Five Types of Fertilizer

April 16th, 2024

All plants need fertilizer just like they need sunlight and water. Think of fertilizers as healthy supplements for plants. Just like people take vitamins and supplements to achieve optimum health, soil often needs help via fertilizers to be able to give the plants everything they need nutritionally. This helps the plants achieve optimum growth and yield.

Whether you’re working in your garden or trying to get a fresh green lawn all year round, fertilizer can help you get the most out of your plants. Here is a breakdown of the five major types of fertilizer.

Fertilizer with Pesticide

This type of fertilizer is most commonly used when you need to protect your lawn or plants from pests that may damage them. When looking for fertilizer with pesticide, make sure the pesticide is not too strong, otherwise you risk killing your plants too.

Products to look for: Bayer, Jobes, Scotts

Time release fertilizer

If you’re looking for fertilizer that will work for several months, time-release fertilizer is the way to go. These will slowly release their nutrients over a period of 2-6 months typically. The benefit to time-release fertilizer is that the plants have less risk of getting burned because the plants do not receive a full blast of nutrients. However, it’s important to note that the release of nutrients is accelerated in the presence of water and moisture.

Products to look for: Milorganite

Liquid fertilizer

Liquid fertilizers are great when you need to quickly deliver nutrients to your plants, since the liquid seeps right into the roots. You need to reapply more frequently than other types of fertilizer since the liquid is quickly used up by the plant. Using liquid fertilizer on large yards may not be economically feasible, but they work great on indoor and outdoor gardens.

Products to look for: Nachurs, Scotts Miracle-Gro

Plant specific fertilizer

Some plants are down-right picky. For these types of plants, it’s easy to over-fertilize using traditional fertilizer products. This is why there are plant-specific fertilizers. These types of fertilizers are specially designed to give the plants the specific ratio of nutrients they need to thrive.

Products to look for: Cutting Edge Solutions

Inorganic fertilizer

Also known as synthetic fertilizer, this type of fertilizer is best for plants that are in dire need of immediate help. Inorganic fertlizers quickly infuse nutrients to plants and instantly produce ammonia as a by-product which malnourished and dying plants need to revive themselves. It’s usually best to keep a stash of inorganic fertilizer around for when you need it most.

Products to look for: Jobes

Each type of fertilizer has its own advantage. Get to know which types of fertilizers work best with your lawn and garden. Keep a healthy stock of fertilizer in your garden shed or garage so you can use them anytime you need. For more information, visit 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.

How to Streamline Your Back Yard in 4 Easy Steps

April 16th, 2024

Phoenix homeowners are blessed with year-round sunny weather and plenty of outdoor activities to stay entertained with the family on weekends. The great part about having a nice sod yard is that families can spend time having fun with each other outdoors without spending money. Are you thinking of making some improvements in your yard this spring?

Here’s how to streamline your backyard in 4 easy steps:

1. Plant for Impact

Choose some plants to accent your lawn. Stick to just two or three types to keep it clean and simple. Phoenix sod lawns benefit from plant borders and accents as they help retain water for the lawn and reduce the amount of total space needed for fresh grass.

How to save money
Check with your city’s parks and rec department to see if they may have any plants they are planning on throwing out that you can take for free. Making official calls probably won’t get you anywhere, but if you know of an area where the park staff pulls plants on a regular basis, you could swing by and see what they may be willing to donate.

2. Choose trees with full canopies

Get two trees and plant one in each corner of your yard. Choose shapely trees with open and airy, but full canopies. This will provide some shade but also allow your sod lawn to get some sunlight since this is essential for a healthy lawn.

NOTE: No sod grass can tolerate 100% shade. If you have an area that receives no sun, we recommend modifying your landscape to use decorative rock or other vegetation in that space. You may also consider pruning trees and vegetation to provide more sun to the area. For more help, check out our Lawn Selector Tool.

3. Set your sprinklers to span all sod areas

Whether you have 6 ft. or 600 ft. of sod in your Phoenix lawn, it needs to be watered on a regular basis to stay healthy. Many homeowners do not check where the sprinklers are reaching when designing their yard, which leads to dry patches where the sprinklers can’t reach the grass. Check out our irrigation page for more info about watering Phoenix sod.

