Sod grass comes in many varieties. Although aesthetics is one factor to consider when choosing a type of sod grass, it’s not the only factor to account for. You may also consider how certain varieties of sod grass are more likely to thrive in certain regional climates than in others.

The following are five of the most popular types of sod grass for various climates. Although one of them may be ideal for your property, you may need more information about an option before deciding to purchase it. Discuss this topic with a sod or turf supplier to learn more about the best variety for your needs.

Midiron

Midiron sod is a popular option in Arizona and parts of the country with a similar climate. Midiron sod is very drought-resistant and has low upkeep requirements.

Large families and families with pets sometimes opt for this form of sod because it can withstand heavy foot traffic relatively well. Thus, it’s also an option to consider for spaces on commercial properties that might get significant foot traffic.

Other benefits of Midiron sod to be aware of include:

• Relatively long mowing intervals, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your property and less time maintaining it
• An attractive deep blue-green color
• The ability to remain in good condition despite direct sun exposure in a hot climate

Tifway 419

Tifway 419 is a versatile type of sod with numerous potential uses. It’s a style of Bermuda grass, which performs well in warm climates.

Tifway 419 remains among the most popular styles of sod grass for sports fields and golf courses. However, it’s also a common choice for residential lawns.

Benefits of this option include:

• Versatility, as this form of sod tends to thrive in a range of soil types
• It can self-repair after sustaining minor damage
• Tifway 419 has a dense blade texture that many find results in an attractive and uniform look throughout a property

Tifway 328

Tifway 328 is a similar option to Tifway 419 that often appears on golf course greens. Some find it’s also the right choice for a property owner who desires a manicured appearance.

Additional benefits of Tifway 328 are:

• Tifway 328 is fairly resistant to both disease and pets
• This option is useful for public parks, where a clean appearance can make the right impression on visitors
• Tifway 328 allows for low mowing, something you might prefer

TifGrand

Another factor to consider when choosing sod grass is shade. If your grass isn’t going to receive a lot of direct sunlight, you need to choose a variety that can grow in these conditions.

TifGrand is an option to be aware of. TifGrand is a warm-weather-friendly Bermuda grass that can thrive in up to 60% shade. Typically, it only requires four to five hours of direct sun exposure a day.

Reasons to consider TifGrand include:

• It doesn’t require as much water or fertilizer as others, which could save you time and money
• TifGrand may remain green later into the fall months than some other options
• TifGrand is another sod that can double as sports turf, meaning it stands up to wear and tear

Palmetto St. Augustine

Palmetto St. Augustine is another type of sod that can remain in good condition despite minimal sun exposure. That said, it’s also very heat-tolerant, and can thus survive and grow in direct sunlight if you wish to install it in non-shady sections of your property.

Benefits Palmetto St. Augustine offers include:

• An extensive root system allows this sod to tolerate drought very well
• Palmetto St. Augustine offers a pleasing fine texture
• Many consider the color of Palmetto St. Augustine to be even more impressive than that of other St. Augustine varieties

TifTuf

TifTuf’s name is no coincidence—this variety of hybrid bermudagrass is remarkably durable. Specifically, it’s an ideal option for drought-prone regions. Some have found that TifTuf is also an ideal replacement for TifWay. Additional benefits of this variety of sod include:

• The capacity to become green again with the arrival of spring more quickly than similar varieties of hybrid bermudagrass
• A dark green color with a uniquely fine texture
• The ability to survive on 30% less water than other varieties of hybrid bermudagrass, helping conserve resources

Choosing a Style of Sod Grass: Factors to Keep in Mind

Ensuring your chosen variety of sod grass is right for your climate is essential. Other tips to remember when selecting a style include:

• Confirm you have the resources and time necessary to maintain a particular style of grass before choosing it.
• Check your soil’s pH, and find out if a variety of sod you’re considering for your property requires a certain type of soil to thrive.
• If you have pets, choose a variety of sod that can withstand the damage pets may cause. Along with running around on a lawn, pets can damage some types of sod by urinating or defecating on it. Even if you don’t have pets, you may consider this factor if wild animals cross through your property.

Most importantly, feel free to ask questions of your sod grass supplier. Their expertise can help you select the right sod for your property much more easily and confidently.

Learn About Sod Grass Varieties

At Evergreen Turf, our team would be happy to answer your questions about what type of sod is best for your needs. Contact us online or call us at (480) 456-1199 for more information about what we offer.

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.

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.

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

Installing sod can be an excellent way to achieve a lush and green lawn quickly. However, it can also be a time-consuming and costly if not done correctly. To ensure that your sod installation project is a success, it’s essential to avoid common mistakes that many homeowners make. This article will discuss the top mistakes to avoid when installing sod in a home lawn.

