Hayden Road Landscape Improvements Moving Forward
Over the past two years, MRPOA has worked through the design, review, and permitting process for the Hayden Road landscape improvements. After extensive coordination and revisions, the Association obtained the permit for the project in the fourth quarter of 2025. This work was planned and budgeted as part of the Landscape Master Plan previously approved by the City of Scottsdale.
We understand that some owners are concerned about the removal of portions of turf and a limited number of trees. The purpose of this project is not to diminish the beauty of McCormick Ranch, but to strengthen it for the future. The Hayden Road improvements are part of MRPOA’s long-term effort to modernize irrigation, improve plant health, reduce turf directly against homeowner walls, and continue building shade canopy across the Ranch.
According to the approved landscape plan, the project covers approximately 1.25 miles from Indian Bend Road to Via de Ventura Road. The plan states that the design approach is to modernize the street median landscape, reduce irrigation demands, preserve significant existing trees and turf where appropriate, and enhance the corridor with additional trees and low-water-use plantings. The plan also provides for redesigning and reducing turf in select areas, installing new concrete headers, improving irrigation efficiency, and enhancing portions of the east side of Hayden Road with additional trees, shrubs, groundcover, and accent plants.
The approved plant schedule shows that the project includes the installation of 144 new trees, made up of a diverse palette including mulga, willow acacia, smoothie cascalote, fruitless olive, blue palo verde, red push pistache, and Joan Lionetti live oak.
In addition, the plan includes:
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- 359 shrubs
- 280 accent plants
- 703 groundcover plants
- 10 large boulders
- 151,931 square feet of decomposed granite
- 2,087 square feet of stabilized decomposed granite
The plan also shows that a substantial amount of turf is being retained. Within the right-of-way, 64,594 square feet of turf remains out of 73,864 square feet existing. Outside the right-of-way, 183,381 square feet of turf remains out of 229,805 square feet existing. Altogether, that is 247,975 square feet of turf remaining, or about 82% of the total turf currently in the project area.
This project is also part of MRPOA’s broader tree succession and shade canopy plan. As older trees become diseased or reach the end of their useful life, the Association’s goal is to already have younger trees planted and growing so that shade canopy is maintained and expanded over time. Rather than waiting until canopy is lost, MRPOA is working proactively to establish the next generation of trees now.
When tree removal is required, all proper steps are taken to address safety, traffic control, and habitat concerns. Any bird habitats identified in the work area are addressed appropriately and relocated as necessary before removal work proceeds.
In the end, this project is about thoughtful reinvestment in one of the Ranch’s most visible corridors. The Hayden Road landscape improvements are designed to preserve the character of McCormick Ranch while improving long-term plant health, water efficiency, and shade for the future. The result will be a more sustainable, lush, and attractive landscape that continues to reflect the quality and beauty of the Ranch.
