Landscaping & Hardscaping in Gilbert, AZ
Gilbert backyards are where a lot of family life happens: weekend cookouts, kids on the grass, evenings around a fire pit once the heat breaks. Elevated Grounds helps Gilbert homeowners build outdoor spaces that support exactly that. We are a family-owned landscaping and hardscaping company headquartered in Scottsdale with 25+ years of experience, and we serve Gilbert neighborhoods from the Heritage District to the newer master-planned communities on the south side of town.
Our Gilbert projects range from single upgrades to complete yard transformations. We install paver patios, pool decks and seat walls, build shade structures and pergolas, design outdoor kitchens for entertaining, and add fire pits and water features that become the centerpiece of the yard. We also plan desert-adapted planting beds and efficient irrigation so the landscape looks good without excessive water use.
Every estimate is free, and you can reach us 24/7. We are Licensed, Bonded & Insured under Arizona ROC #361161, and we work on both residential and commercial properties throughout Gilbert.
Scottsdale, AZ
About Gilbert, AZ
Gilbert is a town in Maricopa County in the southeast Valley, bordered by Mesa to the north, Chandler to the west and Queen Creek to the southeast. It began as a farming and railroad community and was once known for shipping hay, and that agricultural heritage still shows in the restored Heritage District downtown and in Agritopia, a neighborhood built around an urban farm.
Over the past few decades Gilbert has grown into one of the largest incorporated towns in the country. Most homes are in master-planned communities such as Val Vista Lakes, Power Ranch, Morrison Ranch and Seville, where HOAs guide front-yard design, tree placement and exterior finishes. Typical lots feature block-walled backyards, many with pools, and the town is known for green spaces like the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, which uses reclaimed water to support wildlife habitat. The terrain is flat valley floor with dense, former farmland soils.
Climate & Environmental Factors in Gilbert
Gilbert summers bring long stretches above 105°F and regular days over 110°F, with intense UV that fades wood, fabrics and dark-colored materials. Pool decks and patios need surfaces that stay comfortable underfoot, which is why light travertine and cool-toned pavers are popular choices here. Shade from trees and pergolas is just as important for plant health as it is for comfort.
From July through September, monsoon storms can drop heavy rain in a short period and push strong winds and dust through the area. Yards built on flat, former agricultural ground need deliberate grading and drainage to keep water away from foundations and pool equipment. Winter nights occasionally dip near freezing, enough to damage frost-tender plants. Hard water leaves scale on fountains, spray nozzles and drip emitters, so filtration and regular flushing help irrigation and water features last longer.
Local Challenges for Landscaping in Gilbert
Many Gilbert backyards are built around a pool, which shapes every other decision. Hardscape near the water has to drain away from the pool and the house, plants nearby should drop minimal litter, and irrigation overspray should never hit the deck or the pool. We plan pool-adjacent landscapes with those details in mind.
HOA review is another constant. Associations in communities like Power Ranch or Morrison Ranch commonly regulate structure heights, colors, plant choices visible from the street and rock size, so plans need to be clear and complete before submittal. Access can also be tight: block walls and narrow side yards limit equipment, which affects how we stage materials. Finally, many Gilbert homes still carry the original builder's thirsty lawn and aging sprinkler system. Converting part of that turf to synthetic turf or low-water beds, and upgrading to modern drip irrigation, reduces maintenance and water use.
Why Gilbert Residents Trust Elevated Grounds
Gilbert families trust Elevated Grounds because we treat their yard as an extension of their home. Quality Craftsmanship shows in the details: compacted bases under every paver, clean cuts, square structures and tidy irrigation. Our Customized Outdoor Solutions mean every design starts with how you want to live outside, whether that is a quiet morning coffee spot or a full entertaining backyard.
We deliver Reliable Service with clear communication from start to finish, including help preparing HOA submittals and a schedule you can count on. With Comprehensive Landscaping Services, one team handles design, hardscape, irrigation, structures and finishing touches, so you are not coordinating multiple contractors. Add 25+ years of experience and full licensing as a Licensed, Bonded & Insured contractor under Arizona ROC #361161, and you have a partner built to deliver outdoor spaces that last.
