The 3,000-square foot Desert Food Forest is located at the Glendale Xeriscape Demonstration Garden. Funded by an Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management grant, the Food Forest was installed in 2018 to replace the outdated south area of the Demonstration Garden.
The Food Forest showcases desert-edible trees, shrubs, perennials, and succulents that homeowners can successfully grow, harvest, and enjoy in their own landscapes. Emulating a “forest” with an upper canopy and understory plants, the Food Forest contains a diversity of Arizona-friendly edible plants. There are multiple benefits of a Food Forest, such as providing a local food source, serving as habitat for local wildlife, and improving air and storm water quality.
Glendale Desert Food Forest plant list
Trees Matter Urban Food Forest Education Sheet
Linking Edible Arizona Forests (LEAF) Network
Desert Harvesters
The 10,000-square-foot Tree Trail is located at the Glendale Xeriscape Demonstration Garden. Funded by a Bureau of Reclamation water conservation grant, the Tree Trail was installed in 2011 to replace the outdated west area of the Demonstration Garden.
The Tree Trail provides examples of small and medium-size desert-adapted trees with signage illustrating proper tree care practices. The Trail demonstrates the latest in irrigation technologies and displays plants using rainwater harvesting strategies such as basin-style planting and a variety of permeable pavers.
Check out the following helpful tree care images, videos, and links below.
Tree Selection
Trees provide a variety of beneficial services to people and the environment, but the type of tree and where the tree will grow are factors that must be considered for the tree’s success. Learn how to choose the right tree for the right place.

APS Right Tree, Right Place brochure
Arbor Day Foundation Right Tree, Right Place
Arizona Desert Adapted Trees
Plant Selection and Selecting Your Plants
Plants for Poolside Landscapes
Tree Planting
It is important for trees to get a good start in order to get the outcome you desire in a healthy tree. Don't know the first steps to plant a tree? Don't worry. Learn how to plant a tree correctly.
Cooperative Extension Planting Guidelines
Arbor Day Foundation How to Plant a Tree
Arizona 811
Tree Watering
It is vital for trees to receive the adequate amount of water it needs at each stage of its growth. Proper irrigation practices will help your tree grow healthy and protect your investment. Learn more about efficiently watering your trees.
Landscape Watering Guide
Trees and Shrubs Watering Techniques
Drip Irrigation Basics
Harvesting Rainwater
In an arid environment, it is becoming increasingly more important to use rainwater to save water, improve stormwater quality, and improve tree health. Learn how to use rainwater in your landscape.

Harvesting Rainwater for Landscape Use Guide
Using Rainwater in Urban Landscapes
Rainscape Principles brochure
Watershed Management Group
Tree Pruning
Too much pruning, and improper pruning, can compromise the health of your tree and create a potential hazard. Take the time to learn how and when to prune.

Desert Pruning Schedule and Guide
Pruning Tips