1. Failing to Prepare the Soil

One of homeowners’ biggest mistakes when installing sod is failing to adequately prepare the soil. Before laying down sod, it’s essential to remove any weeds, rocks, or debris from the area. You also want to ensure that the soil is level and well-draining. This will help the sod root properly and receive the necessary nutrients to grow.

2. Over or Underwatering

Another common mistake when installing sod is over or underwatering. Keeping the sod moist but not too wet or dry is crucial. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues, while underwatering can cause the sod to dry out and die. Be sure to monitor the moisture level of the sod and adjust watering as needed.

3. Not Allowing the Sod to Root

After installing the sod, it’s important to allow it to root properly before mowing or walking on it. This can take several weeks, depending on the type of sod and the weather conditions. Walking or mowing on the sod too soon can cause it to dislodge and damage the roots, leading to patchy or uneven growth.

4. Ignoring Fertilization and Maintenance

Once the sod has rooted, it’s essential to fertilize and maintain it properly. This includes regular watering, mowing, and fertilization. Ignoring these maintenance tasks can lead to a lackluster lawn that is susceptible to disease, pests, and other issues.

5. Choosing the Wrong Type of Sod

Finally, choosing the right type of sod for your lawn’s specific conditions, such as soil type, sun exposure, and climate is vital. Choosing the wrong type of sod can lead to poor growth and an unsightly lawn. Take our quiz to see what type of sod varieties are best suited for your location.

Conclusion

In conclusion, installing sod can be a great way to achieve a beautiful lawn quickly. However, it’s important to avoid common mistakes that can lead to growth, health, and appearance issues. By properly preparing the soil, watering correctly, allowing the sod to root, and maintaining it well, you can ensure that your sod installation project is a success. And don’t forget to choose the right type of sod for your specific lawn conditions.

Looking to install sod in your home lawn? Evergreen Turf can help! With over 20 years of experience, Evergreen Turf offers high-quality sod varieties, expert installation services, and professional maintenance tips to help ensure your lawn looks its best year-round. Browse all of our sod varieties to learn more. Order now and get free delivery with a minimum purchase of 500sq/ft.

Palmetto St. Augustine is the most popular patented turfgrass worldwide. Due to its versatility, this grass is found across most of the southern and southwestern United States and is a popular choice for Arizona homeowners. Homeowners tend to select it over other St. Augustine brands because of its better color, finer texture, and superior tolerance to shade, cold, frost, heat, and drought. This is due to the extensive root system that grows underneath the soil’s surface.

A Look at the Origins of Palmetto St. Augustine

A review of the history of Palmetto St. Augustine reveals that it has a long and varied past. This grass has been used for centuries, from the earliest days of colonial settlements to the modern era. It is a hardy, durable grass that is well-suited for hot, humid, and even dry climates, making it a popular choice for many Arizona homeowners. Its attractive appearance and ability to withstand a range of conditions have made it a favorite among homeowners and gardeners alike.

Originally a specialized grass with enhanced shade tolerance, Palmetto St. Augustine is now found across the globe, with more than two billion square feet sold and demand continuously on the rise.

Information Regarding Palmetto St. Augustine

Palmetto St. Augustine is a type of turfgrass which is native to the southeastern United States. It is an especially popular grass for lawns in Arizona, and it is used for golf courses, parks, and other large areas as well. This grass is quite tolerant of a variety of soil types, temperatures, and moisture levels, making it an ideal choice for many different environments. It is also a low-maintenance grass which requires less fertilization and watering than other types of turf. Additionally, it is resistant to many diseases and pests, which helps it to remain healthy and attractive over time.

Characteristics and Traits of Palmetto St. Augustine Grass

Palmetto St. Augustine grass has distinctive traits and attributes. It is a type of grass that is well-suited for warm climates and is tolerant of humidity. It is a hardy grass that is resistant to drought, heat and salt, which is one of the many reasons it is a popular sod variety in lawns across Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona. The blades are medium to dark green in color and are coarse in texture. It is a low maintenance grass, however, it does require regular fertilization and irrigation. This type of grass is generally free of disease and pests.

In comparison to other varieties of St. Augustine, Palmetto has a more delicate blade that is not as wide. This allows it to make a denser covering of grass. Furthermore, its semi-dwarf stature leads to it growing at a lesser height than other St. Augustines, thus necessitating less cutting to maintain an optimal height.

The natural color of healthy grass is green, but it can have a range of shades and hues. Palmetto is a vivid emerald green.

When it comes to warm-season grasses that can tolerate shade, St. Augustine is at the top of the list, with Palmetto being the cultivar that is the most resilient in this regard.

