John Rolfe, owner of Verde Valley Nursery in Fountain Hills, has adjusted his business to keep up with the times.

There have been numerous home remodeling projects in the Valley over the past several months.

And that goes for landscaping, as well.

Rolfe said he has seen a huge upswing in landscape remodels in the past several months.

“With more people deciding to keep their homes, they are revitalizing what they have,” he said. “That includes refreshing their landscape.”

In remodeling their yards, more and more people are using Xeriscape techniques.

“More and more people want low maintenance, low water-use yards,” Rolfe said. “They are adding boulders and other features that they don’t have to water.”

A product that is increasing in popularity for area residents is the installation of synthetic turf.

“The turf is very realistic-looking,” Rolfe said. “The return on your money occurs within about 2½ years.”

In addition to people liking the artificial grass, Rolfe said realtors are reporting good resale on houses with the turf. He added that statistics show that people can see up to a 200 percent return on their landscaping dollar when they sell their home.

“These are pretty positive consequences to using the artificial turf,” Rolfe said.

Rolfe’s landscaping design department has been busier than ever this summer.

“We worked on an average of two remodels per week this summer,” he said. “We can provide a person with a landscaping plan for about $350. If they use our services and buy from us, that $350 is rebated.”

One of Verde Valley’s customers, Jack Fedor, has been using the nursery’s services for about two years. Fedor is president of Warbirds Unlimited Foundation, an organization dedicated to the preservation of World War II aviation history.

When Fedor and his wife, Alice, moved into their Fountain Hills home in 2005, they decided they wanted something different done with the landscaping. They called Verde Valley.

“John has done a really good job for us,” Fedor said. “He does exactly what he says he’s going to do. They provide quality product and service.”

Fedor said the staff at Verde Valley is as caring as the owner.

“Everyone we have worked with takes care of the customer,” he said. “The follow up is great. This isn’t something that is money-motivated. They just care.”

Fedor has used Verde Valley to do two major plantings in his yard. The first was when they moved into their home, and the second was after the frost last winter.

“We got rid of a lot of stuff that really can’t live here,” Fedor said. “John made recommendations and offered a plan. Everything has just worked out well.”

Another client, Jim Simpson, a winter resident with a home on Rockwood, said Verde Valley Nursery has gone “above and beyond” with its work. The Simpsons have another home in Minnesota, where Jim just retired as president of several banks.

“John and his crew came in and re-landscaped our yard,” Simpson said. “I didn’t want grass, and they came in and got rid of all of it. They replanted and did just a remarkable job.”

Simpson said Verde Valley has provided professional, on-time service each time it was needed.

“These guys are just terrific,” he said. “I would recommend them without hesitation.”

Another service Rolfe offers is landscape “consulting.” For about $50, he can show the customer what can be done in their yard. Again, if the customer uses Verde Valley Nursery’s service, the fee is rebated.

For more information about Verde Valley Nursery’s landscaping design and installation, call (480) 837-8131. The nursery is located at 12025 N. Saguaro Blvd.

In addition to its landscaping business, Verde Valley features a retail operation with indoor and outdoor plants, yard art, fountains, as well as fertilizers, tools and more.