

Photo

Aditya Saxena on Unsplash

PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS

A Strategic Tool for Heat and Drought Stress Mitigation in Urban Trees

Ryan Kibner and Tom Prosser

Plant growth regulators (PGRs) such as Cambistat are commonly described as tools that reduce shoot growth—typically by 40–70%, which makes it a valuable tool to extend pruning cycles. The real power of this products is how that suppression fundamentally reshapes tree physiology, enabling trees to survive—and often thrive—under extreme environmental stress. By moderating canopy expansion, Cambistat allows trees to redirect energy toward stress tolerance, root development, and defense, making it one of the most effective tools available for managing urban trees under heat, drought, and infrastructure pressure.

Nowhere is this more relevant than Arizona. With summer temperatures regularly exceeding 110°F in Phoenix and annual rainfall often below 10 inches, urban trees operate near their physiological limits. Add compacted soils, reflected heat, restricted rooting space, and water constraints, and Arizona’s urban forest becomes one of the most challenging environments for trees anywhere in the country.

Understanding How Cambistat Works

Cambistat contains paclobutrazol, which slows the plant hormones that control shoot and upward growth. This does not harm the tree. The tree still photosynthesizes, breathes, and functions normally—what changes is how it uses its energy.

In untreated trees, much of that energy goes into growing taller and expanding the canopy. In treated trees, less energy is spent on growth and more is available for roots, stress resistance, and overall health. This shift is what allows trees to better handle heat, drought, and other environmental stresses.

Heat and Stress Mitigation Benefits

Enhanced Root Development By reducing shoot growth, treated trees shift more energy to root development, especially fine roots. This creates a denser, more efficient root system and a better root-to-shoot balance—critical for stress tolerance in urban soils with limited space and poor quality.

Improved Water Relations and Drought Tolerance Stronger roots allow treated trees to access water more effectively, while smaller canopies and thicker leaf cuticles reduce water loss. Research shows these trees maintain higher water levels during drought and recover faster when water returns, a major advantage during extended heat events.

Greater Heat Stress Resilience Urban heat islands raise temperatures to extremes, pushing trees toward failure—especially in Phoenix. Cambistat-treated trees experience lower metabolic stress due to reduced canopy demand, maintain better water-driven cooling, and pro-

duce protective compounds such as heat shock proteins that help tissues survive extreme heat.

Stronger Defense Mechanisms Heat and drought weaken tree defenses, increasing susceptibility to pests and disease. By lowering growth demands, Cambistat allows trees to continue producing defensive chemicals, reducing the risk of secondary insect and pathogen attacks.

Improved Photosynthetic Efficiency Although canopy size stays smaller, treated trees develop darker green leaves with higher chlorophyll levels. Each leaf works more efficiently, maintaining energy production while using less water.

Strategic Applications in Urban Landscapes

Established Trees Under Chronic Stress Cambistat is most effective on established trees under long-term heat and drought stress. In Arizona, many trees waste energy maintaining canopy growth in harsh conditions. Growth regulation reduces this drain and redirects energy toward survival. It is not recommended for newly planted trees, which need to focus on root establishment.

Heat Island Environments Parking lots, streetscapes, and urban cores expose trees to extreme heat, compacted soils, and limited rooting space. These are some of the harshest sites in Arizona cities. Cambistat strengthens stress tolerance, helping trees survive while continuing to provide critical shade and cooling.

Drought-Prone Landscapes With very low annual rainfall across much of Arizona, trees often operate under chronic water stress. Cambistat enables trees to function with less water by improving root uptake and reducing canopy demand, supporting water conservation without reducing tree performance.

Infrastructure-Constrained Sites Trees near utilities and hardscape require frequent pruning and endure restricted soils and reflected heat. Cambistat lowers pruning frequency while improving tolerance to these physical and environmental constraints.

Preservation of Mature Trees Older, large trees often lack sufficient energy to support expansive canopies under stress. Reducing growth demands helps restore energy balance, improve vigor, and extend the useful life of high-value trees.

Application and Longevity

Cambistat is easily applied as a soil drench or root-zone injection. It is absorbed by fine roots and moved to active growth points. Effects typically appear within 1-2 months and last two to three years. For more information – contact the manufacturer as dose is based on tree species and trunk diameter.

