Business Details
30 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Award-Winning Landscaping Services in Tucson, AZ
Sonoran Gardens was founded in 1996 by Chris Niccum, a Purdue University graduate with a degree in Ornamental Horticulture. Starting with minimal resources, the company has grown into a premier residential landscape design and construction firm in Tucson and Southern Arizona. Our team includes four certified landscape designers and specialized maintenance professionals, all committed to delivering award-winning projects that exceed client expectations. We emphasize personalized planning, expert project management, and ongoing client communication to ensure satisfaction.Recognized by the Arizona Landscape Contractors Association and Association of Professional Landscape Designers, we offer comprehensive services including design, construction, irrigation, lighting, and maintenance. Our approach combines desert-adapted plants, water-efficient technologies, and artistic hardscaping to create functional, sustainable outdoor spaces. With decades of combined experience, we maintain industry leadership through innovation, integrity, and a dedication to client-centric solutions.
Services
Landscape Design
Irrigation Installation
Xeriscaping
Outdoor Kitchens
Lighting Repair
Maintenance Programs
Paver Installation
Tree Pruning
Weed Control
Water Features
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We have over 25 years of experience in desert landscape design and construction.
- Our team includes four certified landscape designers with industry-recognized expertise.
- We guarantee water-efficient solutions using xeriscaping and smart irrigation technologies.
- Our maintenance division offers personalized, year-round care for all landscape elements.
- We hold multiple state and national awards for design excellence and construction quality.
Associations and certifications
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors
What people say
Award-winning designs
Professional team
Reliable service
Creative solutions
Attention to detail
Services
Landscape Design
Our landscape design service creates tailored outdoor spaces that blend desert aesthetics with functional living areas. We specialize in xeriscapes, hardscaping, and plant selection suited to Tucson's climate. Clients receive detailed plans with material specifications and 3D visualizations. Our designers collaborate closely to ensure every project reflects the homeowner's vision while maintaining ecological sustainability.
Irrigation Installation
We install and repair advanced irrigation systems using Hunter, Rain Bird, and Toro components. Services include smart controllers, drip irrigation, and leak detection. Our technicians optimize water usage for desert landscapes while preventing overwatering. Emergency repairs address broken pipes, valve failures, and system winterization to protect against freezing temperatures.
Xeriscaping
Our xeriscaping service focuses on drought-tolerant plants and rock features that thrive in Arizona's desert climate. We incorporate native species like agave, palo verde, and ocotillo with efficient irrigation. This approach reduces water consumption by up to 60% while creating visually striking landscapes that require minimal maintenance.
Outdoor Kitchens
We design and build custom outdoor kitchens featuring stone countertops, stainless steel appliances, and desert-themed masonry. Each project includes weather-resistant cabinetry and integrated lighting. Our team ensures proper utility connections and compliance with local building codes while creating functional, aesthetically cohesive cooking and dining areas.
Maintenance Programs
Our Custom Care maintenance division provides weekly or biweekly services including pruning, fertilization, and irrigation checks. We offer specialized potted plant care and seasonal adjustments for desert plants. Clients receive detailed service reports after each visit, with priority scheduling for emergency repairs included in all maintenance contracts.
People
Chris Niccum
Founder
Bachelor's degree in Ornamental Horticulture from Purdue University. 25+ years in landscape industry. Established Sonoran Gardens in 1996 with focus on quality and customer service.
Jean Niccum
Partner & Office Manager
Joined Sonoran Gardens in 1997. Manages office operations and client relations. 20+ years experience supporting landscape business administration.
Roberta Braegelman
Lead Landscape Designer
Certified designer since 1999. Created award-winning projects across Southern Arizona. Specializes in desert-adapted plant selection and functional outdoor living spaces.
Matt Niccum
Construction Division Manager
Joined company in 2010 after construction management degree. Oversees all landscape construction projects. 12+ years of field experience in desert construction challenges.
Kira Niccum
Custom Care Manager
Business management degree with six years in real estate development. Manages maintenance division since 2011. Focuses on client communication and service quality assurance.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We specialize in Tucson and surrounding Southern Arizona communities within 30 miles of our office.
Do you offer maintenance contracts?
Yes, our Custom Care program provides weekly or biweekly maintenance with priority emergency service.
Can you repair existing landscapes?
We offer complete renovation services including irrigation fixes, plant replacement, and hardscape repairs.
Are your designers certified?
All four of our landscape designers hold industry certifications from recognized horticultural organizations.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept checks, ACH transfers, and major credit cards for all services and projects.
Do you provide irrigation warranties?
Yes, we offer one-year warranties on all new irrigation installations and major repairs.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Dan Barnett
Nov 09, 2021
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Generational Family owned business Call Matt or Kira for your landscape needs, large enough to service commercial accounts, small enough to be flexible and accommodating.
David Kane
Apr 20, 2021
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Sonoran Gardens Landscaping has taken care of our landscaping and and potted plants for the last 8 years. They are incredibly professional and responsive. Plus, they know their plants! In addition to regular maintenance, we can depend on them to cover our potted plants if we are out of town and there are freeze warnings. If we ever have an issue, which is rare, it is addressed immediately. Keep up the great work!
Ed-Ith C.
Mar 02, 2021
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Sonoran Gardens has planted 6 large pots in our yard for the last 13 years. They change them twice and year and refresh the pots every two weeks. Kara, who takes care of our pots, has always been professional and has become a friend. We have recommended Sonoran Gardens to many people.
William F. Joffroy Jr
Feb 23, 2021
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We have used Sonoran Gardens for several years and we are very happy with their services. From the owners to their staff, they are professional, personable and they consistently ask what we need. We recommend Sonoran Gardens without any hesitation.
Pat & Patty Jones
Feb 18, 2021
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Sonoran Gardens recently completed a major overhaul of our landscape. The work included filling a pool, creating extensive new flagstone surfaces, installing artificial grass as well as extensive planting, installing a new irrigation and a low voltage lighting system. They also provided a metalworking subcontractor who did superior work creating fencing, gates, a large planter, and trellises. We're happy with the product. Matt Niccum is a very good listener, focuses on details and worked to make sure the work and project was completed to our satisfaction. We recommended working with Sonoran.
Sara W.
Aug 21, 2020
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We really enjoyed working with Sonoran. The redesign of part of our backyard is creative, beautiful, and desert friendly. The crew that did the work over 3 weeks were very professional and the results are super high quality.