In comparison to other types of St. Augustines, Palmetto displays a higher resistance to cold, frost, heat and drought.

Establishing Palmetto St. Augustine Grass

For establishing Palmetto in the yard, sod, plugs, or stolons can be utilized; however, there exists no such thing as St. Augustine seed. Installing Palmetto St. Augustine sod is the most suitable option for homeowners looking to have it on their lawn.

If you are thinking about installing Palmetto St. Augustine, then consider contacting the team at Evergreen Turf with any questions you have. If you’re ready to buy, you buy directly on our website.

Upkeep of Palmetto St. Augustine Grass

Mowing and Watering of Palmetto and St. Augustine

Depending on the season, it should be cut to a length of 2-2.5 inches. During the autumn and winter, mowing should be done less frequently and the grass should be left slightly taller than usual. This will help promote the growth of stronger roots during the winter months. You can achieve this by adjusting the mower’s height settings to a slightly higher level.

Weekly, your Palmetto St Augustine sod should receive about an inch of water, including rain. To avoid disease issues, be mindful not to give it too much, as shade and excess moisture can be a breeding ground for disease.

Fertilization of Palmetto St. Augustine grass is an important step in its growth and health. The process of fertilization keeps the grass green and strong, ensuring the lawn looks its best. It is important to fertilize regularly to get the most out of this grass. Check out our lawn care guide: Arizona Sod and Lawn Nutrition & Fertilization for more information.

Controlling insects and diseases in Palmetto St. Augustine is an important task. Using preventative measures to keep the environment healthy is the best way to avoid insects and disease all together. Check out our guide on insect control.

The Saint Augustine grass type is especially vulnerable to chinch bug infestations, so it is wise to use a broad-spectrum insecticide like Bifen L/P if any insect damage is detected. Additionally, white grub worms should be watched for as well. If previous fungal or disease issues have been experienced in the Palmetto grass, a systemic fungicide should be applied in order to avoid future occurrences, particularly during the spring and fall when soil temperatures are changing. Palmetto is able to tolerate more shade than other warm season turfgrasses, making it more susceptible to disease with reduced exposure to sunlight. As such, it is suggested to utilize a fungicide preventively, such as Heritage G Granular Fungicide. Be sure to read product labels before use.

Controlling weeds in Palmetto St. Augustine grass lawns is an important task. Ensuring that weeds don’t overtake the lawn is key to keeping it healthy and looking great.

For St. Augustine turfgrass, it is recommended to use a pre-emergent herbicide in both the spring and fall for effective weed control.

A well-maintained lawn can level up your home’s exterior. Unfortunately, lawns don’t stay vibrant and lush all on their own. Without consistent TLC, your lawn may start to look patchy, yellow, or dry.

If your lawn is lacking its luster, you may be wondering what you can do about it. Depending on the degree of your lawn’s deterioration, a full-blown lawn renovation may be in order.

So, how can you tell if it’s time to renovate your lawn? Below, we’ll break down the major causes of turf deterioration and explain when you should consider a lawn renovation.

7 Major Causes of Turf Deterioration

Before you renovate your lawn, it’s a good idea to find out why it looks unhealthy in the first place. This way, you can solve the problem and keep it from happening again, preventing the need for repeated renovations.

Lawns may start to deteriorate for the following reasons:

1. Poor lawn management – Lawns need to be mowed, fertilized and irrigated regularly to stay green and healthy. If your lawn care has fallen to the wayside, that may be the cause of its decline.

   On the flip side, over-watering or excess fertilization can also cause issues. Too much water can cause your turf’s roots to rot, while excess fertilizer can lead to unsightly “fertilizer burn” and root damage.

2. Excessive thatch – Thatch is a tightly-packed layer of decomposed stems, leaves, and roots that can build up between your grass and its soil. Some amount of thatch is unavoidable.

   However, excessive thatch can create a claustrophobic environment for your turf’s roots. In turn, they may not get enough water, air, or fertilizer, even if you’re diligently providing them during your lawn maintenance routine.

3. Weeds, insects, and diseases – Over time, your turf may get attacked by pesky weeds, insects, and diseases. Weeds harm turf by sucking up its nutrients. Meanwhile, pests attack turf by nibbling at its blades and roots.
4. Poor soil quality – The quality of your soil can make or break your lawn’s appearance. Poor soil may be acidic, infertile, compacted, or lacking in essential microorganisms. You can have your soil tested at a local soil testing lab to evaluate its health.
5. Inadequate sunlight – Not all types of turfs thrive in shaded locations. If your lawn lacks direct sunlight, you may need to remove or prune the surrounding trees and shrubs to let more rays shine through.
6. Improper species selection – Not all turfgrass species are adapted to every climate. If your turf still looks rough after adhering to meticulous maintenance practices, it may simply be ill-suited for your location.
7. Dog urine – If your furry friend frequently pees on your lawn, it can cause unsightly spots. Some species of turf are more resistant to dog urine than others.

