When to Replace Turfgrass Sod and How to Extend Its Life

March 12th, 2024

Installing the right type of sod grass on your property can help it look attractive throughout the year. However, you may have to replace sod grass after some time. While you can take steps to optimize the lifespan of your grass, replacing it will eventually be necessary.

The best way to learn about when to replace sod grass is to discuss the topic with a supplier. An expert can provide recommendations specific to the variety of turfgrass sod you’ve chosen for your property. That said, the following overview will provide general advice to help you better understand this topic in the meantime.

Replacing your lawn: What You Need to Know

Deciding whether it’s time to install new sod requires accounting for various factors. They include the following:

  • Lawn condition: Many types of sod grass are quite durable. For example, sod for sports fields can stay in good shape for a relatively long stretch of time. That said, long-term wear-and-tear can have a negative impact on your sod’s condition and overall appearance over the years. You might want to replace your sod if this has occurred.
  • Choose a new and improved variety: Perhaps you’re unhappy with your current sod. Maybe you want to swap it out for a better choice, something that stays green longer, uses less water, or grows better in the shadow of that tree that is now 20 feet taller than when you first planted it. Discuss this topic with a supplier if so. They can explain your options and explain the process of replacing one variety of sod grass with another.
  • Weeds: If your lawn is overrun with weeds, you may need to lay down new sod to tackle the problem and prevent it from returning. However, you will also have to kill all the weeds first before doing so. Coordinate with an expert to ensure thorough results.

You can technically lay most varieties of sod during virtually any season, but it is best to select a variety that is most suited for the time of year and local conditions. A knowledgeable sod supplier can help you with this decision.

Tips for Extending the Life of your Lawn

Ways to keep sod grass in the best possible condition for as long as possible include:

  • Discuss proper maintenance and care with suppliers, and adhere to their suggestions. Purchase any maintenance equipment you may need ahead of time. Establish a lawn maintenance schedule so you don’t overlook this.
  • Make sure water reaches every spot on your lawn during the watering process.
  • Minimize foot traffic and other forms of traffic on your sod. True, you may have selected a particular variety of sod primarily because it can stand up to substantial foot traffic. However, no sod is completely invulnerable to harm. Don’t operate heavy vehicles on your sod when you can avoid doing so, and consider installing walking paths to guard against excessive foot traffic.
  • Wait at least two weeks to mow new sod. Mowing too soon can damage the root. Ask a professional the ideal time to start mowing your chosen sod variety.

That last point reiterates an essential truth: Discussing these topics with sod suppliers is the easiest way to learn about replacing old sod and extending your current sod’s life. Contact a professional if you’re not sure whether it’s time to replace your sod. Along with answering your basic questions, they can supply your new sod and may even suggest a different variety if you’d like to try another style.

Contact Turfgrass Sod Suppliers in Arizona

At Evergreen Turf, we offer numerous varieties of sod for properties ranging from homes to sports venues. Learn more about our products and services by contacting us online today!

5 Common Lawn Care Mistakes Every Homeowner Makes

March 7th, 2024

Lawn care isn’t as simple as it might seem. Many homeowners learn this fast.

Even if you attempt to stay on top of lawn maintenance, it’s possible your lawn doesn’t look the way you envisioned it. Perhaps this is happening because you’re making one of the following all-too-common (but equally understandable) lawn care errors:

Mowing Your Grass Too Low

Many homeowners assume it’s best to use the mower setting that will cut their grass the shortest. They may believe doing so will serve two purposes: ensuring their lawn looks neat and orderly while also increasing the length of time they can wait before mowing again.

However, mowing your grass too short can prevent it from absorbing nutrients in sunlight and air. The grass will simply have too little surface area. In addition, mowing too low can damage the roots, leaving them more vulnerable to harm.

For most home lawns, at best mowing height is between 1 to 3 inches.  The shorter you maintain your lawn, the more frequently you will need to mow it.  If you want it less than an inch, you will need to mow it twice per week, which can be a lot of work.  Mowing between 1 to 3 inches will be the optimum for sunlight, water, and nutrient use.

