Just because your outdoor space is small does not mean you have to settle for a tiny, closed off look. The following are steps and tricks to make your small lawn look bigger.

Plant up: Vertical Walls, Tall Trees, Vertical Gardens, Pergola

You can add dimension to small yard using arbors, pergolas, trees, and vertical garden wall features. The Leyland Cyprus grows three to four feet per year, and is often used as a privacy screen feature. These trees do require regular pruning and maintenance because they are susceptible to disease, so only use them if you are ready to put in the time to care for them. Other tall choices include birds of paradise and banana plants.

If you have a lackluster fence, you can use it to add dimension to your yard by covering it with a vertical garden. Tall bamboo makes a great cover for fencing, and if your neighborhood permits it, you can allow it to grow even taller than the fence.

Use sod: mix your grassy areas with other materials

Grass can still be part of a small yard space, but it is better to mix it with other materials instead of covering the entire space with sod. The easiest way to add grass to your smaller yard is to order sod directly from us or your local sod farm if you live outside of Arizona.

Place Plants with Smaller Leaves Near Edges

Plants with small leaves reflect light and that causes them to seem like they are more distant, and they blend into the background. You should use these types of plants around the edges of your yard away from the entrances.

Place Plants with Big Leaves Near Entrances and Focal Points

Plants with big leaves, such as philodendrons, will make a small space feel larger when they are used around entrances and focal points. Big leaves provide more visual interest and the shadows they cast give the illusion of depth.

Use Color in the Entry

Just like plants with big leaves focus the eye’s attention to entryways and focal points and cause the rest of the space to draw back visually, color can have the same effect. Colors like yellow, red, and orange stimulate the brain and are a great choice for places you want people to focus on. Cooler colors like blue and pink are not as stimulating and should be used near boarders and in the outer edges of the yard.

Using warm colors near your house will also draw attention to it instead of towards the yard. Red bricks will do the trick, or you can use flowers. Just make sure that there is always something blooming in your color choice.

Create a focal point

Art with straight or modern lines will help make your yard look bigger. You can also use a fountain, statue, or spiral topiary. Using a bright art piece on a distant wall will draw the attention into the distance.

Following these tips will help you make the most of your smaller outdoor space. You can follow one or two, or all of them depending on how ornate you want your landscaping to be. The choice is yours.

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 480-456-1199 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 are interested in adding some much needed shade to your Arizona back yard, there are plenty of options to choose from. The best backyard shade ideas can range from beautifully simplistic DIY solutions to elaborate and decorative construction projects. Depending on your budget and aesthetic interests, a variety of backyard shade ideas can turn any sweltering porch into a luxurious, relaxing environment. Take a few moments to review just a few of the many popular backyard shade ideas for homeowners in Arizona and across the nation.

Shade Sail Fabrics

Sometimes the best backyard shade ideas happen to be the most simple and affordable. For many Arizona homeowners especially, high quality shade sail fabrics is the solution of choice. The best shade sail fabrics are comprised of premium materials that will easily shed water, resist rotting and block harmful UV rays. If you are considering investing in shade sail fabric, ensure the product has been sintered (also called heat-set) to prevent shrinkage of the fabric over time. Thoroughly researching shade sail fabrics before buying is always recommended.

Retractable Awnings

Retractable awnings are often the best choice for homeowners who would like to shade a smaller area of backyard or patio. Retractable awnings are typically built from acrylic fabric and are available in either motorized or hand cranked models. One advantage that retractable awnings have in comparison to other backyard shading ideas is the ability to be quickly put away in the event of severe weather or when shade is not needed. This option may be especially perfect for homeowners who have a swimming pool or like to enjoy an occasional Sunday barbeque with family.

Pergolas & Pavilions

Are you interested in backyard shade ideas that can completely transform your backyard into an inspiring and tranquil paradise? Pergolas and pavilions are always an excellent choice. Available in a myriad of styles, these structures are excellent at providing a well-shaded sitting area for friends or loved ones.

A pergola, also known as an arbor, is built from a lattice which is held in place by support beams. Many homeowners allow vines to grow through the lattice to create a natural and intoxicating shade for the patio or backyard area. Although the Arizona climate may not be conducive for the growth of many plants, incorporating shade sail fabrics into a pergola’s lattice may be an attractive option.