A Tool Within a Holistic Strategy

Cambistat is a great tool and is most effective when combined soil improvement, organic matter applied to the root zone, correct irrigation, and pest management. When heat, drought, and urban constraints cannot be eliminated, improving a tree’s internal stress tolerance becomes the most practical approach.

ALCA’S CERTIFICATIONS AND TRAINING

Elevate Your Landscaping Skills

Gain the necessary credentials and knowledge to advance your career as a Landscape Professional!

Whether you’re looking to become a certified landscape professional, become a certified irrigation technician, master sustainable landscape management, or improve the operations of your landscaping business, ALCA is your source for taking your career to another level.

Our education programs are for:

• Landscape Professionals

• Community Managers

• Parks & Recreation Departments

• Municipalities

• Residential Home Owners

• Commercial Property Owners

Arizona Certified Landscape Professionals (ACLP)

The Arizona Certified Landscape Professional (ACLP) is an educational program for those aspiring to be professional landscapers. ALCA schedules a series of classes and exams that cover 10 essential topics designed for interaction and hands-on learning.

ALCA Certified Irrigation Technician (ACIT)

The ALCA Certified Irrigation Technician Program (ACIT) is a 3-Day training including hands-on activities focused on the optimization of water usage and the efficiency of existing irrigation systems. Having the ACIT credential is a distinction of your commitment to water conservation and efficient irrigation systems. The ACIT is valued by employers and clients who want to work with skilled irrigation professionals.

Sustainable Landscape Management® (SLM®)

SLM® practices preserve our limited and valuable natural resources, reduce waste generation and pollution, and support the natural growth habit and longevity of plant material, while creating beautiful and economical landscapes.

The SLM® certification distinguishes you from other companies and serves as testament to your commitment to sustainability. SLM® provides a detailed education into the design, construction, maintenance, and enhancements of landscape plants, turf, irrigation systems, and longterm care.

Drought Preparedness

ALCA Presents: Municipalities/State of the Drought Program

Informational webinar series to inform the landscaping industry of current drought conditions and AZ municipality’s current updates, resources, and rebates for commercial and residential properties.

PMD Pre-Certified Applicator Training

PMD Pre Certified Applicator Training teaches the foundations of Right of Way, Ornamental and Turf, and Federal and State Laws and Regulations. This program is for landscape professionals preparing to take the Certified Applicator Exam or requiring CEUs to maintain their credential.

2-Wire Training

ALCA presents a hands-on 2-Wire Training that includes a detailed presentation of 2-Wire Principles, followed by hands-on manufacture demonstrations and ground fault/wire locating. Students receive a 2-Wire Training Certificate upon completion of class.

Arid Solutions Nursery

Arid Solutions, LLC, has been in business in Phoenix, Arizona since 1984, as a wholesale nursery operating on 30 acres. We carry approximately 200 different plant species including groundcovers, trees, cacti, agave, shrubs, and accents. Our selection is predominantly drought-tolerant, desert-adapted plants native to the Southwestern United States, Mexico, Australia, South America, and South Africa. (602) 437-5194

www.aridsolutionsnursery.com

2025 Excellence in Landscaping Awards

Creative Environments

Sponsored by:

The Ascent Collection at Legacy Place, Residential Installation $300,000 - $500,000, Judges Award

The Emblem Collection at Avalon Crossing, Residential Installation $500,000 - $1 Million, Judges Award

2025 Excellence in Landscaping Awards

Sponsored by:

The Terra Linea, Residential Installation $500,000 - $1 Million, Award of Distinction

The Maison en Fleurs, Residential Installation $500,000 - $1 Million, Judges Award

2024 Excellence in Landscaping Awards

2025 Excellence Awards

Grounds Control, LLC

Creative Environments

Sponsored by:

The Collection, Residential Installation $500,000 - $1 Million, Award of Distinction

The Merion Grove, Residential Installation Over $1 Million, Award of Distinction

2025 Excellence in Landscaping Awards

Creative Environments

Sponsored by:

The Stonegate Court, Residential Installation Over $1 Million, Award of Excellence

The Windgate, Residential Installation Over $1 Million, Award of Excellence

A LANDSCAPER’S GUIDE TO LOWERING WORKERS’ COMPENSATION COSTS

For landscape contractors, Workers’ Compensation costs can make or break profitability. Crews perform physically demanding work every day, which means injuries are sometimes unavoidable. However, the cost of those injuries and the impact on your insurance rates doesn’t have to spiral out of control.