4. Get matching patio furniture

Patio furniture is one of the most common hand-me-down items that people stock up in their yards. This year, why not splurge on a nice patio set to really create a beautiful backyard for your family. Cover your patio furniture or bring it in to the garage during bad weather to try and maintain the quality over time.

Follow these four easy steps to give your backyard a facelift this spring. Want more help with lawn care? Check out our FAQ’s page or contact us today.

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.

Wildlife Control for Tucson Sod Lawns

April 16th, 2024

If you live in the Tucson area, you are familiar with the Arizona desert wildlife that roams the area. For homeowners, these animals can cause devastating damage to your Tucson sod lawn if you do not have fencing around your property. Here’s a look at the most common animals that may visit your Tucson yard and tips on how to keep the animals and your yard safe.

 

Wild Boars

wild boars

Wild boars, also known as wild hogs, often dig and root holes in Tucson sod lawns and gardens looking for food. These animals feed on roots and small insects like grubs and worms, making your yard the perfect area to search for their next meal.

These animals are dangerous, can bite and carry diseases. It’s best to make sure they do not come into your yard by securing your property with a sturdy fence or wall. If they do enter your yard, it’s best to call in an animal removal team to help take care of the problem.

Skunks

skunks

All skunks are omnivores, and will feed on almost anything, including small rodents, worms, insects, grubs, carrion, fruit, garbage, and pet food left outdoors. They love to live under human structures such as sheds, decks, or crawl spaces.

These animals often have rabies and spray their foul odor to protect themselves from predators. They can spray their scent on unknowing children and dogs, and removing the stench takes a lot of time and patience. The best way to get rid of skunks and ensure they don’t damage your Tucson sod lawn is to trap and remove them, then prevent further infestations by installing exclusion barriers around your property.

Snakes

rattlesnake

 

Snakes can be attracted to your property for many reasons. If your lawn has a lot of debris and thick plantlife, it will attract snakes. Snakes especially like things they can hide under, such as plywood boards, gaps under concrete, etc. Clean up the clutter around your Tucson sod lawn and trim back any weeds that snakes could use for shelter. If you already have snakes inhabiting your yard, you may need to call a professional to remove them safely, especially if they are venomous.

 

 

 

For more answers to your lawn care questions, check out our FAQ’s page or contact one of our Tucson sod specialists today.

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.

How to Aerate Your Lawn & Why You Should

April 16th, 2024

Do you feel like you’re doing everything right, but your lawn still looks discolored? In Arizona, it can be challenging for some folks to maintain a sod lawn due to the extreme heat of the summer and other factors. The solution to your sod woes might be lawn aeration. In Phoenix, aeration should be an integral part of lawn care. Here’s why.

Red grass lawn aerator

Relieve Soil Compaction — Over time, foot traffic and dry periods can compact the soil. Aeration relieves this soil compaction. As a result, water quickly reaches the roots before it evaporates. Therefore, less water is needed. Likewise, fertilizer gets to the roots where it is needed.

Lawn Thatch Reduction — It’s good to allow your grass clippings to settle back into the lawn. The need for nitrogen fertilizer can be reduced 25-30 percent by doing so. The clippings decompose over time, thereby enriching and loosening the soil. However, if you have too many clippings left on your lawn, they can weave themselves into a water and air-resistant mat, known as thatch. Heavy thatch can leave your lawn starved for oxygen. Water sits on the thatch, and too much evaporates before it can soak in and nourish the soil and sod. When you aerate your lawn, soil plugs generated by aeration break down and release micro-organisms. These micro-organisms can speed the breakdown of the remaining thatch, which creates a healthier lawn.

Organic Fertilization — To maximize the benefits of organic-based fertilizers, twice-a-year aeration may be preferable. 60 percent slow-release fertilizers are often the best match for freshly aerated lawns.

By contrast, fertilizers too-high in nitrogen can bring about unhealthy growth patterns. Finally, “weed-and-feed” style fertilizers should be avoided, because they are too potent when delivered directly to the roots of younger seedlings. Weed and Feed can actually kill or disfigure such plants.

Healing the Damage — The heat tolerance of your Arizona grass is actually expanded through the aeration process. Lawns damaged by drought can recover more readily. Aeration allows the direct delivery of water and fertilizer to the roots of weakened turf. Grasses that are dormant in the winter can spring back to life more readily with aeration.

