When you look at some of the most attractive sod lawns in Phoenix, they often have one thing in common; Homeowners choose Bermuda grass more than other species. Bermuda grass hybrids offer a range of options with respect to color, texture and their ability to tolerate drought. A sod variety such as Midiron has a medium-course texture with a blue-green appearance and good drought tolerance. Tifway 419 has very good drought tolerance while Tifgreen 328 produces a lawn with a bright-green color and a well-manicured look. Arizonans can create the best conditions for their lawns to grow strong by watering sod properly.

When to Water Sod

The frequency, duration and time of day of your watering sessions is important but you can construct a suitable schedule with ease. For the first two weeks of caring for your newly installed sod, you should water it four to eight times per day in short intervals of five to ten minutes to keep the sod evenly moist. During the third week, water once per day for 15 to 45 minutes, to help train your roots to reach deeper into the soil for water. Sod in Phoenix generally needs about three weeks to establish itself, after which you can settle into a normal watering pattern. Water an established lawn two to three times per week for ten to 25 minutes. Try to water early in the morning or in the evening. During the hottest part of the day, the soil will not have enough time to absorb the water before the sun or the heat causes it to evaporate.

If you notice pools of water forming on your lawn, it may be an indication that you need to level your yard.

Finding Water

Living in a desert community means that you have to think a little creatively about your water sources, including how to reduce water use. Rainwater and recycled household water can supplement your traditional water supply to provide all the water your landscaping needs. Use rain barrels to collect rainwater from your roofs and gutters. A brief shower that yields about ½ inch of rain can fill a 50 to 55 gallon barrel when you position it to collect the runoff from a 2,000 square foot roof. You can use the water directly on your lawn or as part of your comprehensive watering scheme. Gray water is the water that you used in your home from your clothes washer, bathtub, shower or bathroom sink. While it is usually safe to use gray water on your Phoenix sod, it may be easier to use it on shrubs and trees. Arizona regulations do not allow you to use a sprayer to distribute gray water.

Watering Aids

Sprinklers and timers can help make watering sod in Arizona more efficient. Timers allow you to water your lawn, even if you are not home. Timers are particularly helpful in maintaining a watering schedule for your new Arizona sod. Install an in-ground sprinkler system or use portable sprinklers. Whichever system you choose, take care to position the water spray so that you minimize the amount of water that runs down a slope and off the lawn. If you keep the water low to the ground, you reduce slightly the amount of loss due to evaporation.

Select the perfect turf using our lawn selector. Once you’ve found the perfect type of grass, you can order online or by phone. Learn how to measure your lawn and how to install your new lawn with our helpful online guides.

Of the thousands of species of grass, there are really only two types of Bermuda: the kind you intentionally grow in your yard and the annoying weed that’s invading, say, a lush landscape of St. Augustine. There is no shortage of weed control products on the market; however, the best weed killer for Bermuda grass really depends on a number of other factors at work.

Prevention & Basic Care

Before looking at weed killers, you’re better off examining the source of the Bermuda grass and considering the conditions under which it thrives. First, know that it grows best in direct sunlight—admittedly not the most ideal situation for Arizona homeowners. Increase shade by adjusting your mower’s height to at least three inches so that taller blades can shade low-growing Bermuda. As St. Augustine is very tolerant of shade, covering certain problem areas of your lawn with a canopy or umbrella is also advisable while tackling a weed takeover. Additionally, avoid fertilizing your lawn during summer months as Bermuda grass grows more abundantly when fertilized compared to other lawn grasses.

Most importantly, attention to caring for your St. Augustine is, indirectly, the best weed killer for Bermuda grass. In other words, a healthy lawn will do most of the work for you as long as you water weekly, avoid heavy foot traffic when possible, mow regularly, and pay careful attention to chinch bugs – the enemy to St. Augustine.

Natural & Chemical Weed Killers

If regular maintenance isn’t doing the trick, you’ll do well to purchase an herbicide specific to Bermuda growth such as Turflon Ester or Acclaim Extra. However, even the best weed killer for Bermuda grass won’t be effective unless applied when the blades are active, not dormant. Avoid non-selective herbicides, such as Roundup, which kill any plant it contacts and necessitate a complete resodding of your lawn. “Weed &: Feed” products are detrimental to St. Augustine proving how crucial it is to have an understanding of how specific weed killers interact with your preferred grass.