A well-structured Return-to-Work (RTW) program is one of the most effective tools landscaping companies can use to reduce Workers’ Comp claims, control Experience Modification Rates (E-Mods), and stay competitive when bidding jobs.

LeBaron Senior Partner

Why Workers’ Comp Claims Hit Landscapers Hard Workers’ Compensation covers medical expenses and lost wages when an employee is injured on the job. But not all claims are treated equally, and understanding the difference is critical for landscape business owners.

Medical-Only Claims

These claims cover medical treatment only—no lost wages. They are significantly less expensive and have a limited impact on your E-Mod.

Indemnity Claims

A claim becomes indemnity when an employee misses work and receives lost wages. These claims are far more costly and can increase your insurance premiums for several years.

For landscape contractors bidding commercial, municipal, or HOA work, a higher E-Mod can mean:

• Increased insurance premiums

• Reduced profitability

• Disqualification from certain contracts

The Real Cost Difference: Medical-Only vs. Indemnity

According to NCCI, medical-only claims make up about 78% of claims but only 6% of total claim costs. In Arizona, medical-only claims receive up to a 70% discount when calculating your E-Mod. That discount disappears if even $1 is paid in lost wages.

Example:

A crew member strains their back while unloading materials.

With light-duty work available within two days, the claim stays medical-only.

Medical cost: $2,000

Without light duty, the employee misses four weeks of work.

• Medical costs: $2,000

• Wage replacement: $3,200

• Admin/legal costs: $1,000

• E-Mod increase: 15%

• Additional costs due to increased E-Mod: $50,000 x .15 x 3 years = $22,500

This results in a total claim cost of $28,700, more than fourteen times the cost of the medical-only claim. Because indemnity claims remain on an employer’s insurance record for years, they can drastically increase workers’ compensation premiums.

How Return-to-Work Programs Help Landscape Contractors

A Return-to-Work program keeps injured employees working within medical restrictions, which helps prevent claims from turning into costly indemnity losses. Key benefits include:

1. Reduced lost wage payments and indemnity claims by offering light or modified duty

2. Lower insurance premiums through better E-Mod control

3. Improve morale and healing by keeping employees active and engaged

4. Reduced litigation risk, since employees feel supported

5. Stronger safety culture, which lowers future injuries

Light-Duty Ideas for Landscaping Companies

Many contractors assume light duty isn’t possible, but it usually is with some planning. Examples include:

1. Equipment or vehicle inspections

2. Shop or yard organization

3. Training new crew members

4. Safety meetings or jobsite audits

5. Inventory management

6. Administrative or dispatch support

7. Basic office tasks

These tasks keep injured employees productive while staying within medical restrictions.

Key Components of an Effective RTW

Program

To be effective, your RTW program should include:

A Written Policy: Clearly outline expectations and require employees to acknowledge the policy during onboarding.

Immediate Injury Reporting and Intervention: Fast reporting and early medical treatment (on-site if possible) reduce claim severity.

Medical Coordination: Work with occupational providers familiar with Workers’ Comp and landscaping job demands.

Supervisor Training: Foremen and crew leaders should understand how to implement modified duty consistently.

Proper Documentation: Maintain records to stay compliant with ADA and FMLA requirements.

Implementing RTW in Your Landscaping Business

Start by reviewing past claims to identify trends and common injuries. From there:

1. Develop a formal RTW policy

2. Identify modified duties in advance

3. Train supervisors and managers

4. Communicate the program clearly to all employees

5. Track results and adjust as needed

Final Takeaway

For landscape contractors, a Return-toWork program is a key profit-protection strategy. By keeping injured employees engaged and avoiding lost-time claims, you can reduce Workers’ Comp costs, protect your E-Mod, and stay competitive in the marketplace.