Enhance Disease Resistance — A stronger, healthier lawn is also a more disease-resistant one. Plus, unhealthy organisms tend to thrive in heavily thatched lawns.

Germinating Chambers — Think of those holes created by aeration as little chambers where seedlings can get established in an ideal environment of loose, moist soil. The plugs break down and loose soil drops into the holes, creating an ideal environment for the growth of new grass.

The bottom line is, invest in aeration in the short-term and enjoy water and fertilizer savings in the long-term.

Steps to Aerate Your Lawn

Old lawns with extreme thatch, or lawns with heavy traffic are good candidates for aerification. Aerification is normally performed with a core aerator machine that pulls small “cores” out of the lawn, about a half-inch in diameter. This is a service that can be by a contractor, or you can rent an aerator from a local equipment rental company and do it yourself. For more lawn care tips, check out our lawn care frequently asked questions.

At Evergreen Turf, we grow, sell and install the healthiest sod in Arizona. With proper care, your investment in a sod lawn can pay off in a beautiful and functional lawn for years to come. Aeration can represent one helpful component in a complete lawn care regimen.

Select the perfect sod 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.

The Perfect Way to Care for a Home Lawn in Arizona

April 16th, 2024

In Arizona, plenty of homeowners are surely willing to ensure that their lawns are maintained properly. The first step to a beautiful lawn is the perfect foundation. To form the perfect foundation, one must explore the sod (or turf) options available to him or her. Evergreen Turf provides homeowners with those very options.

Firstly, sod in Arizona is used for both home and professional purposes. It forms the foundation of golf courses (both elite course greens and backyard putting greens), football fields, soccer fields and as previously mentioned, home lawns.

Amongst some of the most popular Arizona sods is Midiron. It comes at 0.38 cents per square feet. The colour is darkish green and the density of the grasses is high. It needs low maintenance and hence is perfect for those working five times a week who don’t want to hire a gardener. Most important, it is drought tolerant.

Another option is the Celebration Bermudagrass. It is also drought tolerant and needs less attention. Most importantly, this Arizona grass, which comes in varying degrees of the color green, recovers from damage excellently. It comes at just 0.40 cent per square feet. A similar type of turf which comes in a deeper shade of green at 0.38 cents per square feet is the Tifway 419. It is the most durable kind but it requires high maintenance.

Finally, an expensive and bright green variety called Palmetto St.Augustine can be purchased for 0.76 cents per square feet to start up or renovate an Arizona Lawn. It needs low maintenance and is best in places where there is a shade from the sun. However, it tends to cope well under sunlight too. The color of this sod is one of the most magnificent shades of green which can be found.

Ordering sod at Evergreen Turf can easily be done online or over the phone. The website www.evergreenturf.com helps recommend the perfect turf for an Arizona native. Also, a phone number is provided for further questions. The installation costs can also be checked online. The installation costs are certainly not very high. Ordering sod for a lawn less than $4000 square feet equals to a payment of only $500 in installation costs.

Evergreen Turf provides options which go beyond merely providing and installing the turf. Signing up for their email newsletter makes the life of a home lawn gardener much easier. The owner is provided with tips on maintaining the lawn and is given reminders about fertilizing and over-seeding according to the season.

As far as fertilization is concerned, Evergreen Turf does the first step by adding nutrients to the soil before installing the sod. Afterwards, it is up to the homeowner to fertilize the lawn according to growth. Evergreen Turf answers all kinds of fertilizing related questions. The blog on the website of this company meanwhile talks about important aspects of gardening such as the use organic methods as well as water conservation.

The use of organic mulch for example reduces the amount of water which is lost to the atmosphere due to dry desert climate in the summer by 30 percent. A home lawn owner who would like to protect his garden can find out where to get organic mulch simply by using the website.

Finally, why should a prospective buyer choose Evergreen Turf? One of the reasons is that they can trust this company. After all, the University of Arizona chose this company’s turf to form the foundation of their soccer field in Tucson. In Phoenix, the Waste Management Phoenix Open, one of the best golf tournaments to be played in that area, is of course played on Arizona Grass provided by Evergreen Turf.

