What Is The Best Low Maintenance Grass For Arizona

Arizona is known for its sunshine, but the Grand Canyon State’s extreme highs and dry heat can make for a troublesome lawn should you choose the wrong grass. Opt for a low-maintenance yard by choosing Midiron or Palmetto St. Augustine grass. Here’s why.

What Is The Best Low Maintenance Grass For Arizona

About Palmetto St. Augustine

Palmetto St. Augustine is by far the most popular turf grass in the United States for its rich color and fine texture. It has the ability to withstand extreme cold but also thrives under the sky high temperatures of the Arizona desert. In fact, it performs best in heat. What follows are the main characteristics of Palmetto St. Augustine.

Look and Feel

Color: Emerald/Green

Blade width: 8-9 mm

Function

Soil: Sand, Clay

Injury Recovery: Good

Insect Resistance: Average

Disease Resistance: Good

Maintenance

Mower: Standard

Blade height: 1.5 – 2.5 inches

Weed control: Good

About Midiron

Midiron is incredibly durable and drought-tolerant making it a popular choice among Arizona homeowners who don’t want to spend hours on weekly yard duties. It’s especially ideal for families as Midiron can withstand heavy foot traffic including that of the family pet or active child. It’s most commonly found on commercial properties but makes a great alternative to seed for residential lawns due to the following characteristics.

Look and Feel

Color: Green

Blade width: 3 mm

Function

Soil: Sand, Loam, Clay

Injury Recovery: Great

Insect Resistance: Great

Disease Resistance: Great

Maintenance

Mower: Rotary, Reel

Blade height: ¾ – 1.5 inch

Which Turf Grass is Better?

Because Midiron and Palmetto St. Augustine are both versatile and long lasting, the top pick for one’s lawn is mostly a matter of preference. Both grasses are soft to the touch for maximum comfort and resemblance to traditional grass types. There are few notable differences between the properties of these two low maintenance grasses.

  1. Midiron is not shade-tolerant meaning your Arizona lawn should not be hidden by large trees or covered patios. As the grass thrives under sunny conditions, desert landscaping is ideal. Think cacti and rock coverings around the lawn’s perimeter.
  2. Augustine prefers direct sunlight, but it will survive in shade just as well. Homeowners can expect slower growth in the cooler winter and spring seasons.
  3. Installing St. Augustine will necessitate more fertilizer than Midiron along with frequent mowing. Midiron typically needs fertilizer only one time per year—a blend of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
  4. Midiron will do well with a water soak every five days versus daily watering. St. Augustine does not need a lot of water either, though the maintenance schedule will vary slightly between the two.
  5. Midiron can withstand heavy wear while St. Augustine will require careful attention to extra foot traffic.

To determine which turf grass is right for you, check out our lawn selector tool.

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