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.

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.

So you’ve decided to have your Arizona wedding ceremony in your backyard. That’s great! Choosing your backyard for your ceremony has many benefits. First of all, you don’t have to pay for an expensive venue or worry about security deposits or refunds. You can also decorate without restriction however you see fit without having some venue manager watching you’re every move or making sure it complies with building codes. Follow our tips for how to prepare your Arizona sod lawn for your backyard wedding ceremony.

Lay down temporary flooring to prevent any damage to your Arizona sod lawn. Get some large squares of carpet and lay it down in the area you are planning on having the ceremony. This will flatten your sod for a day or two but in the long run will prevent a lot of damage to your Arizona sod lawn. Remember that most ladies like to wear high-heels to weddings, and if you don’t lay down some sort of protective flooring you are going to have hundreds of holes in your grass due to high-heels. Plus you’ll be doing the ladies a favor since no one likes sinking into grass in their pretty shoes.

Make sure there is enough seating for all your guests. Count your RSVPs carefully before purchasing or renting your chairs for your wedding ceremony seating. You’ll also want to rent a few extra chairs just in case someone brings an extra guest that has not been accounted for.

Place your guest book at the entrance so everyone signs it right away. As a tip, keep large notecards or extra sheets of your guest book unattached to the main book so that many people can leave a note at the same time. You certainly don’t want to be running around during your big day making sure everyone has signed your guest book.

Prepare for bad weather. You always need to have a backup plan in case the weather turns sour. Since you are having it in Arizona, chances are the weather will be beautiful and sunny, but there’s always a possibility of a dust storm or lightning storm and you want to be sure an event such as this won’t ruin your wedding. Empty out the largest room in your house so that it’s ready to be transformed into the ceremony location in the event of bad weather.

For more tips on how to maintain your Arizona sod lawn during your wedding and all year round, visit Evergreen Turf.

Here are a few home lawn care items to handle during November in Arizona.

• Fertilize.
• Even out your lawn.
• Rake and Remove dead leaves.

Fertilize

Fertilizing your sod lawn promotes root development. While it might look like not much is going on with your lawn during the winter months, what you can’t see is what’s going on underneath the soil. By promoting root growth in the winter, you are helping your spring lawn that will be growing in a few months.

Even out your lawn

Get rid of low-lying areas that accumulate water. Just shovel out the area, add more soil to make it even, then put grass back on top and water it well for a couple of weeks to make sure roots attach to soil.

Rake and Remove dead leaves

If you have any trees in your yard that have been losing their leaves, it’s important to rake them up and remove them from your lawn. While it’s not as much of a problem here in the Southwest US, we do still have some trees that respond to the seasons.

If you don’t remove dead leaves from your lawn, your grass and soil will not have enough oxygen for optimal lawn health. Dead leaves make for great compost material, too. If you don’t have a compost, check out our article How to Build a Compost Bin.

This To-Do list will help you get your lawn beautified just in time for outdoor fall festivities. Happy fall from the team at Evergreen Turf!

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.

Springtime in Phoenix, Arizona, is an excellent time to give your lawn the care it needs to thrive throughout the year. With proper lawn care, you can ensure that your lawn is healthy, lush, and vibrant. Here are some tips for spring lawn care in Phoenix to help you achieve a beautiful lawn.

Begin with a soil test

Before you start any lawn care activities, getting a soil test is essential. A soil test will tell you your soil’s pH level and the nutrients it lacks. In Phoenix, Arizona, the soil is typically alkaline, with a pH range of 7.0 to 8.5. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that the soil’s pH is between 6.0 and 7.5. You can purchase a soil test kit at your local garden center or have your soil tested professionally. A soil test will help you determine what fertilizers to use and how much water your lawn needs.

Aerate your lawn

Phoenix, Arizona, has a desert climate, which means the soil is often compacted. A compacted soil makes it difficult for water and nutrients to reach the roots of your grass. To fix this problem, you should aerate your lawn. Aerating involves removing small plugs of soil from your lawn, allowing air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the roots more easily. You can rent an aerator or hire a professional to do it for you.

Dethatch your lawn

Thatch is a layer of dead grass and debris that accumulates on the surface of your lawn. Too much thatch can prevent water and nutrients from reaching the roots of your grass. You can remove thatch from your lawn by using a dethatching rake or a power dethatcher. A power dethatcher will do the job much faster than a rake, but it can be expensive to rent or buy.

Fertilize your lawn

Fertilizing your lawn is crucial to its health and growth. In Phoenix, Arizona, it’s best to use a slow-release fertilizer that will provide your grass with a steady supply of nutrients throughout the growing season. Choose a fertilizer with low nitrogen and high potassium content, as this will help your grass tolerate Phoenix’s hot, dry climate. You should apply fertilizer to your lawn in early spring when your grass begins to green up. Be sure to follow the fertilizer package instructions and not over-fertilize your lawn.

Water your lawn deeply

Phoenix is known for its hot and dry climate, so watering your lawn is crucial. You should water your lawn deeply and infrequently, allowing the water to penetrate the soil deeply. Watering your lawn too frequently can lead to shallow root growth, making your grass more susceptible to drought and disease. It’s best to water your lawn in the early morning or late evening when the temperature is cooler, and there’s less evaporation.

Mow your lawn regularly

Mowing your lawn regularly is essential to keep it healthy and looking good. When you mow your lawn, you should never cut off more than one-third of the grass blade. Cutting too much grass at once can weaken your grass and make it more susceptible to disease. You should also keep your mower blades sharp to ensure a clean cut.

Control weeds

Weeds are a common problem in Phoenix, Arizona, but you can control them by using a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring. A pre-emergent herbicide will prevent weeds from germinating and taking root in your lawn. If you already have weeds in your lawn, you can use a post-emergent herbicide to kill them. Be sure to follow the instructions on the herbicide package, and avoid using too much, as it can harm your grass.

Consider overseeding

Overseeding is the process of planting grass seed over your existing lawn. It’s a great way to fill in your lawn’s thin or patchy areas and promote healthy growth. In Phoenix, Arizona, it’s best to overseed your lawn in the fall, but you can also do it in the spring. Be sure to choose a grass seed that’s well-suited for Phoenix’s hot and dry climate.

Hire a professional

If you don’t have the time or expertise to care for your lawn, consider hiring a professional. A lawn care professional can help you with everything from fertilizing and watering to mowing and aerating your lawn. They can also advise you on the best lawn care practices for your specific needs.

Take care of your equipment

Finally, it’s essential to take care of your lawn care equipment. Sharpen your mower blades regularly to ensure a clean cut, and clean your equipment after each use to prevent rust and corrosion. Also, be sure to store your equipment in a cool, dry place during the off-season.

In conclusion, you can have a beautiful and healthy lawn in Phoenix, Arizona with proper care and attention. Following these tips lets you keep your lawn looking its best throughout the year. Remember to start with a soil test, aerate and dethatch your lawn, fertilize and water it properly, mow it regularly, control weeds, consider overseeding, hire a professional if needed, and take care of your equipment. With these steps, you’ll have a lawn that’s the envy of your neighborhood.

Evergreen Turf offers a wide selection of sod grass varieties perfectly suited for Arizona’s climate. 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. Contact us today.

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.