Domestic Animals

Things to consider -

Native grasses are not enough to sustain healthy horses; it is best to plant a pasture or purchase hay.

• How Many Animals Can I Graze on My Pasture? 
• Establishing Irrigated Pastures in Arizona
• Blister Beetle Toxicity in Horses
• Poisonous Plants on Rangelands

Other considerations

• Rotate grazing areas; allow grasses to re-establish.
• Determine manure disposal options - scatter or pick it up.
• You may need multiple water sources; probably will need a storage tank if dependent on well water.

Number of domestic animals allowed per acre is determined by

• CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions) if your property has them
• County, town, or city guidelines (check with local Planning and Zoning) 
• Yavapai County Poultry Regulations by Community 

Landscaping

Landscaping/gardening in the central highlands presents many challenges
due to the dry air, winds, alkaline and sometimes clay, caliche and rocky soil,
lack of water, fire potential and wildlife.  

• The winds usually come from the southwest - consider planting windbreaks.
• Native and naturalized plants are the best for water conservation. The Yavapai County Native and Naturalized Plants database contains information on plants found in Yavapai County.  Use it to identify plants found on your property.  The Master Gardener Help Desks are another source of assistance on plant identification or recommendations.
• Living in the wildland urban interface (forested area) requires vigilance to maintain a defensible space around the buildings on your property (may affect your insurance rates).  Contact your local fire department for an inspection.  Landscape with plants that have lower combustibility - Firewise Plant Materials.  Use this Portal to determine the level of fire risk for your property and the surrounding neighborhood.
•  See our Yavapai Gardening page for publications on rabbit, deer and javalina resistant plants, and publications on plants that attract wildlife.

Disposal of Cut Vegetation

• Burn permits are required.  Some municipalities require signing up directly with your local fire department.  Others use an on-line portal, where you request a permit which is good for the calendar year.  You then log in to see if burning is permitted; if permitted, log-in to “start” and stop” burning. Check with your local fire department see what process they use. Verde Valley Burn Permits (Sedona, Jerome, Verde Valley, Cottonwood)   Yavapai Burn Permits (Prescott and some surrounding areas).  Note that once ground has been used for burning it may be difficult to start vegetation in that spot.
• Transfer stations accept yard cuttings - look for one in your community. 

General Information

• Yavapai County Climate Zones
• Watering Guidelines
• Planting Guidelines for Trees and Shrubs
• Cottonwood, Verde, and Sedona Landscape Plants
• Prescott Area Landscape Plant
• Landscape Calendar for Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley and surrounding areas
• Landscape Calendar for Cottonwood, Sedona, Verde Valley and surrounding areas
• Fruit Trees for 3500' to 6000' Elevations
• Fruit Calendar (monthly activities for fruit trees, brambles and grapes)
• Ten Steps to a Successful Vegetable Garden

Please visit our Yavapai Gardening page for more information on these and additional gardening and landscape topics.