By far, however, the best backyard shading option for many tends to be a pavilion. This free standing structure may be one of the more expensive options but its durability and impressive appearance more than pays for itself. Pavilions may be constructed from wood, high quality sail fabric, or a combination of both. However, some pavilions can be found through select retailers that can be easily put together much like a camping tent.

Finally, make sure your grass lawn receives enough sunlight so as to promote healthy sod growth. No sod can tolerate 100% shade, so keep this in mind when creating shady areas in your backyard.

Get the most out of your backyard by providing a comfortable environment for friends, family and household pets to enjoy. Don’t let the unforgiving Arizona sun keep you indoors all summer long. Instead, consider creating one of these excellent backyard shade solutions and turn your backyard into your own private getaway.

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 480-456-1199 if you don’t find what you are looking for. Better yet, stop by and meet the team at our convenient Chandler location.

Cacti can be an exciting way to spice up your backyard landscape. Many are full of unique colors and flowers with spires, curves and spiky, regal stalks to make your yard come to life. These sun-loving plants make for a very low maintenance backyard design that practically cares for itself. Check out these tips on how to pull off cactus landscaping in your backyard.

Begin With Sandy Soil and A Sunny Spot

Good drainage is important, as sitting in standing water can damage your cacti. Assure your run off goes into proper drainage portals, and make certain no areas will become soggy when it rains.

There are wide varieties of cactus available at local nurseries and other retail garden stores. Verify the growing conditions in your area, then select your cacti according to those guidelines.

Cactus can be planted at any time throughout the year. Mature cacti do not like to be moved – so be sure you choose a long-standing location appropriate for good health. Transplanting cacti is tricky, spiky and at times even a little dangerous.

Place Your Focus on Edges and Centers

For the most appealing backyard design – make sure you choose an attractive border to contain your cactus landscaping. Large rounded rocks, cement blocks, small stones or bricks are commonly used for cacti garden borders.

The simplest approach is to create the border using bricks or stones, then infill the area with sandy, cacti-appropriate soil. This sets ideal growing conditions and good drainage in place for the long-time health of your cactus landscaping.

It’s best to place these cacti areas on mounds and natural hilly areas so the raised elevation prevents them from ever sitting in standing water. This prevents root rot. Large rocks placed as a center-piece, unusual shapes and slabs, an old covered wagon or wheel, fence posts and other old west props work very well to add a southwest theme for your cactus landscaping.

Careful Placement of Large Cacti

Choose one or two very large cacti and place them near the center of your backyard landscape design. This will act as a centerpiece.

One great choice is the Saguaro, which grows slowly to a height of about 60 feet at maturity. The Saguaro will not branch off until it has reached a height of 3 feet. It blooms beautiful white flowers and lives for many years if kept healthy.

Another good one is the “hairy old man” or Cleistocactus strausii. This will grow to 6 feet tall and will seasonally bloom purple-red flowers. This is a non-branching cactus that features an unusual covering of furry needles.

The “tree cholla” or Opuntia imbricata is another great choice for cactus landscaping that grows into a 10-foot column and produces pink flowers.

Medium Sized Showpiece Cacti

Mid-sized cacti are great to plant in your yard as showpieces. Many feature straw-like flowers in brilliant colors. Here are some medium-sized cacti that work well in Arizona backyards:

The “golden barrel” is formally called “Echinocactus grusonii” and can grow to 4 feet tall and 2.5 feet wide after many years. Younger golden barrels do not look much like the mature ones, and these cacti can grow for as long as 30 years! They have yellow flowers and grow well in warmer climates, making them a perfect option for Arizona homeowners.

The Ferocactus emoryi or the “red barrel” is another option for medium sized cacti. It grows up to 8 feet with yellow-red blossoms and can make for a beautiful addition to your backyard landscape.

As a tip, you can group cacti within the same genus together to create a dramatic display. For example, there are more than 30 types of cacti in the Ferocactus genus that vary in size and shape but have similar characteristics.

Unusual Cacti

Add excitement to your cactus landscape by featuring some unusual cacti. Astrophytum myriostigma (also known as the Bishop’s Cap) grows to 10 inches tall. It has yellow flowers but may take up to 6 years to begin blooming. This cactus is perfectly symmetrical and does not grow any spines.