Getting to the root of your lawn’s issue can be tricky. Fortunately, a lawn care specialist can diagnose the issue and suggest the best path forward.

When to Renovate Your Lawn

Sometimes, you can repair small portions of your lawn by re-seeding it or optimizing your lawn care regime. Most high quality warm season lawns are hybrids and cannot be grown from seed.  These will need to be plugged or sodded. However, if more than 25% of your lawn is deteriorating, it’s probably time to renovate.

Lawn Renovation Considerations

One of the most important things to consider before you renovate your lawn is the time of year. Lawn renovations should be done when the lawn can recover the quickest. If you live in Arizona, it’s best to do your work in late spring or early summer.  This gives your lawn the rest of the summer to recover and get fully healthy before winter.

Sprinkler System Check-up:  The number one cause of lawn problems in Arizona is poor irrigation coverage.  Check your system for proper head coverage, good pressure, and leaks.  A good sprinkler system will also save water!

Aeration:  Aeration is a mechanical practice that pull small cores from your soil.  This helps alleviate compaction, and will also help mitigate thatch build up.  Compaction tends to be a problem in high traffic areas wear dogs and kids play, or where people walk or stand frequently in the lawn.

De-thatching:  Thatch is an accumulation of old leaves and stems from your lawn.  Too much thatch will cause the lawn to repel water, or slow your water from penetrating the soil.  Excess thatch can also be a host to many insects.  Excess thatch will also make your lawn too soft and cause your lawnmower to “scalp” your lawn when you mow. You can rent a machine to dethach, or even vigorously rake an area to remove the thatch.

Next, you should determine if any nearby vegetation will compete with your fresh turf for space and soil nutrients. If you suspect it may, you might want to pull some weeds or apply herbicides.

Lastly, you should make sure that you plant a type of turf that’s properly adapted to your climate, especially if your old turf wasn’t. Not sure which type of turf is right for you? Try Evergreen Turf’s lawn selector guide to help you.

Evergreen Turf: Renovate Your Lawn With Premier Arizona Sod

If you’re longing for greener grass, Evergreen Turf can make it happen. We’re a premier producer of Arizona sod. Our sod grass has been used to refresh residential yards, elite golf courses, and all kinds of green spaces in between.

All of our sod grass varieties grow beautifully in Arizona, so you can rest assured you’re getting a grass type that’s right for your climate.

Are you ready to refresh your lawn? Reach out to Evergreen Turf today.

If you have an Arizona sod lawn, making a care plan can be challenging. For one, the state features 10+ USDA Plant Hardiness Zones, and seasonal changes vary drastically by region.

If you live in one of the state’s drier areas, how can you balance the desire for a bright green lawn with an eco-friendly lifestyle?

In this guide, we’ll break down nine tips for eco-conscious lawn care specifically tailored to Arizona residents. While some of these suggestions may require a little extra elbow grease, others rely on simple science. Whichever you choose, incorporating even one of the tips below will help you maintain your lawn with the planet in mind.

#1 Beware of Overwatering

There are three important things to remember about overwatering your lawn:

1. It can damage your grass – Overwatering can create shallow root systems, reduce your lawn’s tolerance to environmental changes (like drought), and provide a prime environment for unsavory insects.
2. It’s not eco-friendly – Water may be a renewable resource, but droughts can be especially impactful in dry climates like Southwest Arizona. Avoid unnecessary demands on the water supply by watering thoughtfully.
3. It’s expensive – Water isn’t free; overwatering your lawn could become expensive fast.

Instead of overwatering, follow a few sensible guidelines that can keep your lawn green:

• Irrigate early in the morning or in the evening to ensure optimal absorption.
• Use the same amount of water all year long, but adjust your frequency seasonally
  • e., water less frequently in the rainy season than you do when it’s dry
• Control your weeds to ensure that your grass is getting the majority of the water

These practices will benefit your lawn, the environment, and your wallet—a win-win-win.

#2 Use a Push or Electric Mower Instead of a Gas Mower

Gas mowers aren’t the most eco-friendly option for trimming. They require gasoline to operate—a finite resource—and they release greenhouse gas emissions during combustion.

If you’re ready to adopt environmentally conscious mowing, you have two choices. You can:

1. Switch to a manual push mower that doesn’t use gas
2. Opt for an electric mower

Battery-operated mower technology is only improving; some models boast up to an hour of runtime, and lawn care gurus have numerous brands to choose from.