A homemade vinegar mixture, although a non-selective solution, is a safe, natural method for Bermuda overgrowth. Regardless of the exact recipe you choose, of which there are many, the best approach is to test a small patch of grass in the yard to see how it reacts. There are also other labor intensive processes such as digging and covering Bermuda grass using various methods recommended by professionals.

Finding the best weed killer for Bermuda grass entails more than just a trip to the lawn care section of Home Depot. You must first understand how and from where it grows, conditions under which it flourishes, and how to keep your preferred grass healthy as critical line of defense. Attack problem areas early to protect the beautiful lawn for which St. Augustine allows. Weeds are a nuisance under any circumstance, but when dealing with fast-growing Bermuda, proactivity will crown you the victor.

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.

There’s no doubt that St. Augustine makes for a beautiful lawn. Just like any lawn, regular fertilization is required to keep it healthy and green. Choosing the best fertilizer for St Augustine grass is not rocket science but it’s also not as simple as picking up any bag found at your local garden supply store. It’s important to understand how to properly care for St. Augustine sod. We break it all down for you in this article.

Important Factors to Consider When You Apply Fertilizer

The most important factor of fertilizing St. Augustine grass is using the correct amount. Using too little fertilizer will not produce that lush, dark green color or rapid growth for which St. Augustine is known. On the other hand, too much fertilizer will create a haven for pests.

The best fertilizer for St Augustine grass is any fertilizer that has one pound of nitrogen for every 1,000 square feet of sod. Fertilizing every two months is ideal unless you apply slow release fertilizer that can be spread every 10 weeks.

Here’s How to Figure Out which Bag of Fertilizer to Choose

Every bag of fertilizer has a nutrient analysis on the label which shows the percentage and ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, respectively. Although it requires some math, the calculation is fairly easy and, of course, in-store lawn care professionals can always assist if memory fails. Here’s how it would break down assuming you have a 2,000 square foot lawn and use a bag of 15-5-10 fertilizer.

• Divide 100 by the first number to determine the total amount of nitrogen needed. 100/15 = 6.6
• Because each number in the analysis equals the total percentage of the nutrient, in this example you actually need 6.6 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet.
• Take the lawn’s total square footage and divide by 1,000. (2,000/1,000) x 6.6 = 13.2 pounds of fertilizer

Once you understand the analysis, the fertilizer you choose for your St Augustine grass becomes a matter of preference. There are numerous fertilizers marketed for St. Augustine specifically such as Lesco St. Augustine Lawn Fertilizer, Dr. Earth Organic Super Natural Lawn Fertilizer and Pennington’s Weed and Feed product.

Beyond Fertilizer – How To Care For St. Augustine Sod

Fertilizing your lawn isn’t everything! In order to ensure maximum beauty, follow these tips for a healthy St. Augustine lawn:

1. Fertilize during the growing season in the spring and fall.

2. Check for chinch bugs and white grubs and treat for insects as needed.

3. Don’t over water! Water only when grass shows signs of deterioration in color or blade structure. Consider irrigating in the early morning when the yard has time to dry out in the sun.

4. Try to limit heavy foot traffic as St. Augustine cannot withstand constant trampling.

5. Set your mower to a height of 2.5 to 3 inches and leave the clippings rather than bagging them. Doing so ensures that nutrients are redelivered to the soil.

6. Control weeds with herbicide, preferably in temperatures of 90 degrees of lower as treating in high heat may lead to lawn damage.

7. Test the soil and understand how its PH level will affect your choice of fertilizer.

It’s not uncommon for St. Augustine to lack iron (made apparent by PH levels higher than 7.0), but its other components are equally important to note such as the levels of phosphorus and potassium. Therefore, soil tests should be a regular part of lawn care and will truly determine the best fertilizer for St Augustine grass. And though it may seem like a full-time job, caring for St. Augustine pays off in the long run with its beauty and stands as a perfect warm-season grass for any homeowner.

Ready to grow more things? Why not try your hand at growing fruit trees in Phoenix. Check out this step-by-step guide to growing fruit tress in Phoenix, published on AZCentral.

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.