The Sand Dollar cactus (Astrophytum asterias) is another type of unique cactus that grows to a height of about eight inches. It is symmetrical and spineless and looks like a Sand Dollar from the top, hence its nickname. It is covered with pretty yellow flowers when in season.

Both the Bishop’s Cap and The Sand Dollar Cactus are low-growing groundcover plants, and make a great option if some areas of your yard need protection from erosion and/or drought.

So there you have it, some fresh ideas on how to incorporate cacti landscaping in your yard!

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 480-456-1199 if you don’t find what you are looking for. Better yet, stop by and meet the team at our convenient Chandler location.

The natural beauty of Arizona is undeniable but the unrelenting summer sun and the lack of moisture can make designing your backyard a bit of a challenge. For this reason, it is often best to work with Mother Nature rather than against her. Here are just a few Arizona backyard design ideas that can help transform a boring dirt lot into a relaxing backyard space:

Use Native Plants

What better place to start than with the plants that have already proven themselves in this rugged environment? For ground cover there are the daleas – the black, bush and weeping varieties are all native to the state. A little height can be found with the bee brush, the flame honeysuckle and the desert hackberry. For some color, add the yellow, red and Mexican varietals of the bird of paradise species. Finally, larger plants that are still highly drought tolerant such as the flattop buckwheat and the guayacan make excellent focal points for any Arizona landscape. For more, check out our article Best Native Arizona Plants to Use in Your Lawn Landscaping.

Consider a Xeriscape

Essentially, this environmentally-friendly landscaping technique aims to significantly reduce or even completely eliminate the need for water in the home backyard. The idea is to use boulders, crushed stone and other non-living material to establish the décor of the area and then just highlight areas with sculpture or other art as well as low-maintenance fauna such as moss on the pathways, potted plants in key areas and a variety of cacti. In addition, the best xeriscapes will include rain catches that can be used to collect rainfall and water the area without having any environmental impact at all. Xeriscapes are one of the mot popular Arizona backyard design ideas because this technique saves a ton of water and looks stunning.

Add Shade Screens

It is truly amazing how a little shade can improve the temperament of you, your family and your guests in the hot Arizona sun. In addition to dividing up your backyard space and creating a little privacy, backyard screens can also bring a significant amount of aesthetic value to your outdoor space. Whether you choose neutrally colored ones or those with a distinctive theme, screens afford plenty of versatility while still shading you from the rays of the sun. Eminently flexible, they can be moved around when the sun shifts or create separate spaces when entertaining.

Create a Garden Oasis

Your backyard should be a refuge from the outside world. By using the above three ideas, you can create a mini-oasis in your backyard. Simply, designate a space with shade screens, landscape appropriately and install a few fragrant and visually stimulating plants. A backyard oasis need not be complicated – in fact, its best when you keep it simple.

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 480-456-1199 if you don’t find what you are looking for. Better yet, stop by and meet the team at our convenient Chandler location.

Image Credit: Jason Hollinger

A fire pit is a natural attraction. People are drawn to the crackle of the fire, the dancing flames, and the conversations that take place around the fire. Are you interested in adding a fire pit to your yard? You may be surprised at how simple and affordable this project can be. We’ve gathered some of our favorite fire pit ideas that are perfect for a variety of Arizona yards and will entice your friends and family to join you at the fire!

Concrete Paver Fire Pit

One of the most popular DIY fire pit ideas is to construct the wall surrounding the pit out of concrete landscaping pavers. These pavers are sold at home improvement and garden stores and are incredibly affordable. Because the size and shape of a concrete paver fire pit is easily modified it is perfect for any size yard. Make sure the ground is level and take the time to create a barrier to keep the fire from spreading from the fire pit to the rest of the yard.

Washer Drum Fire Pit

This upcycled fire pit is one of the most creative fire pit ideas we’ve discovered and highly adaptable for any yard. It uses an old metal drum from a clothes washer, 1″ galvanized tubes for the legs, and an old bike rim to stabilize the base. Using self taping screws and M6 nuts and bolts you can attach the legs and base stabilizer with a simple screwdriver. Fill the washer drum with wood, cast a flame, and you are ready to go!