This company uses the most modern technologies available today, offers turnkey solutions for any problem and has proven experience as shown above. This is also the most helpful sod company in Arizona. Evergreen Turf will provide the customer with endless options as at this company, the beauty of the lawn matters!

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.

Tips for Landscaping with Dogs

April 16th, 2024

If you’ve put many hours of love into landscaping your lawn, the last thing you want to see is pesky “dog spots” popping up everywhere. Don’t worry! You can have both a beautiful lawn and canine companionship as long as you take the time to develop a dog-friendly yard. Here are some tips for landscaping with dogs.

Tip #1: Avoid Dog Spots with Hardscape

landscaping with dogs

Incorporate hardscapes into areas of your lawn that the dogs use most often. Consider adding some stone or masonry into your landscape or use a bunch of crushed stone mulch in your yard. This will minimize the mess dogs make through urination and digging.

Tip #2: Choose a Tough Grass

Not all types of grass are created equal. Some grasses are more durable than others and hold up better to foot traffic. Bermuda grass is particularly durable and is one of the best types of Arizona sod because it thrives in warm weather. Installing one of these tougher types of sod can help prevent wear and tear on your lawn from kids and canines.

Tip #3: Alternatives to Traditional Grass

landscaping for dogs

While choosing a tough grass prevents wear and tear, it does not prevent unsightly urine spots. If you simply can’t stand these spots on your lawn, you may want to consider some green alternatives to grass. For example, clover lawns are a beautiful alternative to sod. You still get the look of a green carpet as you do with traditional sod, but clover doesn’t stain the way grass does with canine urine.

Tip #4: Diluting Dog Urine

With a little dedication it is possible to have a sod lawn and live with canines. When you see a dog using your lawn, simply go outside and spray the area with water from the garden hose. This will flush and dilute the area, removing most of the harmful elements which create the yellow spots on your lawn.

Tip #5: Add Fences around Delicate Areas

fenced in flowers

Do you have a green thumb? Then you most likely have delicate plants, flowers, and produce in your yard too. Protect these areas by adding fencing; then you won’t have to worry about anything being trampled by kids or dogs. Picket fences are cute and can be painted all sorts of colors to match your landscape. Plant some pretty flowers around the fence and neighbors will be running out to Home Depot to keep up with you!

Tip #6: Wire Cages around Trees and Shrubs

Set up some wire cages around your trees and shrubs to prevent damage to their trunks and roots from canine urine. Once you have this all set up, your dogs can go about their business while you can rest-easy knowing your trees aren’t being destroyed. Simply buy chicken wire, drive stakes into the ground, and run the wire around the stakes. Make sure the wire is tall enough so your dogs can’t jump over.

For more Arizona sod landscaping tips and lawn care information, visit Evergreen Turf’s website .

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.

5 Lawn Care Tips for Spring

April 16th, 2024

Spring has sprung! The air is warm, the days are long, and people are once again breaking out their lawnmowers to get ready for summer. Homeowners everywhere are stocking up on fertilizer, aerators, garden supplies, and other equipment with a goal of creating a beautiful lush lawn this spring.

If you want a fresh lawn all summer long, it’s best to start with early spring lawn care. During the winter, the pH of your soil can change, creating an unfriendly environment for healthy lawns. Weeds and disease can also pop up during the cold months, so it’s important for you to take the time to properly care for your lawn in the early spring.

Spring Lawn Care Tip #1: Raking

bags of raked leaves

Most Arizona homeowners do not have to wait for the ground to dry out, since most of the state does not see snow during the winter months. However, it’s still important to give your lawn a light raking in the early spring to get rid of any leaves and other debris from the winter months.

Spring Lawn Care Tip #2: Overseeding

tall green grass

Once you’ve raked your yard, you’ll have a better idea of problem areas that need to be addressed. High traffic, dog spots and neglect can all result in bare patches on your lawn. When this happens, you can apply grass seed to fill those bare patches; this is known as “overseeding.” It’s important to note however that overseeding is typically the most successful when done in the fall. So unless your situation is really bad, try to postpone overseeding your lawn until after summer.

Spring Lawn Care Tip #3: Fertilizing

lawn fertilizer

If you’re concerned about using harsh chemical fertilizers on your lawn, you can always use organic compost or mulch instead. But for those who prefer the commercial chemical fertilizers, you can easily find fertilizing schedules to ensure you’re fertilizing your lawn properly. As a tip, it’s best to only use fertilizer lightly in the spring, with heavier doses applied in the fall.