Maintaining a landscape of healthy, green grass can be plenty challenging in Arizona and throughout the Southwest —especially when Mother Nature chooses not to cooperate. Don’t let a seasonal drought deter you from enjoying a beautiful lawn. Follow these lawn tips to conserve water while still preserving your Arizona sod.

Give your lawn a makeover.

Decrease your total square footage of sod by creating scattered beds of succulents or ornamental plants. The best low maintenance plants for your yard depend on your respective climate zone, thus it’s wise to visit your local garden center for an expert opinion. Desert rock landscaping is popular in Arizona for a reason—don’t shy away from following suit. Many homeowners choose to designate a small area of the yard to grass while filling the remaining areas and perimeter with rock. This allows for the majority of the yard to be low maintenance while still giving you a space to entertain guests, play a game of soccer with the kids, or let the dog out to do his business.

Adhere to a minimal watering schedule.

Some of the most common types of grass in Arizona include St. Augustine, Tifway and Midiron and are known for withstanding harsh summer conditions and relentless heat. Make sure you stick to a minimal watering schedule during times of drought. For help on this, check out our Summer and Winter watering schedule for Arizona sod lawns. You might even consider landscaping with extremely drought-resistant types of sod. Tifgreen 328, for example, needs very little water, but does demand frequent mowing, fertilizing, and dethatching.

Turn off sprinklers when it rains.

This may seem like an obvious practice during a drought, but it’s easy to overlook if you have an irrigation system on an automatic timer. During the monsoon season, switch your sprinklers to a manual setting and take into account natural rainfall when planning out your weekly schedule. This advice becomes especially important when the city enforces strict “no watering” periods as you may be subject to fines or other penalties.

Collect rainwater to use on your lawn.

There are several methods of collecting rainwater, ranging from basic DIY buckets and barrels to the professional installation of underground tanks. Choose a method that’s most appropriate for your home or garden and don’t forget to account for the redistribution of water once it’s collected. This could mean installing a pump or syphon by which you disperse the water from its storage container (sometimes at a higher elevation). Also, make sure you check your city regulations and laws, as some areas do not permit the collection of rainwater.

Other tips and tricks to consider

1. Water early in the morning so the blades can soak up as much water as possible with minimal evaporation.
2. Hand water trouble spots rather than the entire yard.
3. Mow your lawn to a height of three inches; taller blades mean more shade for your soil and less evaporation.
4. Minimize foot traffic which will further damage brittle grass.
5. Just accept it. Your lawn may not look its best, but it should bounce back easily in the following season with the right care.

A great yard doesn’t have to mean constant upkeep or accommodating weather. If your city is prone to drought-like conditions or is expected to face one in the near future, you’ll want to take the proper precautions with your green grass to maintain its health and beauty. It may mean sacrificing more time or money to account for the lack of natural rainfall, but—as with any other home maintenance endeavor—your diligence will pay off in the long run.

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.

Late summer means hot weather and longer periods of sunshine, which can cause stress and damage to your grass. Keep an eye on your lawn to make sure that any dry spots start getting enough water. If you’re not sure how to best care for your lawn in the heat, it might be a good idea to consult a professional. Otherwise, the following are some tips to help you prepare your yard for the next season.

Beware of Summer Pests

June beetles, Japanese beetles, and European chafers all lay eggs in the grass during the early and middle of summer. These eggs begin to hatch mid to late summer, and the timing can vary depending on what region you live in. Where you live in will dictate what time is the best time to lay down grub control.

Treat Brown Spots

Brown patches are caused by fungus that thrives in the hot, humid weather of late summer. While most brown patches will correct themselves as the weather cools, there are things you can do to reduce or eliminate them. Avoid watering your lawn more than every three to four days, and seed your lawn with resistant grasses that are not as susceptible to fungus.

Remedy Thinning Grass

To improve the health of your lawn, you need to rake or dethatch dead grass. When you remove accumulated dead grass, you allow air and sunlight to get reach the healthy grass. Doing this will help promote growth and hopefully reduce thinning. Consult a professional if you are not sure how much to remove. The thatch protects grass during the winter, so you do not want to eliminate too much of it.