Done right, RTW programs support your crew, strengthen your safety culture, and protect your bottom line, year after year.

Biography

Marc LeBaron is a Senior Partner at LeBaron Carroll Insurance. He has been helping landscape professionals in Arizona build more successful businesses for 19 years. He lives in Mesa with his family, enjoys hunting and fishing, and anything that will get them into the mountains as often as possible. He also serves extensively within his local church and community. marc@ lebaroncarroll.com

Marc

A premier licensed contractor that specializes in helping subcontractors to save money, reduce risk, and grow your company. Managing payroll, employee paperwork, hours, injuries, taxes, and HR can be the hardest part of running a company – that’s where Arizona CLA comes in.

DESERT TREE FARM

Your Partner in Landscape

At Desert Tree Farm, we are a family-run wholesale tree farm that grows and supplies landscape trees for professionals across Arizona. While we support big commercial and municipal work too, what makes us stand out for smaller landscape companies is we understand how much is riding on every single tree you install. That’s why having a wholesale tree farm you can trust matters so much.

If you’re a smaller landscaper in Arizona, you already know you’re doing the work of five people, even if your crew is two. You’re juggling installations, estimates, client texts, irrigation issues, and the endless search of material. Smaller landscape businesses don’t always have time to shop five nurseries and chase down availability. You need someone who can help you get the right tree, in the right size, at the right time plus a cup of coffee.

Desert Tree Farm is a production grower. We grow trees here in the Valley, in our own yards in the same conditions as your clients’ landscapes. That means you’re buying trees that were built for Phoenix. You know that working with homeowners or smaller HOAs, that matters. Your reputation isn’t based on a thousand trees; it’s based on the ten you installed last week.

Desert Tree Farm has been in business for 53 years, growing over 350 different varieties of plants and that kind of longevity means something in a place like Phoenix, where the landscape industry changes fast. We’ve grown through decades of boom-and-bust building cycles, shifting water conversations, and the reality of harsh desert summers. Staying steady for over five decades takes more than inventory. It takes experience, relationships, and a deep understanding of what works here. For the smaller landscaper that means you’re working with people who have seen every version of Arizona landscaping and who know what tends to go wrong before it happens.

If you’ve ever installed a tree that looked great at purchase and then struggled the second it hit a hot yard, you already understand the value of desert-grown material. Arizona trees don’t just need to look good, they need to handle reflected heat from block walls, high soil pH, inconsistent irrigation, and the kind of summer weather that turns small issues into big ones in a matter of days. We grow trees in the same environment where they’ll be installed, which helps reduce transplant shock and supports better establishment. For smaller landscape companies, that translates into fewer callbacks, fewer replacements, and fewer awkward conversations with clients.

A lot of smaller landscapers are asked to be everything at once: designer, installer, plant expert, and problem-solver. We help take some of that weight off. We’re here to help you choose a tree that fits the site, fits the water plan, fits the client’s expectations, and will still look good in three years because Arizona landscapes are a long game. One wrong tree choice can turn into years of pruning, water stress, mess, or failure. The right choice turns you into a professional.

The ongoing conversations about sustainability, water-wise landscapes, and desert appropriate planting places Desert Tree Farm in the middle of the growing interest in native and near-native desert trees, while still staying grounded in what real clients ask for and what real projects require. They understand that small landscapers are often trying to balance beauty, budget, performance, and practicality all at once. That balanced approach makes us an easy partner for the everyday realities of residential and small commercial work.

In Phoenix, trees are a necessity. They’re what makes outdoor life possible. Trees cool yards, create shade over patios and soften hardscapes. They make homes feel finished. And for a smaller landscaper, they’re often the reason you get referrals, repeat clients, and neighborhood visibility. We play a behind-the-scenes role in those moments. We grow the canopy that ends up in neighborhoods all over the Valley.

Small landscapers need reliable and quality trees at fair wholesale access. They need a farm that understands desert performance and doesn’t treat smaller orders as an inconvenience. Desert Tree Farm has earned its reputation by doing the basics well season after season.

We don’t just grow trees, we help smaller landscape businesses deliver shade, structure, and landscapes that last, one yard at a time.