Spring Lawn Care Tip #4: Pull Weeds

weeds growing in a lawn

Again, for those of you who want to take care of your lawn in the most natural way possible, it’s time to get down and dirty and pull out all those weeds that have grown during the winter. If you like a more hands-off approach, you can apply herbicides to kill perennial weeds.

Spring Lawn Care Tip #5: Lawn Mower Tune-up

lawn mower

With just a little bit of TLC, you can ensure your lawn mower and other lawn equipment stays in good condition all year long. Here are some tips you can use to tune up your lawn mower:

  • Remove gasoline
  • Disconnect spark plug
  • Remove the blade and sharpen it
  • Drain the oil
  • Clean all the equipment
  • Refill the oil
  • Replace the spark plug

This is all cheap and easy to do, and will ensure that your lawn equipment works as it should, especially during the spring and summer months when you need it most.

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. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions and our Spring Transition page for more spring lawn care advice, or give us a call at 602.626.9959 if you don’t find what you are looking for. Have a specific question about your lawn? Email us at info@evergreenturf.com. Better yet, stop by and meet the team at our convenient Chandler location.

Tucson Sod Tips: 5 Plants and Trees that Grow Well in Arizona in Fall

April 16th, 2024

Fall is upon us and with it often comes the desire to change up your backyard landscape. If you have Tucson sod growing in your lawn, you can easily alter some areas to add shrubs or trees if you want to do a bit of a fall makeover on your lawn.

If you live in Tucson or Phoenix, you are well aware of the unique climate Arizona has in the fall. What you may not know, however, is what plants and trees grow well during this time of year. To help you out, here is a breakdown of the top 5 plants and trees that grow well in Arizona during the fall.

TREES:

White Thorn Acacia

This tree does not need much water and has a slow growth rate. It will flower in the spring and summer and produces yellow puff ball flowers. As a bonus, this tree attracts birds.

Palo Blanco

This tree can stand low temperatures and needs little water. It’s known for its striking white, peeling bark.

Anacacho Orchid Tree

This is a small tree and works great on a patio or other small area. The leaves are shaped like butterflies and they do not leave a lot of mess on the ground when they start to die.

Cascalote

This tree can tolerate temperatures dropping down to 20 degrees. They produce beautiful yellow spikey flowers that bloom in the winter.

Canyon Hackberry

This tree can tolerate temperatures dropping down to 0 F. It grows in a sprawling type of manner and produces humble green flowers in the spring.

When planting your trees, try to plant them in an area that gets a lot of sunlight so they grow healthy. You’ll also want to remove your Tucson sod around the tree. About a one foot diameter of mulch and soil is best for tree health.

SHRUBS / PLANTS / SMALL TREES:

Mexican Bird of Paradise

This shrub is native to Mexico and produces yellow flowers from spring to fall. This shrub attracts hummingbirds and other types of birds.

Mediterranean Fan Palm

This plant needs moderate amounts of water to survive and can tolerate low temparatures. It has a slow growth rate and blooms cream-colored flowers during the summer.

Desert Willow

The desert willow is most popular for its flowers, which come in trumpet shaped shades of white, pink and purple.

Texas Olive

This shrub works great in any backyard or garden and produces a very pretty white flower. It grows slowly and has a solid trunk.

Feather Bush

This bush works well planted next to backyard pools. It has a lush appearance once full grown and does not need much water to thrive.

If you need any other help or advice on your backyard landscaping and Tucson sod, contact us.

Kid Friendly Backyard Ideas

April 16th, 2024

One of the beautiful things about having a backyard is that it can keep children entertained for hours. From full blown jungle-gyms to simple bean-bag toss games, there are plenty of ways you can turn your backyard into a kid-friendly space. Check out these kid friendly backyard ideas for Tucson families.

The first step to creating a fun backyard space for kids is to ensure they have a nice, plush Tucson sod lawn to play on. If your backyard looks dry and patchy, you may need to give it some TLC before launching into these kid-friendly backyard projects:

Music Station

Kids love anything that makes noise, so why not set up a neat little music station in your backyard? Find an area where you can hang several different wind chimes and other musical materials like wind pipes made of wood, triangles and a couple of bongo drums. Your heart will melt when you hear your kids and their friends creating music in your backyard.

