I live in Arizona and have grass. I have it because it’s safer for kids to play on than dirt or gravel. Not to mention, it’s easier to spot scorpions as they tend to hide under rocks. I have a species of grass native to Arizona so it requires less water than most others. I personally keep my grass and trees green with grey water irrigation. Most cities in the Phoenix metro area offer grey water irrigation and sewage recycling.

Most the green you see is not lawns. It is desert landscaping. Many trees used in landscaping here in Phoenix are indigenous to this area and take little to no added water to survive

It's going to hurt them more than they know if the next 20 years. The places they get most of their water from is going dry and the surround states are going to stop selling them water to make up for it soon. Just look at the levels of the colorada river and hoover dam as a suggestion. Same thing happening with most of the south western states.

I have desert landscaping and fake grass but live next to a greenbelt. The grass actually helps to cool and keeps the dust level down. We actually get a lot of wind here so dust storms are a big problem.

None taken! We most certainly do... it's raining right now, although it's been beautiful sunshine the rest of the day here. Four seasons in a day sometimes; got to love that maritime climate.

tbh. I don't see any lawns... all of it are trees or busches and biology 101... if you have this much trees, even a desert, together, there will be enough natural moister to keep the grass green by itself :) and secondly... this is MUCH BETTER place to build than to cut down forests to gain build place, don't ya think??

I have family in Arizona (Phoenix) and I have yet to see a single lawn. Everyone has concrete pads and pools. No grass. It won't survive.

When I lived in Santa Barbara, they were going through one of their usual droughts and some guys replaced their lawns with astroturf.

Because green grass cools the air. I don't know if you're from AZ. But, as someone who is, it gets HOT here. And the green grass cools us down. #Themoreyouknow

I don't see any lawns, only trees or bushes?

Mate we have a lot of rain, no offence would be taken at the truth, we have lush green grass and everything for it, but yeah we are a very damp and cold nation, generally.

Although it's interesting that you highlight our green lawns as a positive environmental element - actually, the lack of biodiversity is a problem and we need to encourage our lawns to be less green. For example, I have a nice raspberry /honeysuckle hedge and a little nature pond :)

New England would suffice.

I agree, England has great lawns and easy to maintain. Desert gardens should be rock, sand and cactus.

Most of these homes utilize xeriscaping, which means rocks and turf (fake grass). It's their personal choice.

I don't see green laws, I do see trees.

What the heck is with the nitpicking on "I see trees not lawns". Seriously, you think those are all desert-scrub plants, native to the ecosystem, and not one patch of lawn, based on a photo? That *those* many trees can be sustained (and *households*) off the natural water supply? I agree trees are good, *if native to ecosystem*. Third generation econut signing off.

There is almost zero grass in that photo, the green is primarily trees and bushes like mesquite and olive etc.

those aren't lawns on the properties, they're trees. MOST lawns (probably over 80%) in the Phoenix area are rock, and they have low watering plants/trees.

And we are so grateful to have our green and pleasant land. Thank you Lord.

Desert landscaping uses less water. Plus trees create oxygen.

It's only desert when there's no plants to keep the soil from flying away. They've apparently rejuvenated it. The house I grew up in was the first in the entire neighbourhood at what was then the extremity of town. Country town in rural NSW, Australia. Built on an ancient, low profile, long inactive volcano (no geological activity in Australia at all - oldest country on Earth). Mum showed me a picture of when she first moved in. No fences. No trees. No grass. Just dirt and rocks as far as you can see. The only way I remember that house is with loads of trees, mostly fruit trees out the back (peaches, apricots, lemons, figs, grapes, almonds) - gums and natives out the front, fully lawned, and the entire neghbourhood much the same. Large empty block across the road which was a park with play equipment, and now is also a football field, lined with trees. And a few blocks behind is a large racecourse. Most people use lawns and trees that are well adapted for the climate. Lots of natives. The entire town is more or less green now. Though the name is an aboriginal word that means "red Earth", and that's exactly what it was before - dry, dusty, rocky, stony desolate rust-red empty country. Not any more. And the surrounding area is largely green much of the year, too, because it's all sheep and cattle grazing land.

Not everyone can afford to move to another country, y'know

Don't worry. When the Colorado dries up, the Southwest will be largely abandoned

This will soon be untenable due to groundwater depletion. Those houses will be worthless.

I hardly see any lawns. And I'm assuming the trees are the kind that surivve the heat with ltitle water. But, yes, I also don't understand, wyh people live places where humans can''t really survive.

I agree. I'm actually infuriated.

Lawns are completely ridiculous. They suck up water and time maintaining them. Food. We should all grow food. Not grass.

I was going to comment at least some greenery grows on other side of the highway. But your right about enough water to support the greenery. Arizona has some underground water systems but they are deep from what I've heard.

You realize where that waste water goes right? Are you shitting me right now?

How often have you been made fun of with your last name and been called Dominatrix?

How do you know they are wasting water? Many plants need only a little water and they can recycle the water.

So does places in the Midwest. It rains in the summer sometimes. Not like there where it never rains (Or most of CA)

We certainly do, not one week without rain this summer

Had too much lately. I think my lawn drowned!

Or Ohio!

I've lived in that desert. I agree! Why do people throw drinkable water on the ground to maintain lawns that don't belong there!?

+1

Yeah, about that . . . . . i wouldnt count on 'Lawn rain' but they can do flood . . .

Unfortunately we can't all live in England :)

I've seen online where some people paint their lawns green.

Lawns,trees help clean there air and supply air

In fact, it's almost cold all the time and VERY rainy. Like it almost rains every day

Perhaps people paint a "lawn" in their front yards. Or use Astro-turf. More aesthetic to the eye. And no water waste.

Yuck not the monarchy

Send Arizonians to England. You must really hate english peeps.

None taken, you’re right

Don't worry - they don't waste water in Arizona.