Choose the Right Fertilizer

Your yard needs a different fertilizer in the late summer than it needs during the other seasons. Your location will partially dictate what type of fertilizer you need, and whether you need the fertilizer to treat a specific issue or to build turf. If you are not sure what your lawn needs, it is best to consult a professional. You could be wasting time and money treating your lawn with the wrong fertilizer. For more information, check out our page on the Five Types of Fertilizer.

Mowing

Mowing your lawn can have an impact on its health, and using a mower with a dull blade can leave the grass shredded and frayed. Grass that is cut too short will allow too much sunlight to reach the roots and the grass will burn. You are going to want to leave your grass a little longer during the hottest part of the summer, as this will help it survive the heat.

Weeds

When you have weeds in your yard in the late summer, it is a good idea to pull them by hand. Pulling weeds up from the root completely removes the plant. This is more effective than just mowing over the weeds, and is more environmentally friendly than spraying chemical weed killers. If you walk through your yard a few times per week and pull any weeds you find, your yard will look much better than if you do not.

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.

Even with a small yard, resodding your lawn can seem like a daunting task. Essentially there are two options: with ample time and research you can go the DIY route or you can simply hire a professional. When considering the overall cost to resod a lawn, you’ll want to look at the big picture in regard to the total project time and probability of error. Here’s what you can expect financially for either option.

Do-It-Yourself Sodding

Naturally, this route is more laborious and will require you to first prepare the soil for new sod. On average it will take a full day to prep the existing landscape before you can move forward in the process. Equipment rentals for grading and tilling can vary in price, but you should budget for approximately $50 per four hours of use.

Next, you’ll test the soil for its acidic content or “PH level” to determine what type of soil you’re working with and, subsequently, what type of sod to purchase. Depending on the level of alkalinity, you may need to purchase PH correction materials such as sulfur to get your lawn sod-ready. Plan to purchase a $20 at-home soil testing kit, but expect a much higher expense if your soil test shows less than optimal results.

Of course the biggest expense in the total cost to resod a lawn is the sod itself. Premium high-quality sod runs approximately 70 cents per square foot. For budget’s sake, let’s assume you have a lawn that measures 600 square feet for a total of $420. But wait! Remember to account for oddly shaped areas (rarely are lawns a perfect rectangle) and human error. Adding ten percent more sod brings your total to $460 (give or take a couple dollars).

Lastly, consider that the cost to rent a lawn roller and fertilizer spreader is about $50 and the fertilizer about $20 per bag. Take note of the coverage limits listed on the bag of fertilizer before buying as you may need more or less than one bag. That brings the total cost to resod a lawn to $600 based on a 600 square foot area.

Professional Sodding

Remember learning about cost-benefit analysis in Economics? When it comes to projects of this magnitude, often the benefits of hiring professionals outweigh the costs. Hiring an experienced team to install your sod may be worth the stress and labor of a DIY job. Although they will not prepare the soil, professionals can tackle the tough jobs like cutting around sprinklers, rolling the sod, and applying fertilizer.

Labor costs average around $1,000 in addition to the cost of sod. Therefore, if you consider these factors plus the previous calculations regarding prep work, the cost to resod a lawn with professionals is $1550. Sure, you’re paying two and a half times what you would if you put in the work yourself, but unless you have experience, mistakes are likely. Not only that, but many do-it-yourself projects often take twice as long as you anticipate.

So while resodding a lawn may seem like a reasonable undertaking, there are several key factors at play. Consider your square footage, time invested, previous knowledge, and budget. There’s no right answer whether you choose to trust a professional or your own two hands. Whichever route you take, understand that a little research goes a long way in the quest to have the yard of your dreams.

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.

If you want a verdant green lawn, you have two options. Either you sow the seeds and wait for the grass to occur or lay down ready-to-go sod.

To that end, laying turf is the fastest and easiest way to plant a new lawn or patch areas of your existing grass plot. Sod enables you to immediately enjoy the results of the natural germination process without nearly as much effort and waiting.

But how long does it take for sod to take root? The Arizona sod experts at Evergreen Turf have your answers.

How Long Am I Waiting, Exactly?

Although sodding is much faster than the natural lawn seeding and growing process, it isn’t instantaneous. Technically, once it’s been installed, sod should begin to take root within 10-14 days. And with the right balance of sun, air, and water, your sod will fully take root in 2-6 weeks.