And, if you want to double up on your environmentally-friendly efforts, you can charge your batteries using solar power. What could be greener than a fossil fuel-free lawn?

#3 Swap Your Leaf Blower for a Rake (Or an Electric Blower)

Raking leaves was a childhood chore for many, which may have taken some of the charm out of the activity. But using a rake or electric leaf blower instead of a gas-powered one is a much more eco-conscious method (for the same reasons a gas mower isn’t the greenest choice).

And, like mowers, electric leaf blowers are getting better every year.

For proof, just take a look at the Ego Cordless Leaf Blower: It blows 765 CFM (more if you opt for the high-capacity battery), which beats even some gas-powered, backpack blower models.

Starting to notice a theme? If you’re trying to create green habits and a green lawn, consider swapping out your gas tools for electric or analog models.

#4 Focus on Native Plants

One of the simplest ways to create an eco-friendly lawn is to foster native grasses—or varieties that thrive in your climate without significant maintenance. Since most grasses native to Arizona don’t create the thick, lush lawns that homeowners love, turf experts recommend a bermudagrass hybrid that’s well-adapted to Arizona’s various climates, like Midiron.

Midiron offers a variety of benefits:

• It’s relatively drought-tolerant
• It recovers quickly from damage (e.g., foot traffic)
• It thrives at a variety of mowing heights (so it can be cut safely with just about any mower)

However, grass likely isn’t the only thing in your yard. To optimize eco-friendliness (and add more visual interest to your lawn), consider adding native plants like:

• Marsh aster
• Hedgehog cactus
• Ironwood trees
• Desert chicory

As an added bonus, keeping your lawn native is closely related to our next tip: keeping it local.

#5 Buy Native Sod from Local Businesses

With so many sod options on the market, one of the best ways to choose the best one is to consult an expert, like a local turf business. But why should you choose a local business over a big-box home improvement store or online grass seed supplier?

The biggest benefits of buying local include:

• Local ecosystem knowledge – Sod companies in your region know which species thrive under local conditions. They can help you choose a variety that has a high chance of survival in your neighborhood.
• Troubleshooting – If your lawn starts to wither six months after installation, a local supplier can make a house call. Local turf purveyors live in your neighborhood, too—they’re invested in the success of your yard.
• Environmental impact – A big box store or an online seed shop might need to send a semi-truck cross-country to deliver your product. You can reduce your footprint by ordering sod from your own ZIP code.

#6 Don’t Overseed in the Winter

Overseeding with a perennial species (like ryegrass) might enhance the aesthetics of your yard during the winter. But, to take root, these additional seeds require a lot of water.

Contending with cooler weather while committing to eco-friendliness means accepting that your lawn will go dormant—a natural process that might make your yard (temporarily) a little less vibrant. However, skipping overseeding and accepting nature’s seasonal cycle can reduce any potential negative impact a pristine year-round lawn can have.

#7 Fertilize Your Lawn with Compost

Plants can’t discern between organic fertilizers (food made from other naturally-derived sources) and “chemical” fertilizers (commercially-available synthetic compounds).

Most chemical fertilizers are safe to use. But why spend money on chemical fertilizers when you likely have everything you need to create nutritious plant food at home? Enter: composting.

You can start fertilizing with compost without taking a single trip to the hardware store:

1. Collect compostable scraps, like eggshells, fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and yard trimmings like dead grass and fallen leaves
2. Let everything decompose for a few weeks while it breaks down into soil-like matter
3. Sprinkle the compost around your lawn, as you would with a chemical fertilizer

#8 Test Your Soil

A soil test can provide critical information about your yard, like the pH of your soil (how acidic or alkaline it is), the nutrients present in (and missing from) your soil, and what nutrients are needed to achieve peak soil health.

All these data points can help you create a healthy environment where your sod (and other plants) can thrive. And, instead of experimenting with different methods (like additional watering or nonspecific fertilizer treatments) and hoping for positive outcomes, you can determine exactly what your yard needs to improve and take any necessary steps right away.

#9 Hand-Pull Your Weeds

If you’re trying to reduce the environmental impact of your lawn, it’s time to ditch the 2,4-D and don your weeding gloves. Pulling weeds by hand is significantly better for the environment than treating your yard with herbicide sprays.

While herbicides might kill your weeds, they don’t disappear from the ecosystem. And when they flow away with runoff, they have the potential to:

• Dissolve into the water supply
• Kill other healthy plants in the ecosystem
• Change the behavior or reproduction habits of fish, invertebrates, and amphibians

You can eliminate these possibilities by switching to manual weeding—your local flora and fauna will thank you.