Secret Club House or Hideaway

Being a kid is a lot of fun! But it also takes a lot of energy. Create a secret space for your child to retreat to when they need a moment alone, away from the busy outdoor play world. Depending on the layout of your backyard, this could be a hammock beneath some trees, a cubby house, or a tee pee. You could even create a little house out of sunflowers (if you live in an area where they can grow well of course).

As a tip, if you’re creating a hideaway that’s going to be in the shade, it’s best to remove the Tucson sod underneath. Otherwise, it won’t get enough sunlight to grow and you’ll end up with dead, patchy grass where your beautiful kid hideout is supposed to be.

Kid Corner in your Vegetable or Herb Garden

It’s never too early to start teaching your child the importance of caring for the world’s natural resources. Give your child their very own corner of your herb and vegetable garden. Have them choose the types of plants they want to grow and show them how to water and tend to the garden. They will love getting their hands dirty in the natural soil and learning about our wonderful mother earth.

Wild and Crazy Messy Area

Make a sand box or mud pit where your children can get messy without worry. For young children, engaging in these activities activates all of their senses, which is important for brain development. If you don’t want to create a permanent space like a sandbox in your backyard, you can always use smaller tubs like kiddie pools which works just as well.

Create an Active Play Area

It’s important for young children to be physically active, so having an area in your backyard for them to run, swing, skip, hop, jump and slide is essential. Take a look at your budget, as well as your backyard dimensions to see what will work well for you. You’ll need to consider your Tucson sod as well and decide whether you need to remove a portion of it and replace it with mulch for the playground / active play area.

Finally, have fun with these projects, and make sure you take the time to also play with your kid in your newly designed, kid-friendly backyard.

We’ve been providing Tucson sod to Arizona homeowners for more than twenty years. Contact us today.

How to Create a Beautiful Arizona Backyard Landscape on a Budget

April 16th, 2024

Your backyard is a place for you to relax and spend time with your family in the beautiful sunshine; a place where you create memories. That’s why you want your backyard landscape to be pretty and peaceful. While you may have a picture-perfect vision of what you want your backyard to look like, you also need to consider your budget. Check out our tips and tricks on how to create a beautiful backyard landscape on a budget.

Before you go tearing everything up, you need to have a solid design plan. If you’re a DIY kind of person, you may have a lot of fun creating the blueprint for your new backyard. However, a landscape designer can show you the best available plant, products, and sod in Arizona. For a very basic professional design, be prepared to spend a few hundred dollars, and of course, the more space that is involved the higher the cost is going to be.

Ask your landscape professional to design a plan that will allow you to complete it in in a few different stages if you’re on a budget. That way you can tackle your backyard redesign in small chunks rather than overhauling everything at once.

In Arizona, sod lawns are a great way to help create a beautiful backyard, but there may also be some areas you want to keep sod-free. For example, consider creating a center courtyard made with gravel for grilling and entertaining outdoors. This will actually also help your grass in the long run as people will tend to walk on your courtyard rather than on your Arizona sod lawn. To make the courtyard feel like home, border it with shrubs and flowers, put some rustic furniture in the center like a vintage bench and coffee table, and throw in some unique details such as a fire pit and birdbath. This will help save you money because gravel is inexpensive and you’ll cut down on the cost of watering and maintaining your lawn.

If gravel is not your thing, overlay pavers are also available. They are designed to be installed on top of existing concrete and other patio surfaces. This option is DIY friendly and quickly adds a lot of class to your backyard for not a lot of cash.

What is going to happen when it rains? If your yard is on a slope, you will need to consider the angle of the slope carefully when designing your yard. If you have a pool or are planning on building a pool, you need to make sure that irrigation water does not drain into it. This is one of those elements where it’s best to rely on the professional for help. They can help you design your backyard landscape with all of the proper drainage elements in place.

Be practical in your backyard landscape design and make sure it fits your lifestyle. Finally, think of the long-term results of your new design, such as how big your plants or trees will grow in a few years.

For more information on Arizona sod and tips on how to create a backyard landscape on a budget, visit Evergreen Turf.