Cement Bowl Fire Pit

Many home improvement or building stores sell large cement bowls that are perfect for a patio fire pit. This bowl can be placed onto a metal base or layers of concrete pavers to elevate it to the perfect height. Using a large cement bowl is ideal for burning small pieces of wood or it can be retrofitted to include a propane burner. For an extra bit of creativity consider purchasing a large wok at a restaurant supply store that can be added to the center of the bowl for visual interest.

Tabletop Fire Pit

If you live in a home with a small yard or if you reside in an apartment building you can still enjoy the serenity and beauty of a fire pit on a much smaller scale. A glass box, a metal planter, and a small metal grate are all you need. The glass box should fit snugly into the metal planter and the metal grate should should be cut to the dimensions of the planter. Once your pit is built you simply need to place the gel fuel under the grate, layer rocks on top, and light the flame.

Rectangular Fire Box

If you are looking for the quickest and easiest route to a fire pit, a rectangular fire box may be your best option. These pre-made fire boxes are sold at home improvement stores and install directly on top of your patio pavers. A fire proof base layer and material to fill the box allow you to burn wither propane or wood.

Regardless of where you live in Arizona, the size of your yard, or your DIY ability you deserve to enjoy the beauty of a fire pit. These fire pit ideas are intended to inspire your creativity and help you envision how a fire pit can bring your yard to life!

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 contact us 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.

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.

Owning a home is a dream come true for many. Once you’ve achieved this goal, your imagination starts to take off as you think of all the things you can do to personalize your home and property to make them functional and showcase your personality. Then the bills start coming in, and you realize some of your ambitious ideas may have to be put on hold until your budget balances out.

If this sounds familiar, fear not! You can have a beautiful backyard even when you’re on a budget. Here’s our top 5 ideas to spruce up your yard that won’t break the bank.

1. Look for Deals on Sod

You don’t always have to buy sod at full price. Keep your eyes open for special deals, percentages off, or free delivery. Check around for sales, or look for promo offers on social media. If you buy your sod from Evergreen Turf, we can even install your sod for you, which can make the process of beautifying your property much easier. Of course you can always install sod yourself if you enjoy DIY projects. Check out our how to install page for more information.

2. Install Interlocking Pavers

Interlocking pavers are easy to work with, and if you’re up for a DIY project, you can probably install these yourself. Pavers are a great way to give your outdoor space a bit of a facelift. You may need to install irrigation lines and put in irrigation controls before prepping your ground for pavers, however, and that job is often best being left to the experts. Before you lay the pavers, make sure you remove the original soil, and have a well-compacted base in place as a foundation. Arizona clay can cause problems when it rains if you don’t have a proper base in between the clay and the pavers.

3. Use Overlay Pavers

If you’re just trying to put a quick fix on already-existing concrete that’s not offering much in terms of aesthetic appeal, overlay pavers are a good way to go. They’ll disguise boring, cracked concrete and instantly freshen up your patio space.

4. Install a Fire Pit

Arizona’s evenings can get pretty chilly in winter, but you don’t have to forgo the outdoor fun if you’re entertaining or enjoying the fresh air. A firepit can be an awesome addition to the area’s backyards, and depending on how elaborate you go, you can install an affordable feature or splurge on a super elaborate fixture. There are plenty of online resources to walk you through a DIY fire pit installation, and the purchase of a manufactured fire pit can make the process super simple.

5. Plant Arizona-Friendly Plants

Not all plants are ready to weather the elements of the Arizona desert climate, but if you choose plants that are native to Arizona, they’ll acclimate to your lawn and produce beautiful accents for your landscape. If you aren’t inclined to have a green thumb, you don’t have to run away from the idea of landscaping your own lawn. Because many of the plants that are native to Arizona are hardy by nature as a result of our climate, you often have to work very hard to damage or kill them. They typically stand up to amateurs who are trying their hand and growing plants quite nicely, and if something doesn’t work for one reason or another, you have plenty of other options. You can even select native plants to attract birds to your yard.

If you’re in search of an Arizona sod company to help you get your yard lush and green, contact our team at Evergreen Turf today! If you’re installing your own Arizona sod, check out our How to Install guide to help you along your way!

In the past few years vertical gardens have become very popular, and there is a good reason for this. Going vertical means you can find the space that creates the exact type of light you need and it also allows you to have a garden where there may be no ground space. From herbs to succulents, creating a vertical garden lets you create a living work of art in and around your home.