Not Sharpening Your Mower Blades

Don’t assume your mower’s blades are sharp enough to cut your grass effectively! Every season, inspect your mower’s blades to determine whether they’ve grown dull after repeated use.

A common sign of dull blades is grass that appears frayed or shredded. If your grass doesn’t look cleanly cut after a mowing session, visit your local hardware store to ask if they can sharpen your mower blades. If you’d prefer to save money, they may also provide the tools for you to sharpen the blades yourself.

Not Adjusting Lawn Care With the Seasons

The right approach to lawn care during one season may not be ideal during another. Naturally, you may know the grass needs more water during certain times of year than others. In addition, it can grow more rapidly during some seasons, which may impact your mowing schedule.

Depending on what type of grass you grow and if you overseed, as winter turns to spring, you might find your current grass can no longer thrive in the warmer weather. You might thus need to transition your lawn to a different type of grass as the seasons change. A lawn care professional can explain the nuances of this process in greater detail.

Making Common Watering Mistakes

More water isn’t always better for your grass. Overwatering can carry nutrients away from the grass, resulting in the same essential consequences as underwatering.

The average lawn needs about 1.5 inches of water per week during the summer, but only a half inch per week during the winter. A lawn care expert can explain how much water your specific lawn may need based on the type of grass you have.

However, providing your lawn with the right amount of water doesn’t always mean you’re watering it correctly. The water needs time to reach the roots. Water long enough to penetrate the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches.

Choosing the Wrong Type of Grass

An earlier point highlighted the importance of transitioning to a new type of grass as the seasons change. Some homeowners don’t realize they may be using the wrong type of grass for the time of year they’re in.

For example, a sod variety like Midiron may be best for the warmer  months of the year in a climate like Arizona’s. During the winter , you may want to consider overseeding with perennial ryegrass for a dark green color.  One of the new trends for saving water in the winter is to paint your lawn with one of the newly developed pigments that will give your lawn a “real grass” color, without having to mow or water as much.

Speak With a Professional for More Lawn Care Information

The right sod for your lawn, the right schedule for watering, and various other lawn care details can depend on such factors as where you live, what type of visual effect you wish to achieve, and more.

Don’t worry if you make any of these lawn care errors. Homeowners often don’t realize that lawn care is both an art and a science. Fortunately, by coordinating with professionals, you can learn to keep your lawn looking its best for years to come.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional: The Pros and Cons of Outsourcing Your Lawn Care

March 6th, 2024

If you’re a homeowner, staying on top of lawn care lets you feel proud of your home. If you own a business, an attractive lawn can help you make the right impression on potential customers. According to TK Business Magazine, research shows 95% of customers account for a business’s curb appeal when deciding whether to shop there.

Lawn care is important. However, you may not know whether it’s a task you need to handle yourself. Should you outsource your lawn care to professionals instead?

There’s no one answer to this question. You’ll be better able to determine the right option for you when you consider the pros and cons of outsourcing lawn maintenance.

Advantages of Outsourcing Your Lawn Care

The reasons you might consider hiring professionals to maintain your lawn are numerous. Potential benefits of outsourcing lawn care include:

  • Saving time: You might simply be too busy to care for your own lawn. Maintaining a commercial property’s lawn may be particularly time-consuming. Hiring professionals to handle lawn care gives you more freedom to focus on other tasks.
  • Avoiding unnecessary expenses: In some instances, spending money is one of the drawbacks of outsourcing your lawn care. However, it’s also important to consider that proper lawn care may require the use of various tools and equipment. Purchasing, storing, and maintaining that equipment yourself isn’t necessary when you hire professionals.
  • Achieving ideal results: Lawn care professionals may be more likely to achieve ideal results than you are. Someone who maintains lawns for a living knows techniques to ensure your lawn looks its best.

