By Scott Rowan, Landscape & Facility Operations Manager

When DMB sets out to create great places, the design of open space and landscape is given as much consideration as buildings and homes. So much of what makes a DMB community unique is the intentional focus on connecting neighbors to one another through the use of outdoor amenities like parks and paths.

What’s more, the implementation of a thoughtful and consistent landscape plan–from common areas and roadways to individual residential properties–leads to sustained value from both a lifestyle and economical perspective.

The aspirational landscape vision taking shape at Eastmark is aptly referred to as “Old Arizona” because it pays tribute to turn-of-the-century neighborhoods and destination resorts such as those found in historic areas of Phoenix and Tucson.

If you’ve ever driven through the neighborhoods along the northern end of Central Avenue in Phoenix, you likely suddenly felt as if you had been transported to another place and time. With majestic trees that form a canopy over streets and sidewalks, you almost feel like you’re driving along a country road rather than an urban boulevard. Upon entering an iconic resort like the Arizona Biltmore, grand entryways with statuesque palms and lush greenery welcomes you to the property.

The Old Arizona style of landscape combines formal landscape patterns with organic desert forms to create visual interest. A wide variety of plants and trees were typical in these historic landmarks and used for specific purposes from creating shaded sidewalks and streets to screening boundaries around properties.

This is why nearly a dozen different tree species will be prominently placed throughout Eastmark in the years to come. Landscape crews take great care in the planting and pruning of these young trees so they will grow to provide abundant shade canopies over streets and sidewalks.

A hidden benefit of tree-lined streets is that traffic naturally slows due to the sense of enclosure. The experience of both walking and driving through the community will not only be enjoyable, but safer, too.

Stay tuned for part two of this series to learn about more ways that Eastmark is using Landscape Design to create a one-of-a-kind, East Valley community.