10 Landscaping Ideas Perfect for Utah’s High-Altitude Desert Climate

Utah’s Wasatch Front offers breathtaking mountain views, four distinct seasons, and plenty of sunshine — but landscaping here isn’t as simple as picking a few plants and turning on the sprinklers. With our high-altitude desert climate, low humidity, and fluctuating temperatures, choosing the right landscaping approach is key to creating a yard that thrives year-round.

At Rhino’s Landscaping and Hardscaping, we’ve spent over a decade transforming outdoor spaces across Salt Lake City into beautiful, functional landscapes that stand up to Utah’s unique conditions. Here are our top 10 landscaping ideas that combine beauty, durability, and water efficiency.

1. Embrace Xeriscaping with Native Plants

Why it works in Utah: Native plants like Utah serviceberry, Apache plume, and blue grama grass are naturally adapted to our climate and require less water and maintenance.
Pro Tip: Group plants with similar water needs to maximize irrigation efficiency.

2. Install a Drip Irrigation System

Why it works in Utah: Traditional sprinklers waste water through evaporation, especially in the summer heat. Drip systems deliver water directly to the roots, reducing waste and promoting healthier plants.
Pro Tip: Pair your drip system with a smart controller that adjusts watering based on weather conditions.

3. Choose Drought-Tolerant Lawn Alternatives

Why it works in Utah: Lawn grasses often struggle in dry, hot summers. Consider drought-friendly options like buffalo grass, clover lawns, or even ornamental gravel and ground covers.
Pro Tip: If you love green grass, keep lawn areas small and functional rather than sprawling.

4. Add Shade with Utah-Friendly Trees

Why it works in Utah: Trees like honeylocust, Austrian pine, and Kentucky coffeetree provide much-needed shade, reduce heat around your home, and create habitat for local wildlife.
Pro Tip: Plant deciduous trees on the south or west side to block summer sun but allow winter warmth.

5. Create Stunning Rock Gardens

Why it works in Utah: Rocks add texture, retain heat for plants, and require zero watering. They’re also perfect for sloped yards that are tough to mow.
Pro Tip: Mix sizes and colors of rocks for a natural look, and incorporate hardy plants like sedum or yucca.

6. Incorporate Outdoor Living Spaces

Why it works in Utah: Our sunny summers and crisp autumn evenings are ideal for outdoor entertaining. Patios, pergolas, and built-in seating extend your living space outdoors.
Pro Tip: Add a fire pit or outdoor fireplace for year-round enjoyment.

7. Use Retaining Walls for Function and Beauty

Why it works in Utah: Sloped yards are common along the Wasatch Front. Retaining walls help control erosion, add usable flat space, and look great when built with natural stone.
Pro Tip: Incorporate built-in planters or seating into retaining wall designs.

8. Select Permeable Hardscaping Materials

Why it works in Utah: Materials like permeable pavers and gravel allow rainwater to seep into the soil, reducing runoff and helping recharge groundwater.
Pro Tip: Combine with strategic grading to direct water toward plant beds.

9. Add Low-Voltage Landscape Lighting

Why it works in Utah: Lighting highlights your landscape’s best features and improves safety after dark without using much electricity.
Pro Tip: Use solar-powered or LED fixtures for energy efficiency.

10. Plan for Year-Round Visual Interest

Why it works in Utah: Between snow in the winter and blazing sun in the summer, your yard needs features that look good year-round.
Pro Tip: Mix evergreens, ornamental grasses, and hardscaping for texture and color in all seasons.

Landscaping in Utah’s high-altitude desert climate requires more than just good taste — it takes local expertise and smart planning. At Rhino’s Landscaping and Hardscaping, we design landscapes that not only look amazing but also thrive in Utah’s unique conditions while conserving precious water.

Ready to transform your yard into a stunning, sustainable outdoor space?
Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s bring your vision to life.