Phoenix Valley Business Reviews

Cultivating beauty in the desert

When you live in the Sonoran Desert, you quickly learn that a thriving landscape is no accident. Scottsdale and Phoenix are famous for sunbaked summers, monsoon downpours and soils that test even the greenest of thumbs. Yet across the Valley you’ll find lush shade trees, fragrant citrus groves and vibrant flowering hedges thriving in backyards and public spaces. One name appears on tag stakes and delivery trucks wherever you see that greenery: Moon Valley Nurseries.

Moon Valley Nurseries isn’t just another garden center; it’s an Arizona success story. From humble beginnings as a local pumpkin patch, it has grown into one of the nation’s largest tree growers and landscape design firms. Locals know the company for its slogan, “You buy it, we plant it!®” and for the white‑glove service that accompanies every tree that leaves their farms. In this comprehensive profile, we’ll explore how Moon Valley Nurseries became a household name in Phoenix, dive into the mission that guides its work, unpack the services and products it offers and share practical tips for creating your own desert oasis.

From pumpkin patch to tree‑growing empire

The story of Moon Valley Nurseries begins in 1994, when a small pumpkin patch and Christmas tree lot opened in Phoenix’s North Valley. The founders saw more than a seasonal business; they saw an opportunity to fill a gap in the local nursery culture by growing hardy shade trees adapted to Arizona’s climate. In 1995 the business was rebranded as Moon Valley Nurseries, and the focus shifted to cultivating and selling trees and plants specifically suited to the desert environment. Over the past 30 years, the company has evolved from a roadside lot into a regional powerhouse with more than 45 retail locations across Arizona, California, Nevada and Texas.

This explosive growth didn’t happen by accident. Moon Valley invested heavily in its own farms, cultivating hundreds of thousands of trees each year and perfecting techniques for transplanting mature specimens. By controlling the growing process from seed to sale, the company can ensure quality and consistency and offer trees at sizes and prices that big‑box garden centers can’t match. Their farms span thousands of acres and produce shade trees, fruit trees, palms, desert plants and shrubs that thrive in the arid Southwest.

Despite their expansion, the company remains family‑owned and locally operated. Long‑time employees often start in entry‑level positions and grow into leadership roles, reinforcing a culture of loyalty and expertise. New locations are carefully planned to serve neighborhoods where demand is growing, but the core mission stays the same: enhance lives and environments through premium trees and plants.

Mission and philosophy: enhancing lives and environments

At the heart of Moon Valley Nurseries is a simple mission statement: to enhance people’s lives and environments by providing premium trees, plants and expert landscaping services. This mission guides everything from the way they cultivate seedlings to how they treat customers. The company emphasizes the following principles:

1. Quality over quantity – Moon Valley grows only select varieties proven to thrive in the Southwest. They monitor soil health, fertilize appropriately and avoid shortcuts that compromise quality. Trees are allowed to grow to substantial sizes before they are sold, which means homeowners get instant shade and beauty rather than waiting years for saplings to mature.
2. Environmental stewardship – With roots in agriculture, the company understands the importance of land stewardship. The farms recycle green waste into mulch, practice water conservation through drip irrigation and invest in research to develop drought‑tolerant tree varieties. Their “from our farms to your home” philosophy highlights their control over production and their commitment to sustainable practices.
3. Customer education – A major part of their mission involves empowering customers with knowledge. Staff members are trained not just to sell plants but to educate clients about soil preparation, watering schedules, pruning techniques and seasonal care. Instead of focusing on quick transactions, they strive to build long‑term relationships so that a customer’s investment lasts a lifetime.
4. Building community – Moon Valley believes that landscaping has the power to bring people together and increase property values. They participate in community events, donate trees to schools and parks and assist with neighborhood beautification projects. Their community involvement extends to environmental initiatives and educational programs that teach children about the importance of urban forestry and desert conservation.

Premium products grown locally: from farms to your backyard

One of the secrets to Moon Valley’s success is its vertical integration. Unlike many nurseries that source plants from third‑party growers, Moon Valley owns and operates large growing farms throughout the Southwest. This allows them to control every step of the process:

• Propagation and cultivation – Seeds are carefully selected and germinated, and cuttings are propagated in controlled greenhouse environments. Young trees and shrubs are acclimated to desert conditions gradually to promote hardiness.
• Field growth – Trees are transplanted into open fields where they have space to develop strong root systems. Moon Valley’s horticulturists monitor soil health and nutrient levels, ensuring that each tree receives the right balance of water, fertilizer and sunlight. This careful stewardship yields robust specimens ready to thrive once planted in a customer’s yard.
• Harvest and transport – When a tree is ready, a specialized harvest team gently extracts it with the root ball intact. The tree is wrapped for transport to minimize stress. Because Moon Valley manages the entire process, they can offer large trees that transplant successfully—a service rarely found at smaller garden centers.
• White‑glove delivery and planting – The company’s slogan, “You buy it, we plant it!®,” represents their commitment to a seamless customer experience. After selecting a tree or arranging a landscape design, customers can schedule professional planting. Crews arrive with equipment, amend the soil if necessary, and install the tree at the correct depth and orientation. They also stake and water the plant, provide initial fertilization and educate homeowners on care instructions. This white‑glove service is a key differentiator and helps ensure long‑term success.