Also consider that you might have minimal experience with lawn care. Hiring professionals may be easier than learning everything you need to know about lawn maintenance.

Disadvantages of Outsourcing Your Lawn Care

Hiring professionals to maintain your lawn is beneficial in many ways. That said, you might have reasons not to outsource your lawn care. They could include:

  • Saving money: As mentioned earlier, outsourcing lawn care may be more cost-effective in the long run. You’ll have to purchase equipment to maintain a lawn on your own. Lawn care can also involve various hidden costs, like costs for specialty products you didn’t know you would need. However, in the short term at least, handling your own lawn care may be more affordable than hiring someone else to.
  • Lack of direct involvement: Some property owners feel the need to directly involve themselves in as many property maintenance tasks as they can. They may feel they can take greater pride in a property when they know they’ve helped to maintain it. If you’re such a person, outsourcing your lawn care might feel unfulfilling.

The extent to which you do or don’t benefit from outsourcing lawn care may also depend on what type of property you own. The larger the property, the more you may consider hiring lawn care professionals.

Understand What Lawn Care Involves

When deciding whether to outsource your lawn care or handle it yourself, it’s important to know what thorough lawn upkeep consists of. Tasks and duties lawn care may involve include:

Consider this when making a decision. Most importantly, don’t stress too much! Lawn care is an ongoing process. If you make the “wrong” decision one time, you can always correct your mistake by making the other decision the next time your lawn requires maintenance.

Contact Arizona Sod Producers and Suppliers

Proper lawn maintenance doesn’t always guarantee an attractive lawn. You also need the right sod for your lawn to look its best.

That’s exactly what we at Evergreen Turf offer. Our Arizona sod producers can offer the perfect option for your property. Contact us online today or call us at (480) 456-1199 to learn more.

Top NFL Football Fields – Tucson Sod For Sports Fields and Stadiums

December 12th, 2023

It’s football season and in honor of this all-time favorite American sport, here’s a look at some of the top NFL football fields. As a premier Phoenix and Tucson sod farm, our team has a deep appreciation for the grass on the fields of these iconic football stadiums.

Lambeau Field (Green Bay Packers)

This stadium is often ranked as the top football field in the country today. In 2003, the stadium had a $295 million remodel to update some of the structure to be more modern. It has a seating capacity of 73,000 and has been expanded several times since it’s opening in 1957. The football fied is a grass surface made of Kentucky Bluegrass sod and reinforced with Desso GrassMaster, which is a sports playing field surface composed of natural grass combined with artificial fibres.

Ever wonder how the Packers keep their sod lawn green through the frigid winter months? Their secret lies in a massive indoor lighting rig that provides essential light to the sections of the field that need a little extra help because they don’t receive enough natural light due to the construction of the stadium. You can read more about their mobile grow lamps in this Gizmodo article.

Heinz Field (Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh stadium has only been open since 2001, but the team has won two Super Bowl since making the move from Three Rivers Stadium. When it comes to the sports field, Heinz stadium has had some challenges finding the best type of surface for the team to play on. It had natural grass for the first two years, then switched to Desso GrassMaster in 2003 due to the constant debate about its playing field. Then in 2009, the stadium switched back to natural grass.

The debate continues about whether natural grass is the best type of surface for this sports stadium, but no matter what type of surface the team plays on, the fan continue to pack in for the games. In fact, the Steelers have sold out every home game at Three Rivers Stadium and now Heinz Field since November 1972.

Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia Eagles)

With a seating capacity of 69,144, this stadium boasts scenic views of the Philly skyline out of the west end zone and a massive tailgating space for fans. The stadium opened in 2003 and cost $512 million to build. The sports field surface is comprised of Desso GrassMaster.

University of Phoenix Stadium (Arizona Cardinals)

University of Phoenix Stadium, opened August 1, 2006, is a multipurpose football stadium located in Glendale, Arizona. It is the home of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League and the annual Fiesta Bowl. The 63,400-seat stadium (expandable to 72,200) opened on August 1, 2006 after three years of construction.