Evergreen Turf: Keeping Arizona Green for Over 20 Years

Whether you’re looking to green-ify every element of your lawn care or phase in just a few eco-friendly tactics, it’s easy to make your yard maintenance routine a little more sustainable.

If you need expert landscaping advice or high-quality sod, turn to Evergreen Turf.

Since 1999, we’ve been supplying Arizona with elite, golf-quality turf that turns heads—and service that keeps homeowners and sports facility managers alike coming back. Browse our blog for more sod tips, or stop by our Chandler location to chat with a pro.

We can’t wait to see your yard flourish.

When researching winter lawn care, you’ll likely discover countless suggestions for overseeding your lawn with a perennial species like ryegrass.

But overseeding requires watering—in Arizona, residents, business owners, and landscapers should be mindful of local water supplies and use restrictions in place. To conserve water, reduce your utility bill, or simply take a more sustainable approach to lawn management this winter, you might choose to skip overseeding.

If you’re not going to overseed, what should your winter lawn maintenance plan look like? Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of cool-weather lawn care.

#1 Research Your Grass Type

If you’ve recently moved into a new home, you might not know where to start when it comes to making a winter lawn care plan.

The first step—finding out what kind of grasses make up your lawn and researching how to care for each species.

And, if you’re thinking about replacing your lawn before the cool weather kicks in, remember that not all grasses are created equal when it comes to weather resistance and damage recovery. Here are a few of the most common Arizona grasses and their general response to damage (like cold weather):

• Midiron – Excellent damage recovery
• Tifway 419 – Very good recovery
• Tifgreen 328 – Fair recovery
• TifGrand – Fair recovery
• Palmetto St. Augustine – Fair recovery

After you determine your grass type, research how it responds to cooler weather and what you’ll need to do to help it survive the winter.

#2 Allow Grass to Go Dormant

Some grasses—like Bermuda grass, a common Arizona species—go dormant during prolonged cold weather. Dormant grasses can:

• Become less vibrant or even appear dead
• Grow slowly (or not at all)
• Appear and feel dehydrated, dry, or crunchy

But dormant grass isn’t dead grass—dormancy is like hibernation for plants, and dormant grass should spring back up to its former green glory once the weather warms up.

If your grass appears to be going dormant for the winter, it’s best to let nature take its course.

#3 Monitor Rainfall and Supplement with Watering

Just because your lawn might be going dormant, you shouldn’t expect it to survive without any water during the winter months.

Each grass species has specific needs for staying alive (or having a healthy dormancy) in winter, and you should expect your lawn to need at least some watering. Bermuda grass, for instance, needs to be watered in the winter to maintain soil moisture—which will keep the grass alive even once it starts to wilt.

Winter rains may provide all the water your lawn needs as the weather cools down. But, if your area doesn’t receive any rain for more than two weeks, you should consider lightly watering it (while taking care not to overwater).

#4 Adjust Fertilization Schedule

During the warmer months, you may be watering and fertilizing your lawn often to help keep weeds out, encourage thickening, and maintain that vibrant green.

However, if you don’t plan to overseed this winter, you can cut back on your fertilizing efforts once the weather cools down.

Different grasses have different fertilization needs, even during the winter. If you’re not sure how to fertilize your lawn, you can:

• Consult a turf expert for advice
• Test fertilizer frequency and formula in a small patch of your yard
• Reach out to your local extension office for more information

Evergreen Turf: Your #1 Source for Quality Sod in Arizona

Arizona winter grass doesn’t have to be overseeded during the colder months. Still, you should ensure you’re providing the specific care your grass species needs to stay alive this winter, whether or not it goes dormant.

If you’re looking for turf tips before the cooler weather sets in, Evergreen Turf is your number-one source for helpful information, high-quality sod, and so much more. You can browse our wealth of lawn care knowledge online, give us a call, or drop by our Chandler location—when you need expertise, we’ve got you covered.

Summer is in full swing, and that means your lawn is being inundated with high levels of heat and direct sunshine. No matter how much effort you put forth into making sure your Arizona sod lawn stays green, your efforts will all be for not if you don’t understand the proper way to care for your grass. Sure, you could hire an expensive landscaping company. Or, you could take some time to check out these DIY tips that’ll help give you that emerald green look you’re going for.

With this in mind, here are a few tricks to check out:

1. Mow High

You want to leave about three inches of blade when you mow, so put your lawn mower on a high setting. Why? Because taller blades give your lawn’s root system more shade, which helps keep it cool during those hot summer days. Additionally, taller blades tend to grow deeper, stronger root systems. Learn more about the ideal height to cut grass.