Comprehensive services: design, planting and lifetime care

Moon Valley Nurseries is more than a tree retailer. It’s a full‑service landscape design and installation firm. When you walk into a Moon Valley location, you can expect assistance at every stage of the process:

Free professional design consultations

Homeowners often struggle to envision how plants will look in their yards. Moon Valley’s design team provides complimentary consultations, either in the nursery or on site. Designers discuss aesthetic goals, desired level of maintenance, functional needs (such as shade or privacy) and budget. They then develop a custom planting plan that considers factors like sunlight exposure, soil type, irrigation and microclimates. Many customers appreciate that these consultations take the guesswork out of landscaping and lead to cohesive, balanced designs.

Expert planting and installation

After finalizing the design and selecting trees and shrubs, professional crews handle the installation. They arrive with specialized equipment to dig proper planting holes, adjust soil composition and position root balls correctly. The teams follow industry best practices to ensure optimal root contact, avoid air pockets and provide appropriate staking. Proper planting is essential for survival, and customers repeatedly comment on the crews’ professionalism and respect for their property.

Lifetime care advice and guarantees

Moon Valley stands behind its products with guarantees on select trees and a lifetime of care advice. Staff members teach customers how to water newly planted trees deeply and infrequently, encouraging roots to seek moisture at depth. They explain when to fertilize, how to prune and what signs indicate stress. The company also offers its own line of fertilizers and soil conditioners formulated for desert landscapes. Clients appreciate the Moon Juice and Supercharged Moon Juice products, which include beneficial organisms and nutrients to promote growth.

Commercial and wholesale services

While homeowners make up a significant portion of Moon Valley’s clientele, the company also serves landscapers, contractors and developers. Wholesale customers can purchase trees in bulk for residential communities, golf courses, resorts and public projects. Moon Valley’s farms make it possible to supply hundreds of large trees for a single development, ensuring uniformity and quality across the site. Their design team can collaborate with architects and engineers to create master plans that blend aesthetics with sustainability.

A tree for every need: selection suited to the Valley’s climate

Phoenix’s climate demands plants that can handle extreme heat, low humidity and occasional freezes. Moon Valley’s catalog reflects decades of trial and error, offering varieties that not only survive but thrive. Here are some of their most popular categories:

Shade trees

Living in the desert means combating intense sunlight, and shade trees are essential for cooling homes and outdoor spaces. Evergreen ash, Chinese pistache and live oaks provide broad canopies and require relatively little water once established. Arizona ash offers rapid growth, while African sumac and Texas ebony bring year‑round greenery. When planted strategically, these trees reduce energy bills by shading walls and windows, creating comfortable microclimates.

Citrus and fruit trees

Moon Valley carries a wide selection of citrus varieties, including Meyer lemons, Valencia oranges, Ruby Red grapefruit and Key lime. Citrus trees not only yield delicious fruit but also produce fragrant blossoms and attractive evergreen foliage. Other fruit trees like stone fruit (peaches, plums and apricots) require chill hours, but Moon Valley sources low‑chill varieties suitable for the desert. Homeowners who love the idea of backyard orchards find everything they need to get started.

Palm trees and tropical accents

Nothing says “resort living” quite like palm trees swaying against a clear blue sky. Moon Valley offers species like Mexican fan palm, Mediterranean fan palm, date palm and King palm. These trees add vertical interest, cast filtered shade and evoke a sense of vacation. In addition to palms, the nursery stocks tropical accents such as bird of paradise, hibiscus and bougainvillea, which inject pops of color and texture into landscapes.

Desert and drought‑tolerant plants

For homeowners prioritizing water conservation, Moon Valley has an extensive selection of cacti, agaves, yuccas, Texas sage, red yucca and other succulents. These plants are not only low‑maintenance but also provide year‑round interest through dramatic forms and colorful blooms. Pairing drought‑tolerant plants with efficient irrigation systems helps conserve water without sacrificing beauty.

Privacy hedges and screening trees

Urban living often comes with neighbors close by. Moon Valley solves privacy issues with fast‑growing hedges and dense trees like Italian cypress, hopseed bush, ficus, podocarpus and Carolina cherry laurel. When planted along property lines, these trees form living walls that block noise and create tranquil backyard retreats. Many customers prefer natural screening to fences because it softens property lines and improves curb appeal.