Evergreen Turf is a proud partner of the Arizona Cardinals. As a premier provider of Phoenix and Tucson sod in Arizona, Evergreen Turf is dedicated to making sure the Cardinals’ field is ready to go on game day. Great care is taken in selecting, cultivating and maintaining the particular variety of sod (Tifway 419 Hybrid Bermuda Grass) that is used in this unique and prestigious venue.

Need help choosing and installing your professional or residential sod? Contact us today.

Organic Lawn Care: How to Maintain Your Lawn Naturally

November 29th, 2023

Did you know that it is possible to provide your lawn with what it needs to thrive and be healthy without the use of pesticides, insecticides, and other chemicals?

Organic lawn care is sustainable and green. Literally. It involves the use of alternative solutions for your lawn that are natural and environmentally friendly, yielding luscious green grass. What’s more, it creates a safe space for your entire family (including your pets) to get full enjoyment of your home’s outdoor areas.

Let’s talk about what it takes to make the switch to a healthy, pesticide-free lawn.

Nutrients: The Key to a Green Lawn

A good first step in implementing organic lawn care is to leave the grass clippings behind when you mow. Although it may not be the most aesthetically pleasing lawn care tip, your grass will thank you. These clippings contain nutrients that can be reabsorbed by your lawn if given the opportunity, helping it to blossom.

Without some extra protection from a natural fertilizer, rough periods of heat and stress can lead to its demise, regardless of how many nutritious clippings are left behind.

Take the proactive step to add fertilizer to your lawn that contains ingredients such as:

  • Composted turkey and chicken litter
  • Seaweed
  • Kelp
  • Fish emulsion
  • Rock phosphate
  • Blood meal
  • Cottonseed meal
  • Azomite
  • Ironite

Each has its own contribution and complements one another on the way to creating a lawn that is healthy with a rich green color. For example, the composted litter will increase microbial activity within the soil and help it break down the thatch that’s been left behind. This will allow the nutrients to be absorbed faster.

Azomite and ironite provide micronutrients that give the lawn a burst of color.

Fish emulsion and kelp enhance nitrogen uptake and reduce the impacts of stress. And, blood meal adds slow-release nitrogen whereas cottonseed meal and rock phosphate add phosphorus without harming the environment.

You can seek out a store-bought organic fertilizer option that contains some or all of these things, or create your own so that you know exactly what you are putting on your lawn. Either way, using the right natural fertilizer as part of your organic lawn care can give you fantastic results.

Controlling Weeds Naturally

Unfortunately, as your grass grows, so do weeds. It is best to address these right away before they get out of control and invade the entire yard or threaten any plants. After all, they may be stealing the nutrients from your lawn!

To stick with a natural, organic lawn care routine, you can dismiss weeds by spraying them with vinegar or a combination of vinegar and dish soap. Of course, pulling them is also an effective option, as long as you are careful to pull the root along with it so that they don’t continue to grow.

Getting Rid Bugs and Other Pests Without Insecticide

Bugs and insects love to nestle in your lawn and call it home. And, if allowed, they will continue to grow and expand in population until they are taking up large areas (if not all) of your grass. While you may not want to harm them, you don’t have to give them a free place to stay — especially since they can cause damage to your lawn.

There are natural, eco-friendly steps you can take to deter bugs and other pests from sticking around. For instance, spraying your yard with a batch of water and essential oils can cause the bugs to move out. A few oils to consider for organic lawn care include:

  • Rosemary
  • Cedarwood oil
  • Lemongrass oil
  • Lavender
  • Peppermint
  • Spearmint
  • Orange oils

Remember, caring for your lawn naturally is going to require patience. You may have to try a few different oils or a combination to find the right fit for your lawn.

Watering Regularly

Routine lawn care requires water. Yet, organic lawn care means seeking ways to maintain the lawn with as little waste as possible. And this means not using water when you don’t have to.