2. Learn When and How Much to Water

Watering too lightly can prevent your lawn’s roots from being fully saturated. On the other hand, watering too frequently can drown the roots and prevent your grass from growing. Another thing to think about—if you water your lawn too late in the day, you could risk having too much of the water evaporate before it’s able to find its way to the roots of your sod grass, especially with the soaring temperatures during summer in Phoenix and Tucson.

Water the lawn deeply in the morning hours two to three times each week. That will allow it to get about two inches of water weekly, which should help keep it green. Early in the morning is a great time to water, ensuring your lawn has enough moisture throughout the day. This helps prevent fungal diseases, too.

3. Prevent Water Run-Off

If you see water trickling off your lawn and onto your walkways, it’s a sign that you’re watering too heavily in such a way that the soil has become saturated. If this is happening, switch to watering steadily and slowly, and if you start to notice more run-off, move the sprinkler to a different area.

4. Water the Lawn, Not the Path

This seems obvious on paper, but rest assured, there are lots of homeowners who water their sidewalks and the moisture never hits the green stuff that needs the attention.

If your sprinkler system isn’t set up for your lawn’s shape and size, you could be one of these people, too. Sprinklers are great for helping ensure you’re watering the right spots and limiting wasted water, but check with professionals to make sure you’ve got the right set up for your lawn’s needs.

5. Maintain Your Mower

A poorly maintained mower will harm your lawn. Be sure you’re regularly sharpening the blades of your mower and changing the filter, oil, and spark plugs often. Dull mower blades will tear the grass, rather than cut it, leaving brown tips in their wake.

6. Repair Pet Spots with Professional Solutions

Everybody loves a furry friend, but the waste left by pets can wreak havoc on a lawn. If you’re seeing brown spots marking your lawn, they might be caused by Fido. If this sounds like you, look for a lawn repair kit that can help you regrow these brown spots before further harm ensues. At the very least, after your dog does his or her business, you can pick up solid waste and spray the area with some water to dilute the urine.

Related: Tips for Landscaping with Dogs

7. Feed Your Lawn

Your lawn is a living thing. As such, it requires nourishment to stay healthy. Apply a slow-release fertilizer to provide the kinds of nutrients that’ll protect your lawn from burning. It takes around six to eight weeks for the elements in the soil to absorb and process nutrients. This means you need to fertilize your lawn at regular intervals so you can replenish nutrients before your lawn is starving for more.

8. Remove Lawn Clippings

Be careful not to leave lawn clippings in thick clumps because this can lead to the formation of mold, especially when you water it. Always rake up clippings or use a mower that can sweep them up as the lawn is being cut.

9. Aerate

Lawns need oxygen just like they need water, so it’s important to keep your lawn aerated. Aeration perforates the soil at various intervals, alleviating compaction and allowing water, air, and nutrients to penetrate deep into the surface. Depending on the size of your lawn, you can use a garden fork or an aerating machine to achieve this.

10. Be Diligent About Weed Removal

Take care of weeds early and often, instead of putting weed killer on the entire lawn all at once. Pull weeds or using a weeding fork on a regular basis. If your area is large, try “painting” weed killer onto the affected area.

11. Try a Different Variety of Grass

It’s possible that your turf may not be the best solution for your region or the amount of sun and shade your yard gets. Some turf naturally becomes stressed when it’s exposed to hot temperatures. If this is the case, talk to our team at Evergreen Turf to see if there’s a better solution for your lawn needs.

If you’re searching online for “sod installation near me,” it’s obvious you’re considering upgrading your lawn. This is the best choice for you if you want to have a quick, easy and affordable lawn without the hassle of learning everything from scratch. We all know how busy a person’s life can be and you might not always have the time and energy to take care of your own lawn. If you’re still not sold on hiring professionals for the job, here’s why you should leave your sod installation to the professionals.

Why You Should Let the Pros Install Your Sod:

• Weekends are meant for play and fun, not worrying about what to do about your lawn. Evergreen Turf will do the worrying for you and will be there to install the same day your sod is delivered
• Evergreen Turf is the best professional sod company in Arizona. We have a team of highly skilled craftsmen with years of experience in sod installations. You can rest easy knowing that your lawn will be taken care of by people who know what they are doing and produce the best lawn you and your family deserve.
• An added difficulty of installing a lawn yourself is when there are other elements on your property such as sprinkler heads, decorations, and walkways. Doing it yourself can be tiring without getting the result you want. Those other elements in your yard need expert precision and skill to cut around to avoid damage to the sod as well as minimize the scrap
• Installing sod is not as simple as just putting on the layer of sod and waiting. It takes skilled craftsmen to make sure that the sod is properly installed with no patches or spots that are less attractive. Evergreen Turf crews will roll the sod and ensure that there is good soil contact for the sod to take hold as well as apply the starter fertilizer to increase the chances of your sod successfully rooting quickly.
• With professionals, you get what you pay for. You won’t have to worry about Evergreen Turf’s crew, they do this every day. You can sit back and enjoy. Please note, we do not perform work outside the terms of the contract which includes prep work, sprinkler work or rototilling.