Flowering shrubs and vines

Colorful blooms make a landscape come alive. Moon Valley’s flowering plant selection includes yellow bells, red bird of paradise, Texas ranger, roses, lantana and trailing acacia. For vertical interest, vines like trumpet vine, bougainvillea and star jasmine climb pergolas and walls. Flowering plants attract pollinators and can be used to accent entryways, patios and garden beds.

Customer experiences and community impact

Many Valley residents have stories about their positive interactions with Moon Valley. Customers often highlight the knowledgeable staff who help them choose the right plants and provide honest advice about spacing, watering and maintenance. They appreciate the professionalism of the planting crews and the care taken to protect existing landscaping and hardscapes during installation.

Families who have purchased mature shade trees consistently report that their yards transformed almost overnight: patios became usable during summer afternoons, and air‑conditioning costs dropped. Gardeners praise the availability of unique varieties not found in big‑box stores and the ability to purchase large specimens that create instant impact. Business owners and developers cite the reliability and scale of Moon Valley’s wholesale services, noting that large orders arrive on time and in good condition.

Beyond customer transactions, Moon Valley contributes to the broader community. The company partners with schools, parks and nonprofits to donate trees for urban reforestation projects. They host free workshops on tree care and desert gardening, teaching residents how to support pollinators, build soil health and irrigate efficiently. By promoting landscaping as a tool for climate resilience, Moon Valley helps reduce the urban heat island effect and fosters a healthier environment.

Tips for selecting and caring for trees in the desert

If you’re planning to plant trees or revamp your landscape, keep these practical tips in mind:

1. Plan for mature size – A tree that looks small in a nursery can reach 30 feet or more at maturity. Consider the ultimate height and canopy spread to avoid crowding structures or power lines.
2. Choose the right spot – Observe sunlight patterns in your yard. Some trees prefer full sun, while others thrive with afternoon shade. Moon Valley’s design team can help you map the best locations.
3. Prep the soil – Desert soils can be compacted and low in organic matter. Amend planting holes with compost and gypsum to improve drainage and nutrient availability. Avoid placing fertilizer directly in the hole; roots can be burned by concentrated nutrients.
4. Water deeply and infrequently – The goal is to encourage roots to grow down rather than stay near the surface. In the first year, water deeply once or twice a week depending on weather. Reduce frequency as the tree establishes.
5. Mulch generously – Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree, keeping it a few inches from the trunk. Mulch retains moisture, moderates soil temperature and suppresses weeds.
6. Fertilize wisely – Use slow‑release fertilizers formulated for desert plants. Moon Valley’s proprietary blends contain micronutrients and mycorrhizae that support root development.
7. Prune properly – Remove crossing branches and trim for shape, but avoid topping or excessive pruning. Hire professionals for major structural work to prevent damage and disease.
8. Monitor for pests – Arizona landscapes can host pests like aphids, scale and borers. Inspect trees regularly and address problems early with integrated pest management strategies.
9. Leverage professional help – Even seasoned gardeners benefit from expert advice. Consider periodic consultations to adjust watering schedules, identify nutrient deficiencies and plan for seasonal tasks.

Looking ahead: innovation and sustainability

Moon Valley Nurseries continues to innovate in response to changing climate conditions and customer needs. The company is researching heat‑resistant and low‑water tree varieties and experimenting with smart irrigation systems that use sensors to deliver water precisely when plants need it. They’ve also expanded their services to include maintenance packages, tree trimming and lawn care, providing clients with comprehensive yard management.

Expansion into new markets comes with a commitment to maintaining quality. While the company now operates more than 45 locations and grows hundreds of thousands of trees annually, leaders stress that each tree and customer receive the same level of care as when the business started. Environmental stewardship remains a priority; initiatives to recycle containers, reduce waste and restore soil health are integrated into operations.

Conclusion: your partner for desert landscapes

Phoenix homeowners know that a beautiful yard isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating shade, conserving energy and enhancing the value of their property. Moon Valley Nurseries has spent three decades helping residents achieve those goals. The company’s mission to enhance lives and environments through premium trees, plants and expert landscaping services shines through its carefully cultivated products, white‑glove planting, free design consultations and lifetime care advice.

From shade and fruit trees to palms, cacti and flowering shrubs, Moon Valley offers a selection tailored to the Valley’s climate and lifestyle. Customers appreciate the knowledge and passion of the staff, the quality of the plants, and the transformative impact mature trees have on their homes. As the company continues to innovate and expand, one thing remains constant: a deep commitment to helping desert dwellers create thriving, sustainable landscapes. If you dream of turning your yard into a green oasis, Moon Valley Nurseries is poised to be your trusted partner.