Where are you located? Ask your city first if you are allowed to do that. Here are some pictures of xeriscaping, which is a style of landscaping that requires little or no irrigation. https://www.houzz.com/photos/query/xeriscaping/nqrwns

CA website is just one place to read up - "Mow brown or dead turf to less than 3 inches. Better yet, replace it with fire-resistant ground cover."

https://www.calwater.com/conservation/defensible/

https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/water/pdf/waterwisegardening.pdf

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https://www.bewaterwise.com/

Where you live there is web info that applies. I have much to learn also. Xeriscaping: Conserves water; Provides lots of attractive planting options; Presents minimal pest and disease problems; Thrives with little fertilization; Requires low pruning and maintenance; Saves valuable landfill space.

• https://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/Organics/Xeriscaping/

Idk but does the tall tree dwarf the house and yard? Could/ should it be trimmed?

I am in Utah. My city does allow it. The trees definitely need triming as well. I do not have a current sprinkler system. Any design or plant ideas? I have no idea where to start.

I wasn't clear - what if the tall tree by your car was removed? a big deal to spend on. The other trees form a 'set of 3' ... does it seem from a distance? :)

1- Start by posting current photos so we can see what has survived the dry summer.

2-Then write down three budget numbers that you are comfortable with for this phase.

3-Then hire a lawnmowing service to clean up the yard and foundation plants, and trim around the yard parking area.

4-Take more photos.

5-Then draw a measured plan of the property that also indicates where the big trees are.

Even without grass, I believe you will still need some water to keep plants alive, even with a xeriscaped yard. I also live in UT and my front yard has some, but very minimal lawn. An irrigation system is key to low maintenance (not having to hand water). If you xeriscape or any other grass-free planting, you can likely do a drip irrigation system instead of sprinklers which should use a lot less water.

Starting with applie_pie_order's steps would go a long way.

You could also reach out for professional assistance in putting together a landscape design for your yard. There are many landscape companies and one of my friends in UT had great luck using Thumbtack to have a design done for her back yard, including splitting the design into steps that she and her husband could work on DIY over a few years to achieve the complete yard they wanted.

Current front yard

Front view from the driveway

Side yard, I'm thinking I might leave some grass here as it is shaded well.

The big tree near the car in the first picture needs to be trimmed. Removal would cost $2500. I am not sure I want to spend that, I also like that it helps shade the home.

This might give you a better idea. Best Wishes!!

@Tressie Kearl why does the big tree near the car/driveway need to be removed? (I am not a tree expert, just trying to understand). I was happy to see that the trees seem to be ok despite the heat we've been having in UT.

It does not. It was just suggested in the comments so I was responding. :)
It does need to be trimmed though as it looses large branches in the winter and has already smashed one of our cars. But I'd definitely prefer to leave the tree.

Tressie, I realize branches on the car isn't funny, but it's true: "don't say the tree didn't warn ya." .. I just think that the largest projects should happen first. And a kitchen or dining room window is often replaced with sliders to enjoy side or back yard, especially shaded!

You can make a simple or more complicated xeriscape yard. i have a neighbor who just has a couple of trees in her front yard with decomposed granite as mulch and it doesn't look bad. Another nice yard has some low water use shrubs and trees and looks great. We have landscape boulders and rock mulch with desert plants.

you dont have to set up a drip system if you use native plants and suplement them until they are established. Heres some pics of the yards i mentioned.

Thanks for new photos. In the big plan: Extending your carport sideways or along driveway would give you covered space for two cars. Take a look at the tree to see where you could build a covered pad for parking that would not be in the path of falling branches.

Professional tree pruning is worth the money in situations like this.