Types of Sod You Can Buy at Evergreen Turf:

Midiron

This is the grass of choice in Arizona. It is an attractive and low-maintenance lawn that is perfect for busy people who still want to have a beautiful lawn they can enjoy without too much hassle. The grass itself has a medium-coarse leaf texture with a refreshing blue-green color. It is an excellent plant that transitions well from winter over-seeding and recovers quickly from people stepping on it. It can be maintained with a reel mower or a sharp rotary mower. It has a mowing height of 3/4″ to 1 1/2″.

Keep in mind that Midiron has low shade tolerance, which means it is perfect for a lawn that is under the sun. Also, it is a much sturdier grass than others with moderate salinity tolerance and will always be suitable for Arizona weather with its good drought tolerance.

Tifway 419

• Tifway 419 is the lawn of choice for professional sports fields and golf courses. It is preferred to other Bermuda grass because of its ability to recover from damage from constant and heavy use. This variety has extraordinary durability and a beautiful dark green color and medium-fine texture. This grass is an excellent choice for lawns that will be seeing constant use. This variety can be cut using a sharp rotary motor or a reel motor for a manicured look.

It is the perfect lawn if it is constantly exposed to sunlight but will have difficulty if placed in a mostly shaded area. It is also moderately tolerant to salinity and will be able to grow even if the area it is placed in has salt and is an excellent variant for hot regions. It has a mowing height of 1/2” to 1 1/2″.

Tifgreen328

• This variety of grass has a bright green color and a very fine texture. Initially developed for use in golf courses, it is the perfect choice if you want a manicured appearance for your lawn. Its beauty is the primary reason why it is used in expensive golf courses and it is the perfect choice if you want the same quality lawn for your home. It can be mowed with a sharp rotary mower but you can find the best results when you use a reel mower.

This variety also has a fair damage recovery rating that is still hardy compared to other grasses with poor shade tolerance, which is perfect for a lawn that gets lots of sunlight. It has a moderate salinity tolerance which means it’s not as susceptible to moderate concentrations of salt in the soil. It has a fair drought tolerance which means that it needs a little bit more water than the varieties we have discussed so far.

TifGrand

• TifGrand Bermuda is a product of scientific development and boasts a 60% resistance to shade and requires only about 4-5 hours of direct sunlight. Although it requires a more difficult maintenance routine in full sun conditions, TifGrand is an excellent variety for a lawn, especially because it has a fine texture and a beautiful dark green color. It can be mowed using a reel or a shaft rotary mower at the height of 1/2” to 1 ½” height.

This variety has a fair damage recovery rating and a moderate salinity tolerance. It is also rated fair for drought tolerance. It is a less sturdy variety overall but it is tolerant to shade which means you don’t have to worry too much about this variety dying if they don’t get the right amount of sunlight which is important if you plan to have a lot of shade in your lawn.

Palmetto St. Augustine

• This variety is the best performer in shady conditions and is highly recommended by the Evergreen Turf crew. This variety is a semi-dwarf variety of St. Augustine grass and thrives in both sunlight, shade, and heat. It has a coarse texture with soft leaves that makes it comfortable to lie on if you just want to relax and on the grass.

It also has a bright green color, perfect for that pleasantly eye-catching shade of green people look for on a lawn. However, it requires a little bit more care since it should not be overseeded during the winter. If you want to mow this grass, it is recommended that you use a Reel or sharp rotary mower at a height of 1 1/2″ to 3” for best results.

TifTuf

• TifTuf is the best hybrid bermudagrass you will ever encounter regarding drought tolerance. This means that it can go longer without being watered. It is developed by the University of Georgia Research Program and is among the best strains they were able to produce. It has fine texture with a dark green color and can survive with 30% less water than the best hybrid Bermuda grass currently in the market today. It has a similar look to Tifway but is a sturdier variety and improved color during the winter. It also has the added benefit of being able to green up quicker when spring comes than other strains of grass.

For best results, you should mow this grass with a reel mower or a sharp rotary mower at a height of 1/2″ to 1 1/2″. It has a good salinity tolerance and fair shade tolerance with high damage recovery.

No need to search any further for sod installation near you. Contact Evergreen Turf today and get back to enjoying your weekend while we take care of all the hard work. The lawn of your dreams is just one call away!