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discoloration or a rupture leaking a brown, smelly fluid. The disease can progress quickly with complete decomposition occurring in just a few weeks. While there are some treatments and prevention, most saguaros succumb to the disease once it appears. Ultimately, the saguaro cactus is more than just a plant; it is the definitive symbol of Arizona. Enjoy the beauty of this majestic giant either in your yard or in its natural setting.
rot. A falling saguaro is dangerous to people and property. Hardy but not indestructible While they make a spectacular focal point in the landscape, there are a few challenges to keep in mind. Catastrophic freeze events for saguaro can occur when the minimum temperature falls below 22 degrees for 15 to 20 hours. Saguaros are not adapted to fire. The living cactus is not flammable, but it can suffer lethal burns from wildfires. Similarly, although adapted to life in full sun, saguaros can sunburn. The wounding caused by sunburn can provide an entry point for bacteria. Young seedling saguaro can be consumed by many kinds of insects, birds and rodents. Gila woodpeckers and cactus wrens peck nesting holes in saguaro stems. The nesting cavity inside the stem will dry and heal with a barky lining called a callus, remaining for the life of the saguaro. Bacterial necrosis is associated with most saguaro deaths. The first sign of infection may appear as a
assumes responsibility for major repairs and much of the property’s maintenance. That becomes increasingly important with age. Homeownership doesn’t just require money; it requires managing the property. Even relatively simple jobs such as landscaping, changing filters or arranging repairs can become burdensome. If those tasks eventually have to be outsourced, the real cost of managing goes up. So, when are you too old to buy? Age itself isn’t the deciding factor. A healthy 70-year-old with adequate savings and plans to remain in the same community may have good reasons to buy. Someone at 60 who wants flexibility and doesn’t want the expense or responsibility of maintaining a home may be better off renting. The better question isn’t whether you’re too old to own a home. It’s whether homeownership still fits the life you want to live. Dayv Morgan is a Maricopa realtor and owner of HomeSmart Premier. 480-251-4231 DayvMorgan@gmail.com
principal-and-interest portion of your payment stays the same even if rents around you spike. For someone living on retirement income, knowing what that major monthly expense will be five or 10 years from now provides valuable stability. Older buyers should look hard at new construction. A newer home doesn’t eliminate maintenance expenses completely, but new roofs, air-conditioning systems, plumbing and appliances can reduce the likelihood of major repair bills during the first years of ownership. Builder warranties may provide another layer of protection. Mortgage length deserves consideration, too. For buyers in their 60s who can comfortably afford the larger payment, a 15-year mortgage can be attractive. It provides a realistic path toward eliminating the mortgage during retirement and passing the home along to your heirs free and clear. The higher monthly payment, however, shouldn’t come at the expense of savings needed for emergencies or everyday living. There is also a strong case for renting. Rent may increase over time, but renters aren’t writing a $12,000 check when the air conditioner fails or roof needs replacing. The landlord generally
Meet the giant in your backyard Here’s how the saguaro cactus grows, survives and sometimes struggles in the desert landscape
S IXTY ISN’T TOO OLD FOR A NEW mortgage. Neither is 70. In fact, buying a home later in life can still be a smart move, but the calculation changes as retirement gets closer. Then, stability, maintenance costs and how long you plan to stay matter more than building equity over several decades. One of the biggest arguments for buying is predictability. With a fixed-rate mortgage, the Too old to buy? Think again Age alone doesn’t determine whether homeownership makes sense BY DAYV MORGAN
Wende Gehrt is a Pinal County Master Gardener.
BY WENDE GEHRT
T
HE SAGUARO CACTUS ( Carnegiea gigantea ) is an iconic symbol of Arizona. The white nocturnal blossoms of saguaro are the
state flower. Saguaros are the largest cactus in the United States, exceeding 60 feet in height and standing taller than any other plant in their native habitat. They grow in the Sonoran Desert and nowhere else in the world. But those desert giants don’t get that big overnight. The plant is slow-growing and is considered adult at about 125 years. Their first arms appear at 50 to 70 years, although this could take up to 100 years with lower precipitation. It takes the better part of a century to reach 15 to 16 feet. Its lifespan is 150 to 200 years. The plant’s familiar pleats allow it to expand like an accordion as it takes in water and shrink as the water supply decreases. Saguaros are protected in Arizona under special laws and harming one is illegal. Moving The saguaro is emblematic of our region, and it makes a great focal point or accent in a xeriscape or cactus garden. But bringing one home comes with some considerations. Saguaro can be expensive, sometimes priced at $100 per foot in height and can weigh 100 pounds per linear foot. The weight of the plant creates difficulty and hazards in moving and planting it. We recommend against mixing saguaro with turf and heavily irrigated landscapes. Too much water can result in bloating, splitting and one requires a special permit. A giant in the landscape
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©2026 CastleRock Communities. Prices, terms, and conditions are subject to change. Continuing product development necessitates the alteration of sales prices, features, inclusions, designs, materials, colors, and specifications. As such, CastleRock reserves the right to discontinue, substitute, or change such items with no obligation and without prior notice. Some features are optional and may be subject to extra cost and/or lot restrictions. Please consult a CastleRock representative for specific price information and availability. All renderings and drawings are conceptual and subject to significant changes. All measurements are approximate and may vary from plans and model homes. All sales are conditioned upon buyer’s acceptance of Final Subdivision Disclosure Report (Public Report). Homes are constructed by CastleRock Construction Arizona LLC – ROC# 348937. CastleRock Communities Arizona LLC – AZDRE License #LC710331000. All rights reserved.
InMaricopa.com | September 2026
September 2026 | InMaricopa.com
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