Monitoring the weather is a great way to know when you don’t have to water your lawn. However, if you reside in certain areas of Arizona, for example, precipitation is low, and rainy days are rare.

Make the most of your efforts by choosing to water your lawn at night. This will reduce the chance of evaporation and allow the ground to soak up most of the water. If you use an irrigation system, set your sprinklers on a timer so that you always water the lawn at the right time and the right duration.

 

Want to Learn More About Organic Lawn Care?

At Evergreen Turf, we know that good, organic lawn care starts with investing in the right sod.

Contact us online or call us today to learn more.

Best Native Arizona Plants to Use in Your Lawn Landscaping

November 12th, 2023

Non-native plants are a common sight in Arizona landscapes, but there’s no need to bring in invasive plant species to spruce up your lawn. Many native Arizona plants are perfect for landscaping, from towering trees and showy shrubs to hardy grasses and perennials. Check out our top picks for some ideas and what to plant in your yard.

Trees

  • Sweet acacia (Acacia farnesiana) – This small tree is a fast grower, quickly shooting up to its mature height of 15 to 20 feet. Sweet Acacia thrives in sites with full sun and dry soil, and is known for its fragrant yellow flower clusters, which appear during the winter months beginning in the plant’s third year.
  • Arizona Walnut (Juglans major) – The towering Arizona walnut grows to heights of 50 feet or more, making it an ideal shade tree for back yards. This deciduous tree doesn’t thrive in very dry soil, faring best in average to wet soil throughout Arizona’s less arid regions.

Shrubs

  • Western white clematis (Clematis ligusticifolia) – A fairly large shrub capable of reaching 15 feet (though easily pruned to a smaller size), western white clematis is adaptable to a wide range o soil types and conditions, but prefers a site with average moisture and partial shade. Its showy white blossoms make it a popular addition to landscapes.
  • Fairy Duster (Calliandra eriophylla) – This small evergreen shrub tops out at about 4 feet in height, making it a perfect landscape shrub if you don’t have a lot of space to spare. It thrives in dry soil with lots of sunlight, and erupts in springtime with pink, fluffy, ball-shaped blossoms that often attract hummingbirds.

Perennials

  • Desert agave (Agave deserti) – A common sight in the desert regions of Arizona and California, desert agave reaches 12 to 24 inches in height, and is identifiable by its stiff, spiny, blue-grey leaves and by the yellow flower clusters that bloom atop its long central stalk. Desert agave does not tolerate wet soil, but thrives under dry, sunny conditions.
  • Blackfoot daisy (Melampodium leucanthum) – About a foot tall and equally wide, Blackfoot daisy’s most notable feature is its flowers, with their yellow centers and white petals typical of most daisy varieties. The flowers appear in abundance throughout spring, summer and fall, attracting bees, birds and butterflies. Dry soil is best, and Blackfoot daisy can tolerate full sun or partial shade.

Grasses

  • Blue Grama (Bouteloua gracilis) – Also known as mosquito grass, blue grama is commonly used for erosion control, and it also makes for a low-maintenance turf grass in sandy soils. Smaller patches can be used as accents along walkways and in perennial gardens. It grows best in dry soil with full sun to light shade.
  • Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) – Though its most common use is as a forage for livestock, switchgrass makes a perfect ornamental grass in dry areas, growing up to 5 feet in height and sprouting large, tuft-like flowers at its tops. It withstands heat and drought easily, and will adapt to all but the wettest soils.

Native Arizona plants are available from countless nurseries and garden centers across the Grand Canyon State. In addition to adding color and texture to lawns, gardens and other landscapes, native Arizona plants also provide food and habitat for native birds and other wildlife, making them a win-win for all.

Evergreen Turf is your source for the highest quality sod in Arizona. Our friendly, knowledgeable people are committed to answering all of your questions to ensure a stress-free experience with your new Arizona sod lawn. Whether you wish to sod a small play area for the family or an entire golf course, Evergreen Turf can help you make it happen.