That said, the rooting timeline doesn’t have a clear and easy answer.

To provide a more accurate estimate, you need to first ask a follow-up question – which type of roots?

There are two stages of rooting that take place after you lay sod:

Stage 1: Shallow Roots (10-14 days) With the right preparation, your sod can start to establish shallow roots in about 10 to 14 days. The key to ensuring healthy shallow root formation is to start watering your new grass immediately after the sod is placed and continue to do so daily for the next week. This is an extremely sensitive stage, therefore, you should avoid walking on the sod or mowing the lawn during this period.

Stage 2: Deep Roots (30-45 days) Deep roots take longer to develop. If you treat the turf properly, a deep root system should fully take root in approximately 30 to 45 days. After the shallow root systems have matured, you can start watering the turf less frequently. Irrigating the turf with plenty of water every other day encourages the sod to send out deeper roots tasked with locating moisture.

After the initial installation is completed, the turf won’t be ready for outdoor activities, not for a few weeks at least. If you use the new sod too much and too soon, you could prevent the roots from developing.

RELATED: How to Prepare Soil for Sod in Arizona

Factors That May Impact Root Development

The numbers discussed above are general appraisals. Various factors can impact the speed and health of root development. If you want the best results, keep the following elements in mind:

Seasonality Sod tends to perform better in warmer weather. During the summer, the sod’s shallow roots should develop in one to two weeks. But during the winter, they may take twice as long to grow.

Type of turf  Certain grasses will only grow properly in the right climate conditions. Also, different sod grass varieties may require more or less maintenance. For instance, Midiron sod requires less upkeep than Tifway 419. As a result, certain sod varieties will take longer to develop roots or they may not develop at all if they’re incompatible with the local climate.

Quality of sod  Along these lines, certain sod farmers use higher-quality inputs and implement better harvesting practices. Ideally, your sod provider should only work with farmers that wait to harvest until after the order is made. On-demand harvesting ensures that the sod is fresh and of higher quality, which fosters root development.

Soil conditions For root systems to develop, the soil must be properly prepared. Ideally, the area where the sod will be placed should be:

• Cleared of old grass and other debris
• Graded for draining
• Covered with an ideal layer of topsoil
• Fertilized

Tips for Laying Sod

Want your sod to be healthy and develop its root systems as quickly as possible? Here are some before and after tips you should keep in mind:

#1 Prepare Your Soil Ahead of Time

If you want strong root growth from your sod, your first task is to prepare the soil for rooting. The majority of grass species like well-drained and slightly acidic soil.

Prior to laying your sod, be sure to till in any needed additions to your soil, such as:

• Sulfur
• Compost
• Lime

Taking these measures will give your sod fertile grounds to spread its roots. Once your yard is tilled, even out the ground with a light raking and then water the area. Sod contours to the ground, so make sure that there aren’t any low areas where water could accumulate.

By following these preparations you can encourage your sod to start taking root within the first two weeks.

#2 Lay the Sod Immediately

Whether you plan on laying the sod yourself or hiring a gardener to do it for you, you should make sure that it’s laid the same day it’s delivered.

Sod will typically only survive for 24-36 hours on a pallet. The longer you wait, the higher the likelihood that it dehydrates and becomes unusable.

#3 Use a Lawn Roller

Immediately after your sod has been laid, you can settle and firm the surface by running over the turf with a hand-pulled lawn roller. By carefully rolling the sod, you can ensure that the new sod and topsoil adhere to one another. This process also removes air pockets, which can stymie root growth.

#4 Fertilize the Sod

To promote healthy shallow and deep root growth, you should fertilize the sod six weeks after installation. This tip has been known to cause some problems, so read carefully!

Many people make the mistake of overfertilizing their sod.

To ensure that the turf remains healthy, you should only fertilize it approximately three to four times during its growing season.

Practically all fertilizers will contain a combination of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The fertilizer’s label will typically show three numbers that represent the percentage of these elements within the package.

Different fertilizers will be more effective during various times of the year. That said, on an annual basis, you should consider the following fertilizer schedule:

• Spring 30-0-9 fertilizer
• Summer 24-0-11 fertilizer
• Fall 24-0-11 fertilizer

#5 Water the Sod Properly

Sod needs to be watered with a certain volume, at the proper time, and at the optimal frequency. Botching any of these variables could negatively impact root development.

