← Problems we solve
My Backyard Is All Dirt and Dust
The builder handed you a placeholder — palm trees, decomposed granite, and a 10x12 slab. Turning that into a real backyard is a design problem, not a clean-up problem.
Why this happens in Arizona
- Tract-home backyards are intentionally left as a blank canvas by the builder.
- Bare DG and bare dirt blow into the house and the pool every monsoon.
- No defined zones — patio, lawn, kitchen, play — so the whole yard reads as 'unfinished.'
- Drainage was never engineered for actual use.
What homeowners usually try first
- Adding more rock.
- Throwing down a roll-out turf rug.
- Buying a patio set and a portable grill.
Why those quick fixes usually fail
- More rock is still rock — it doesn't read as a backyard, just less dirt.
- Roll-out turf has no base, no drainage, no edge — it lifts in monsoon and grows weeds underneath.
- Furniture without a real patio just floats on dust.
How AE solves it correctly
- A real master plan: define hardscape, turf, shade, kitchen, and landscape zones up front.
- Build an actual paver patio sized to how the family entertains.
- Install pet/kid-rated turf on a true compacted base with drainage.
- Add shade, lighting, and a real planting palette to anchor the space.
Budget considerations
- Phasing is allowed — most dirt-yard transformations get sequenced over 1–3 phases.
- Pavers and turf are typically the biggest line items.
- Lighting and irrigation are small lines with high impact.
FAQs
Can I do this in phases?+
Yes — we routinely sequence backyard transformations over multiple phases so each step is real and usable on its own.
Is turf or pavers cheaper?+
Pavers cost more per square foot installed; turf is less expensive but still needs proper base prep.
What about HOA approval?+
Most HOAs allow turf, pavers, and pergolas — we package the submittal as part of the project.
How long does a full transformation take?+
Most dirt-to-finished yards take 8–18 weeks depending on scope and permits.
Do you handle planting and irrigation too?+
Yes — landscape, drip irrigation, and lighting are part of the full design-build scope.