Our team serves customers throughout Arizona, including Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe and Tucson. Browse our website for information and tips on how to create and maintain a beautiful lawn, or give us a call and talk to one of our sod specialists at 602-626-9959 if you don’t find what you are looking for. Better yet, stop by and meet the team at our convenient Chandler location.

November Lawn Care To-Do List

November 1st, 2023

beautiful arizona sod lawn at a large house

Here are a few home lawn care items to handle during November in Arizona.

  • Fertilize.
  • Even out your lawn.
  • Rake and Remove dead leaves.

Fertilize

Fertilizing your sod lawn promotes root development. While it might look like not much is going on with your lawn during the winter months, what you can’t see is what’s going on underneath the soil. By promoting root growth in the winter, you are helping your spring lawn that will be growing in a few months.

Even out your lawn

Get rid of low-lying areas that accumulate water. Just shovel out the area, add more soil to make it even, then put grass back on top and water it well for a couple of weeks to make sure roots attach to soil.

Rake and Remove dead leaves

If you have any trees in your yard that have been losing their leaves, it’s important to rake them up and remove them from your lawn. While it’s not as much of a problem here in the Southwest US, we do still have some trees that respond to the seasons.

If you don’t remove dead leaves from your lawn, your grass and soil will not have enough oxygen for optimal lawn health. Dead leaves make for great compost material, too. If you don’t have a compost, check out our article How to Build a Compost Bin.

This To-Do list will help you get your lawn beautified just in time for outdoor fall festivities. Happy fall from the team at Evergreen Turf!

Choosing the Right Sod Grass for Arizona: A Lawn Care Specialist’s Tips

September 25th, 2023

Arizona’s climate can make it challenging to maintain a healthy looking lawn. With dry, hot summers and low precipitation during the rest of the seasons, it can be difficult to keep your lawn green and lush.

Choosing the right type of sod grass is one of the biggest keys to success. What type of sod grass is best for your yard? Here are some tips to determine what grass will grow best on your lot.

Questions To Ask Yourself About Your Lawn

The following questions can help you determine what type of grass would be best for your yard:

Is your yard mostly shaded or in the sun?

Shade or sun makes a difference in terms of what types of grass will grow best in a space. Some of your yard may be in the shade while some is in direct sunlight all the time. You may find that different types of grass will work better in different areas of your lawn. The more direct the sunlight, the more the grass may need to be watered as well.

What kind of mower do you plan to use?

The most common type of mower is a rotary mower, with rotating blades that are electrical or gas powered. However some homeowners use a reel mower that is propelled by pushing. Reel mowers work best for small yards and rotary mowers work better for larger yards. For extremely large lots, a riding mower may be best, which is also a rotary style.

How much time and effort can you devote to yard maintenance?

Some types of grass require more time and effort than other types. Choose your type of grass based on the amount of time you are able and willing to devote to yard work. Or if you plan to hire a lawn service, determine what your budget will allow in terms of the frequency and type of services you can pay for.

Do you have children and/or pets?

The amount of traffic your lawn will receive is largely determined by whether or not you have children or pets. When it comes to pets, the type of animals you have will also be a deciding factor in the type of grass you may want.

Turning Questions Into Answers

Here are some suggestions based on your answers to the questions above:

  • Mostly sunny lawn: Midiron, Bermuda. Midiron grass is blue-green in color with a medium coarse leaf texture that holds up well in hot, dry climates. Bermuda has short, flat leaves that make it tolerant of dry climates and grows best in direct sunlight.
  • Mostly shaded lawn: Palmetto St. Augustine. It is difficult to get grass to grow in the shade, but Palmetto St. Augustine grass can grow in both direct sunlight and shade.
  • Rotary mower: Any type. Rotary mowers are designed for any type of grass, but adjust the blade level according to the type of grass you choose.
  • Reel mower: Bermuda. Reel mowers work best on Bermuda grass because it is coarse and short, meaning it won’t get caught up in or flattened by the reel.
  • High maintenance: Tifway, Tifgreen. If you have plenty of time to devote to your lawn, Tifway or Tifgreen make great manicured a lawn, but it does require a bit more maintenance than some other types to keep that manicured look.
  • Eco-friendly: Midiron, TifTuf Bermuda. Midiron is known for being relatively low maintenance and recovers quickly from damage. TifTuf Bermuda is one of the toughest types of grass that is also the most drought resistant, ultimately using less water.
  • Kids and pets: TifTuf Bermuda, Midiron. In addition to being low maintenance, TifTuf Bermuda and Midiron hold up well to plenty of traffic, making them ideal for families with children and pets.
  • No kids or pets: Any type. If you don’t have kids or pets, you are free to try any type of grass that meets your other criteria.

Where to Get Quality Sod Grass

Evergreen Turf provides a wide variety of sod grass types that are well-suited for Arizona weather. If you’re not sure how to choose the right type of grass for your yard, try our lawn selector tool.

For questions, call (480) 456-1199 or contact us today. Place an online order for sod grass here.

The Role of Fertilization in Effective Lawn Care

September 25th, 2023

Fertilizer provides the nutrients that soil and grass need to thrive and be healthy. If you have ever walked barefoot in thick, luscious green grass — fertilizer probably had something to do with it.  After all, grass needs more than some water and sun for perfect growth.

Let’s take a closer look at the role of fertilization and how it pertains to effective lawn care.

Proper Nourishment

The health of your soil plays a very large role in the growth of your grass. Fertilization has the necessary nourishment to care for it all. While different types of fertilizers will have a varying mix of nutrients, there are three that are almost always found in them. They are:

  • Nitrogen (N)
  • Phosphorous (P)
  • Potassium (K)

Each plays a part in getting the grass to grow faster and more dense, with strong roots. It also keeps it healthy enough to fight off diseases. It is important to understand that there are different factors that impact the amounts and types of nutrients needed, such as the soil type, the amount of foot (or car) traffic it will experience, the local climate, and whether or not there are currently any pests or diseases.

Just as you eat to provide your body with daily nourishment, effective lawn care is going to require regular doses of fertilizer, too.

Routine Treatments

A healthy lawn is going to need a good diet of fertilizer regularly in order to provide you with healthy growth. To do this effectively, you need to make sure you are providing it at the right intervals. For instance, giving it too much too frequently can actually kill your lawn. This is referred to as fertilizer burn.

Finding the proper balance between the nutrients in the fertilizer and the frequency at which you fertilize is crucial. Working with lawn professionals is a great way to ensure you are getting just what you need — nothing more, nothing less.

Keep Weeds at Bay

For effective lawn care without weeds, fertilizer is a must.

Weeds can be an eyesore for lawns. Yet, they are pesky enough to show up anywhere. However, in a lawn that undergoes routine fertilization, weeds don’t often stand a chance. The nutrients make the grass thick and dense with strong roots — and all of these things make it difficult for weeds to grow.

Reduce Risk of Illness and Disease

Without including fertilization in lawn care, disease and illness can take over in an instant. It can cause a lawn to buckle with low-stress tolerance and can make the perfect home for insects and pests looking to put the lawn at risk. This is all because it is not getting the nourishment it needs to remain healthy.

You can keep a lawn looking good on the outside by tending to its outer appearance. But effective lawn care involves so much more than that. Fertilization helps to make sure that the soil and the grass are strong enough to fight off any illness, disease, insect, or pest that may try to bring it down.

When done routinely, not only will the lawn look great from the outside, but from the inside, too.

Effective Lawn Care from Evergreen Turf

If you are ready to give your lawn the nourishment it needs in order to be vibrant and healthy, then you can learn more about nutrition and fertilization from Evergreen Turf. Remember, a healthy lawn begins with healthy soil.

Contact us today to learn more.

