Southern Arizona’s scorching heat necessitates desert xeriscaping, including native bushes and trees, like mesquites.
But ongoing challenges posed by homelessness are evident throughout Pima County, particularly at a Circle K on Tucson’s South Side, where a local landscaping company has taken steps to manage the impact.
“One of the big reasons is the homeless issue that occurs at this store,” said Patrick Coco, owner of Desert Clean and Green.
Desert Clean and Green, a Tucson-based landscaping business, has been working to clean up the area surrounding the store at the corner of Ajo Way and Park Avenue.
The operation involved clearing brush and lifting trees to prevent the homeless population from using the area as a campsite.
“We’ve been spending the last two weeks cleaning up Circle K’s here in town,” Coco said. “Lifting trees and actually even taking nice big mesquite trees down.”
The presence of large shade trees has made the area a popular gathering spot for the homeless, especially during the sweltering summer months.