If you have a blank wall or fence and you are looking to add a unique spin to the space, consider installing a beautiful vertical garden using these hints and tips.

Preassembled and D.I.Y Frames

Thanks to the popularity of vertical gardens it is easy to find preassembled systems. Online companies sell specialized systems that allow you to give just the right amount of nutrients and water to your plants. Local garden shops may also keep these systems in stock. These systems are usually made up of frames with a layer of mesh over the frames to keep the plants in place.

If you are looking to create a unique vertical garden you may want to consider building the frame structure yourself. There are many tutorials on the web that can guide you in creating a sturdy frame for your garden. Some accessories such as Wooly Pockets make building a vertical garden a breeze, these vertical planter pockets make it easy to just tuck your plants in, then enjoy your new garden.

Planting a Vertical Garden

When it comes to planting a vertical garden there are plants that you can use, that will survive better in our local climate. Some species of plants that work well in vertical gardens throughout the Tucson area include;

• Succulents
• Bromeliads
• Geraniums
• Croton
• Herbs
• Vegetables

Be sure to use the right soil for your garden, this will depend on what you decide to plant.

Tips and Tricks to Help Maintain Your Vertical Garden

How often you have to water and maintain your vertical garden will depend on which plants you decide to use.

Succulents are likely the most easy to care for, as they will only need watering every 7 – 10 days. Other species of plants such as herbs and geraniums may need to be watered every other day, especially throughout the Summer. If you have a system with a holding tank, watering becomes a little easier, as you can just keep an eye on the tank and top it up as needed.

If you do decide to install an automated watering system, you will need to clean filters and make sure all pumps and timers are working. This will need to be done on a regular basis to ensure your plants continue to receive the water and nutrients they need.

An automated system is not necessary to have a thriving vertical garden, however if you choose not to have an automated system, you may want to invest in plant sensors and soil monitoring devices, to make sure your garden stays healthy.

Keep a regular eye on all the plants in your garden, inspecting them for any pests or disease. For more on this, check out our article: 7 Tips for Natural Garden Insect Control.

As foliage dies off you will need to trim and clean them back to keep your garden looking well maintained.

Going vertical can turn a space that is drab and boring into a living work of art, and offers many advantages over garden plots, such as delivering the right light to the plants and conserving water. Use these tips to create a unique growing space in your yard.

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.

Who cares if you can’t afford an ultra-expensive backyard remodel? These ideas can transform an average backyard into a space Martha Stewart would be proud of!

1. Use rope lighting to line your garden.

Pick up some rope lighting at Home Depot or Lowes and install it around your garden for a sophisticated touch. It also helps people see at night so they don’t trip over your brick lining or anything else.

2. Set up pool noodles in the yard for a game of kickball croquet.

Need quick ideas on how to entertain the kids? Just get some pool noodles, bend them to make arches and secure them into the ground. Pull out some rubber balls and have the kids play kickball croquet!

TIP: If you’ve just installed fresh Tucson sod, you’ll want to avoid causing damage to the lawn with the pool noodles. Hold off on this game until your lawn has had time to set and anchor fully to the ground.

3. Repurpose your tree stumps.

Make an outdoor table by adding a tabletop to one of your tree stumps. You can also transform old trunks into plant pots. Just fill with soil, plant with flowers, and voila! You’ve recycled your tree stumps.

4. Grow a sunflower house for the kids to play in.

Plant sunflower seeds in a circle so that when they grow up they make a sunflower house that can be used for playtime or quiet time.

5. Don’t have a pool? Make a splash pad out of tarp and sprinklers.

This is a super easy and affordable solution to those hot summer days without a pool. Just throw down a large tarp, get some of those rotating, removable sprinklers, and turn them on to make a fun splash pad that will keep the kids entertained for hours.

6. Turn an old chair into a swing.

Cut off the legs, attach some sturdy chains and hang from a tree to create a backyard swing!

7. Put diapers in the bottom of your potted plants.

This trick helps the plants retain moisture and will keep them fresh longer. Just make sure you cover the diapers with burlap or some other material so that they are not visible from the outside.