Mastering Lawn Care: 10 Essential Tips for Beginners in Phoenix, Arizona

June 29th, 2023

When it comes to maintaining a beautiful and healthy lawn, proper care and attention are key. As a beginner in lawn care, it’s important to understand the essential practices that will help you achieve a lush and vibrant lawn in Phoenix, Arizona. In this article, we will share 10 DIY lawn care tips that are perfect for beginners like you. So, let’s dive in and get started on your journey to a stunning lawn!

  1. Maintain a Regular and Frequent Mowing Schedule

Regular mowing is crucial for maintaining a well-groomed lawn. Instead of cutting the grass too short, opt for a little and often approach. This helps to promote healthy growth and prevents scalping, which can damage your lawn.

  1. Adjust the Lawnmower’s Cutting Height

Adjust the cutting height on your lawnmower to a higher setting. Taller grass blades provide shade to the soil, reducing weed growth and conserving moisture. Additionally, longer grass blades are better able to withstand the intense heat of Phoenix, Arizona.

  1. Keep the Lawn Free of Debris and Clutter

Regularly remove fallen leaves, toys, furniture, and other everyday items from your lawn. These objects can block sunlight and hinder proper air circulation, leading to patchy areas and potential lawn diseases.

Related: How to Repair Dead Spots in Lawn

  1. Provide Regular Nutrient Boosts for Your Lawn

Proper nutrition is vital for a healthy lawn. Invest in a high-quality lawn fertilizer suitable for Phoenix’s climate and apply it according to the recommended schedule. This will provide your grass with essential nutrients and help it thrive.

Related: Why and When to Fertilize Your Lawn

  1. Train Pets to Avoid Using the Lawn as a Restroom

Pet waste can damage your lawn and leave unsightly brown patches. Train your pets to use a designated area and promptly clean up any waste. Regularly rinsing the area with water can also help dilute and minimize the impact of urine.

Related: Tips for Landscaping with Dogs

  1. Enhance Soil Health Through Annual Lawn Aeration

Aerating your lawn involves creating small holes in the soil to improve water, air, and nutrient penetration. This process helps alleviate soil compaction and promotes healthier root growth. Aim to aerate your lawn at least once a year, preferably during the cooler months.

Related: How to Aerate Your Lawn & Why You Should

  1. Remove Thatch and Moss with Seasonal Scarification

Scarifying is the process of raking or using a scarifying machine to remove dead grass, thatch, and moss from your lawn’s surface. This allows better airflow and prevents disease. Perform scarification once or twice a year to maintain a healthy lawn.

Related: The Best Time to Dethatch Your Lawn

  1. Enhance Your Lawn’s Density with Strategic Overseeding

Overseeding involves spreading new grass seed over existing turf to fill in bare patches and improve the overall density of your lawn. Choose a seed mix suitable for Phoenix’s climate and overseed in the fall  for the best results.

  1. Optimize Sunlight Exposure for a Thriving Lawn

Ensure that your lawn receives the maximum amount of sunlight possible. Trim back overhanging branches and prune nearby shrubs to allow ample sunlight to reach your grass. Sunlight is crucial for photosynthesis and helps your lawn grow strong and healthy.

  1. Persevere Through Unexpected Challenges from Mother Nature

In Phoenix, Arizona, weather conditions can be challenging for lawn care. From scorching heat to occasional droughts, it’s important to adapt and persevere. If your lawn faces setbacks due to weather or other factors, seek advice, make adjustments, and stay committed to your lawn care routine.

Achieving a beautiful lawn in Phoenix, Arizona is within your reach! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, Evergreen Turf is here to support your lawn care journey. Browse our website to explore our high-quality sod options and take the first step toward a lush and vibrant lawn. Invest in your lawn’s future with Evergreen Turf today.

Remember, with the right knowledge and care, your lawn can become the envy of the neighborhood. Implement these 10 DIY lawn care tips, stay consistent, and watch your lawn flourish under the Arizona sun.