Before you lay your sod, consider these watering strategies:

• Don’t overwater before installation since it can muddy the ground and make it difficult for the new lawn to take root.
• Water the newly laid sod within 30 minutes of installation with at least an inch of water.
• Make sure that water covers all areas of the lawn.
• Don’t hand water – instead, set up an automated irrigation system.
• Water early in the morning or at night. Sod in Arizona can quickly dry out during the hot days.
• For newly installed sod should be watered 4 to 6 times per day, during the heat of the day. Sod should be watered thoroughly with each cycle, making sure the ground underneath the new sod is moist, but not creating a puddle or pond.
• Water this way for the first 10 days, then reduce it to 2 to 3 times per day for the next week.
• By the 3rd week you can begin to water once per day in the early morning.

High-Quality Sod in AZ from Evergreen Turf

If you’re meticulous and attentive, your turf should take approximately two weeks for shallow roots and six weeks for deep roots to develop. With proper preparation and care, your sod will look beautiful and healthy from the outset, especially if you use a high-quality product.

That’s where Evergreen Turf can make the difference.

We’re the source for the highest quality sod in Arizona.

Are you looking for Phoenix sod, Tucson sod, Mesa sod, or Tempe sod? Then you’re in luck. Here, we offer an expansive selection of sod grass varieties perfectly suited for Arizona’s climate. Whether you want to sod a backyard or an entire golf course, our premier commercial sod services can put the finishing touches on your green dream.

If you need sod (or have any questions regarding this piece), contact our team today.

A healthy green lawn can seem like an oasis during the hot desert heat. However, having a green lawn year-round in Arizona can be a challenge, but it is not impossible. With a little work and knowledge, you too can have a lawn that will be the envy of your neighborhood.

Understanding the Different Types of Grasses

Most Arizona sod in the hottest areas of the state consists of Bermuda grass. This warm-season turf grass is best suited to the heat and will stay green and continue to grow as long as it has enough water. It is a perennial grass, meaning it comes back year after year. Its active season is usually from May to September. When the temperatures start to warm up in May, the Bermuda grass begins to awaken and turn green again once the temperatures remain consistently above the 80 degree range during the day. In September, when the temperatures start to get cooler, Bermuda grasses will begin to turn yellow. While your lawn may look dead, it actually is not, this just means the grass has gone dormant.

If you want to ensure that your lawn is green from October through May until the Bermuda grass becomes active again, you will want to overseed your lawn with Rye grass. This grass is suited to cooler temperatures and will begin to die off in May once the afternoons start to become hotter. However, during the time your Bermuda grass is in dormancy, it will flourish and keep your lawn green until May. The best time to overseed your Arizona sod is through the second week of October through the second week of November.

Proper Water and Feeding of Your Lawn

You would think that with the heat that the Arizona area gets during the summer, it would be impossible to overwater your lawn, but you can damage or kill your lawn with too much water. When watering your lawn less often but deeper is best between watering. You should only water your lawn once every three days during the summer. When you watering, you want to do so that the soil is moist at least eight inches deep.

The best time of day to water your lawn is when it is cool, preferably in the early morning. This helps prevent the water from evaporating away, and will actually help save on your watering costs. Another reason to water in the morning instead of in the evening when the sun goes down is to prevent fungus growth. Fungus can grow and damage your lawn if it stays damp overnight.

Your lawn should only require fertilization two to four times a year to keep it healthy. Do not fertilize your Bermuda grass in the spring until you see new growth. Rye grass should be fertilized during the winter.

Best Time to Address Weeds and Pests is Before They Strike

They say an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. When it comes to keeping your Arizona sod healthy, it is better to be proactive when dealing with weeds and pests than deal with their damage. Be care to use only products that specify they can be used with Bermuda grass to avoid damaging your lawn. Even if you have taken preventive measures, it is still possible for weeds and pests to strike. Watch your lawn for any signs of activity and act promptly.

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.

Are you trying to get your lawn and garden in the best shape possible? Then it’s important to understand the process of fertilizing, including why and when to fertilize your lawn and plants.