Hire Trusted Landscaping & Hardscaping Pros in Gilbert, AZ
Whether you want a new paver patio, a shaded outdoor kitchen or a full backyard redesign, Elevated Grounds is ready to help. Call (480) 338-3377 any time to schedule your free estimate in Gilbert. We will walk the property with you, discuss your goals, budget factors and HOA requirements, and lay out a clear plan. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover, Apple Pay, Zelle and wire transfer for residential and commercial projects.
How should I design a Gilbert backyard around a pool?
Design a Gilbert pool yard by starting with a cool, slip-resistant deck that drains away from the water, then placing shade where you sit most, keeping plants near the pool low-litter, and using drip irrigation so no water sprays onto the deck. That combination keeps the pool cleaner and the yard comfortable.
- Deck: light travertine or pavers on a compacted base, sloped away from pool and house.
- Shade: a pergola or shade structure over the main seating or dining area.
- Plants: agave, desert spoon, red yucca and other low-litter choices near the water.
- Irrigation: drip lines and bubblers instead of spray heads near the deck.
What are the water-smart options for Gilbert landscapes?
The most effective water-smart steps in Gilbert are limiting lawn to areas you use, switching beds to drip irrigation, grouping plants by water need, adding a weather-based smart controller and mulching with decomposed granite. Together these cut outdoor water use while keeping the yard green where it counts.
- Audit the existing sprinkler system for leaks, broken heads and overspray.
- Convert spray zones in shrub beds to drip with pressure regulation and filtration.
- Replace unused lawn with synthetic turf or native plantings.
- Install a smart controller that adjusts watering to weather.
When should I schedule a landscaping project in Gilbert?
For planting, fall is the best time in Gilbert, followed by early spring. Roots establish during mild weather and plants are stronger before summer. Hardscape, pergolas and outdoor kitchens can be built nearly year-round, and starting HOA review early, ideally a few weeks before your target date, keeps the project on schedule.
What landscaping services are available in Gilbert?
Elevated Grounds provides full design-build landscaping in Gilbert, combining design, planting, hardscape, irrigation and outdoor living features under one licensed contractor. You can start with one upgrade or plan the whole yard in phases, and every element is designed to work together visually and functionally.
- Landscape design and installation for complete yard makeovers.
- Hardscaping: patios, pool decks, walkways and retaining walls.
- Irrigation installation and sprinkler-to-drip conversions.
- Outdoor kitchens and fire and water features.
- Pergolas and shade structures.
- Synthetic turf and putting greens.
- Metal fabrication for gates, privacy screens and decorative accents.
Which nearby communities does Elevated Grounds serve?
Beyond Gilbert, we serve neighboring communities including Chandler, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley and Apache Junction. Our home base is Scottsdale, and we offer free estimates across the region.
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Can you build a paver deck around my existing pool in Gilbert?
Yes. We regularly design pool decks with pavers or travertine that stay cooler underfoot. The work includes removing old decking where needed, building a compacted base, sloping the surface so water drains away from the pool and house, and coordinating coping details so the finished deck looks seamless with your existing pool.
Do Gilbert HOAs need to approve pergolas and patio covers?
In most Gilbert master-planned communities, yes. HOAs typically review height, setback from walls, color and materials before a pergola or shade structure is built. We provide drawings and specifications you can include with your application, and we build to the approved plan so the finished structure matches what was submitted.
What plants work well in a Gilbert backyard?
Desert-adapted plants handle Gilbert's heat with modest water. Palo verde, mesquite and desert willow provide light shade, while Texas sage, red yucca, lantana, desert spoon, agave and bougainvillea add structure and color. Near pools, we favor plants with low litter so skimmers and filters stay cleaner.
Can I replace my front lawn with low-water landscaping in Gilbert?
Usually, yes, as long as the design meets your HOA's front-yard guidelines. We remove the turf, cap or convert spray heads to drip, regrade if needed and install approved granite, boulders and desert plants. The result typically needs far less water and mowing while keeping strong curb appeal.
What affects the cost of a backyard project in Gilbert?
The main cost factors are the size of the area, materials chosen (pavers versus travertine, wood versus metal structures), site access through side yards, demolition of existing lawn or concrete, irrigation changes, utilities for kitchens or fire features, and HOA requirements. We explain each factor during your free estimate.