8. Create a nighttime lawn bowling party by breaking glow sticks into bottles of water.

You’ll definitely want to avoid using carbonated beverages here, for obvious reasons. Use a rubber ball as the bowling ball and recruit one person to help fix the pins after every person takes their turn.

9. Spray paint metal folding chairs for backyard entertaining.

Turn cheap metal chairs into worthy furniture by spray painting them your favorite color. If you’re hosting a holiday party you can also spray paint them festive holiday colors.

10. Short on fertilizer? Use Epsom salts on your garden.

This is a well-known secret among green-thumbs. You will want to use 2 tablespoons of salt per gallon for potted plants and then use it instead of watering at least once a month. You can also sprinkle the salt into the soil before planting seeds.

TIP: Do not use Epson salts on your Tucson sod lawn. While this trick works well for smaller plants and shrubs, it should not be used on an entire sod yard. Leave the lawn maintenance and lawn installations up to the professionals. Got any questions on how to care for your lawn? Contact one of our Tucson sod specialists today at (602) 626-9959 or visit /.

Arizona is rightly recognized as one of the prime bird watching spots in America. You may wonder how to attract birds to your yard so that you can enjoy the company of our humble house finch or more exotic feathered friends like Gila Woodpeckers. The secret of how to attract birds to your yard is to provide variety, ample cover, and water.

Variety

With the wide array of Arizona birds searching for their next meal, finding out how to attract birds to your yard means giving them a buffet of favorite seeds:

• Ground feeders – beloved by doves, juncos, towhees and goldfinches, these screened trays sit a few inches off the desert floor
• Sunflower-seed tube feeders – installed at least five feet above ground level, these attract chickadees, house finches, nuthatches, siskins and titmice
• Suet feeders – best for Tucson’s chillier weather (when insect populations drop), suet gets rancid above 80 degrees, but is enjoyed by chickadees, nuthatches, titmice and woodpeckers
• Hopper feeders – larger birds with big appetites go for high feeders loaded with mixed seed for cardinals, grackles and the red-winged blackbird
• Nyjer feeders – thistle seed is dispensed from the very tiny holes of nyjer seed feeders to small-beaked birds (goldfinches, pine siskins, redpolls).

Location of your feeders is important. Birds get skittish and will bypass your feeders if they have to fly through too large an open area to get to food.

Spread your feeders out across your yard, too, so that no one feeder gets crowded. This also simplifies your bird watching, making the comings and goings of these feathered friends more enjoyable.

Ample Cover

Cover for birds means places they can alight, check out the safety of the space ahead, and then fly in for a meal. They need foliage from ground to tree height.

Cover is important too, to prevent predators from selecting your yard as their prime hunting grounds. Bird feeders attract unwanted attention from disease-bearing omnivores.

Maintenance

After you know how to attract birds to your yard, you must learn to prevent these pests and predators:

• javelinas
• wood rats
• mice
• insects

For more on this, check out our article: 7 Tips for Natural Garden Insect Control

Birds are messy eaters. Keeping your lawn or desert floor tidy will be a challenge, and scavengers such as mice will take advantage of the birds’ sloppy habits, especially if you buy cheap bird seed. Mice and rats will eat anything, so millet in cheap seed becomes their mainstay.

Wash and clean feeders twice a month. This not only discourages pests, but prevents bird diseases from spreading. Water pans and birdbaths should be dumped daily.

Water

You do not have breakfast, lunch or dinner without a beverage, and neither should your birds. Provide bird baths and water pans at various heights so they can groom and drink. Disinfect pans and baths with a solution of 10 percent bleach to 90 percent water, scrub the pans, and rinse thoroughly.

Layering

Certain birds prefer certain altitudes, so provide variety in both feeders and water sources:

• Ground: many birds only eat when on the desert floor or on your lawn
• Low: from about a foot above the lawn to about three feet
• High: from about four feet up and higher

Challenges

You can balance a clean, tidy yard with bird feeding:

• Careful maintenance: daily water source cleaning gives you an opportunity to monitor the bird feeding area
• Resilient landscaping: plant species that attract birds and can hide the buildup of seed litter easily. If you prefer a lawn, keep grass cut very short near the bird feeding areas to make cleanup of the seed casings easy (this also reduces rodent issues).

Once you know how to attract birds to your yard, you are taking the first steps to a delightful hobby.

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.