Feeding your lawn is one of the most important things you can do to keep it in good health and to keep the grass green all year round. Fertilizers help to build a better root system, which in turn helps protect your lawn from extreme heat, cold, drought, foot traffic, and other stress factors.

First of all, keep in mind that every lawn is different depending on where you live, how much sun your lawn gets, and many other factors. You may find you need to tweak your fertilizer schedule depending on your unique lawn needs. But to get started, here are some general tips on when to fertilize your lawn.

Early Spring

February through April – This is the time where your lawn begins to “wake up” from the winter. Fertilizing your lawn during this time strengthens the roots and helps to set it up for success during the heavy growing season. If you have weeds in your lawn, consider using a fertilizer with a pre-emergent in it to control weed growth. If you’re unsure which type of fertilizer to use on your lawn, check out our article on the 5 types of fertilizers.

Late Spring

April through June – During this time of year, your lawn is working hard and using the energy it stored during the winter months. So it’s important to fertilize sometime during the late spring in order to give your lawn the energy it needs to stay healthy during the summer and fall.

Summer

June through August – If you live in Arizona like us, summer is the toughest time on home lawns. Not only does the heat take a toll on the lawn, but you also have insects to fight! Fertilizing your lawn in the summer will encourage continued growth so that you still have a lawn in the fall, which is the perfect time for outdoor entertaining in the hot southwestern states.

Fall

September through November – Fall brings pleasant weather and ideal conditions back to your lawn. Your lawn is ready for another growth period, and will need nutrients in order to thrive. The increased rainfall, morning dew and cooler evenings of fall create the best environment for a healthy lawn. Apply your fertilizer just before the winter chill hits in order to increase nitrogen storage. This will help create a healthy lawn in the spring next year.

Follow this lawn fertilizer schedule to maintain a healthy lawn all year round. For more tips and information, check out our Lawn Nutrition and Fertilization page.

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 if you don’t find what you are looking for. Better yet, stop by and meet the team at our convenient Chandler location.

#BBD0E0
»

Designing a backyard landscape can be a challenge when working with a small space. However, it is possible to turn a small backyard into a beautiful and relaxing outdoor space!

Check out these landscaping ideas for small backyards.

Decide on a color theme

Choosing two to four colors to feature in your backyard is a great way to make your small backyard space look professionally designed. Choose one or two neutral colors like grey, white, or black and one or two bright colors. This will make it easy to choose plants, patio furniture, and other accessories no matter where you shop!

Create walkways

Creating walkways for the backyard helps make it livable and fun! Since you’re dealing with a small space, it’s best to create smaller walkways rather than big wide paths. Consider using stepping stones to create your walkway; they are easy to install and fairly inexpensive too.

A quick note on installing these stepping stones: Don’t make the mistake of simply plopping down the stones and calling it a day. This will result in wobbly stones that are difficult to walk across. Instead, lay the stones in the desired pattern, then use a garden trowel to cut down into the sod around each stone. Then move the stone out of the way, and dig the area so that it’s deep enough for the stone to be flush with the surrounding lawn.

Consider a small pond / water feature

Installing a water feature is a great way to add a bit of charm to a small backyard. Here are some possible ways to add water to your small backyard landscaping:

• vanishing edge pond
• pond niche
• orb fountains
• half-moon pond
• Asian-inspired water fountain

Choose a variety of plants

Plants help accent your yard with splashes of color and break up large areas of sod that can make your yard seem smaller than it is. Place the plants around the walkways, walls, and water features to create colorful borders in your backyard. Make sure you choose appropriate plants for your climate. Finally, it’s important to maintain the plants with proper watering so they stay alive. Create a watering schedule if you need it so you don’t forget to care for your plants.

Create a social space in one corner/area of the yard

When you’re dealing with small backyards, it’s often best to create the dining/hang out area in a corner to make your backyard seem as large as possible. Also, be sure to choose appropriately sized furniture for your space. Instead of large clunky patio chairs, consider long family-style benches or smaller stools. Shade sails can be used instead of big umbrellas or gazebos to provide an escape from the sun on hot days.

Follow these landscaping ideas for small backyards to make the most out of your small yard space!

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 if you don’t find what you are looking for. Better yet, stop by and meet the team at our convenient Chandler location.