© 2026 The Garden Gate & Artistic Pools & Spas. All rights reserved.
Made by Deadon Agency.
At The Garden Gate, we install boulders, berms and swales at residential properties in Tucson, Marana, and Oro Valley. On a new home construction project, the landscape plan will identify the location of all boulders, berms, and swales. For existing homes, we can provide a plan or we can walk the property and identify the areas where they should be placed.
Often used to improve the natural appearance of your landscape, boulders, berms, and swales are also used to mitigate erosion and control water flow (rainfall). We design and build landscapes that look natural and perform well in the desert.
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Boulders of various sizes are used in landscape projects to create a natural space that includes plants and night lighting. When larger boulders are clustered together we can create authentic rock outcroppings that bring the desert into the yard.
Boulders can be used to build decorative walls and retaining walls, usually at a lower cost than masonry retaining walls.
Boulders are available in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors. In new construction projects boulders are often salvaged from the site. "Surface Select" boulders are found above ground and have a darker patina. Boulders excavated during the construction of your home or pool are "Catalina Boulders", and are a lighter shade to white in color.
Berms are built with compacted fill soil and are used to create interest in the landscape by changing the ground elevation, usually by 12" to 18". They usually include plants and boulders and can be used to direct water flow. Swales are primarily used to control water runoff, but can also be decorative.
Heavy rain can cause erosion damage near homes and along driveways. Swales, often lined with rock, are designed to direct water flow toward desert washes and other approved areas.
Boulders, berms and swales can be incorporated in the landscape design for new construction projects as part of our turnkey service, or installed at existing homes.
The Project Coordinator orders the boulders (and fill soil if needed) and sets the installation schedule with you. The crew leader installs the boulders, berms and swales according to the landscape design, or the placement you approved. With support from the Project Supervisor, final placement and contouring is completed.
Costs are determined by boulder size, type and whether they are salvaged from the site or purchased from a supplier. Most boulders salvaged or excavated from residential properties range in size from 1’ x 2’ to 3' x 4’ and can be larger. Smaller boulders can be placed by hand and larger boulders are placed with a Bobcat loader or mini excavator.
We provide a comprehensive boulder installation proposal that describes the boulders selected, the size of the boulders, and the cost to install them.
Boulders are typically sized according to the area of placement. While a larger focal point boulder(s) may be placed in the front yard or the backyard, access is usually the determining factor. Courtyards with limited access and planter beds usually utilize smaller boulders.
Boulders salvaged from the job site are free (except for the labor cost to salvage them) and the most economical way to proceed, but is not always a viable option. Boulders purchased from a supplier are priced by the total weight. Boulders can be purchased in bulk, by the truck load (with miscellaneous sizes), or hand selected.
No. Berms are designed to add an elevation change, create visual interest, and are typically 12” to 18” high.
Residential swales are a decorative and functional feature used in landscapes and can direct water away from the property. They mitigate erosion and assist in directing water flow away from the home. Properties that have a significant erosion or flooding problem should contact a hydrologist or engineer.
It depends on the number of boulders, their size, access to the placement area and equipment required. In new construction projects, boulders are often placed early in the building process when there is good access and equipment can be used. When placed at existing homes, boulders are usually moved with a boulder dolly or wheelbarrow due to space limitations.
Click Start Your Project or call us at (520) 574-7585 to schedule a complimentary consultation.
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"Successful, well-constructed pools and landscapes require an experienced team capable of managing all aspects of your project. We provide the experience and professionalism you expect to build your project on time and on budget.
As a ROC licensed pool and landscape contractor we offer a true turnkey solution for your custom pool and landscape project.
We don’t just design pools and landscapes – we design beautiful yards for you, and your family and friends to enjoy for a lifetime."
Tyler Johansen, Director of Business Development
ROC 164986
ROC 328207
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© 2026 The Garden Gate & Artistic Pools and Spas, LLC. All rights reserved.
Made by Deadon Agency.
