We all love our pets. Where four-legged furry friends live, however, lawn spots are sure to follow. If you care about the “why” behind the problem, you can read about the three primary reasons why your dog’s urine burns the grass here – it basically comes down to the pH of the urine and its nitrogen content though. Most people just want to know if there’s anything that can be done to get rid of and prevent urine spots on their lawn. The answer is Yes!

Here are some tips to get tough on those destructive lawn spots:

Dilution.

Arm yourself with water, and follow up Fido’s freshly wet spot with a dose of watery dilution. If you have a hose, spray the area with water. Alternatively, you could seek out ways to go a little greener by utilizing greywater sources to flush the harmful elements in the urine off the grass.

Designate a Spot.

Dogs are very trainable animals, and most of them only want to make their humans happy. This can work well in your favor when you’re trying to keep your lawn healthy and green. Designate a spot in the back of your yard that’s specifically intended for your dog to do its duties. With a little training, your pet will happily pee where he knows he’s supposed to go, eliminating all-over-your-yard yellow spots. If you want to avoid having a bright yellow spot in the back of your yard, consider defining your dog’s special spot with artificial turf, gravel, or mulch.

If your pet isn’t obeying the command, or if you’re still in the training phase of the process, consider using a leash to direct your dog to the place he needs to go.

Go with the Right Grass.

Some grasses are simply more durable than others, and if you have a pet, you might want to consider installing a lawn that’s more capable of standing up to the wear and tear. Fescue and perennial ryegrass have the ability to survive under lots of foot traffic, making them an excellent choice for pet owners who like luscious lawns. With these grasses, the dilution process can actually feed your lawn, acting as a fertilizer. Kentucky Bluegrass and Bermuda grass do not stand up to the pet urine test very well, so you should consider putting those at the bottom of your list if you are shopping for a urine-resistant species.

Favor the Right Fertilizer.

All fertilizers are not created equally. High-in-nitrogen fertilizers can be excellent in the right situations, but if you are fighting urine spots in your lawn, go with a low-nitrogen option.

Do you have other urine spot prevention pointers for other homeowners? If so, please share them at our Evergreen Turf, Inc Facebook page!

If you have dead spots in your lawn, that just never seem to green up again, you may have an issue. The good news is the dead spots in your lawn can be treated, turning that brown into green. You can also treat the problem that created your dead spots and help keep your lawn healthy, no matter what time of year it is.

How to Re-Seed Those Dead Spots in Lawn

• The first thing you will want to do is purchase a few things, you will need seed (perennial rye), sand or soil, and composted steer manure.
• You will then want to create a mix with the three products listed above using a 40-40-20 ratio. Manure and Sand should make up 80% of your mix, whilst the seed will make up the remaining 20%.
• Now that you have created a mix you can lightly sprinkle the mix on to the dead spots in your lawn.

The reason for not just planting the seed straight into the ground is that the seed may not take. By adding manure you are helping the area around the seed hold heat and moisture. The sand works to help even out the texture, ensuring that when you place your mixture into the bare spots, that you don’t get either too much seed or manure.

Issues That may be Causing Dead Spots in Lawn

To prevent dead spots in lawn from arising again, you will need to treat the cause. These tips can help you prevent brown or dead spots form reoccurring once you have re-seeded.

• Pet Urine – If your brown spots in lawn are caused by your pets constantly urinating in the same spot, you will need to prevent this from happening. You may want to designate a spot for your pets to go potty. Another solution is to walk your dog on a leash at different times throughout the day.
• Pests – There are many pests that can cause problems with your lawn. Pests and grubs such as chinch bugs, sod webworms, and white grubs, can cause dead spots in your lawn. The first thing you will need to do is identify which pest is causing the issue, as each pest will need to be treated differently, it is often best to call a lawn care or landscaping expert if you suspect pests are the cause of brown spots.
• Watering – If your lawn is not getting enough water, this may cause dead spots to occur. A common rule with an established grass lawn is to water once a week over the winter, or every 2-3 days during the spring. If you have trouble remembering to water your lawn, you may want to establish a routine. Water your lawn on the same days of the week, and make sure all your equipment such as sprinklers are working correctly.

Once you have treated your lawn and re-seeded the dead spots, your lawn should start to green up again, giving you the best lawn on the block.

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.

Arizona is a beautiful state with some of the most diverse landscapes and climates in the country. The northern part of Arizona sees snow, while the central and southern parts of the state are known for their hot and dry desert climate. Phoenix and Tucson are both areas where residents need to be conscious of their water use and their contribution to pollution. If you’re a homeowner that has an Arizona sod lawn, here are five eco-friendly ways you can tend to your lawn.

1. Be Conscientious When Watering

It’s very common to overwater your lawn, even with Arizona sod, and especially during the hot summer months when homeowners attempt to compensate for the hot weather. Look for signs of overwatering such as pools of water on the lawn or moss growing on the sidewalk.

2. Use Push Mowers Instead of Gas Mowers

Push mowers require zero fuel except for your pure man (or woman) power! While gas mowers have become the norm, they are actually not necessary to maintain a beautiful Arizona sod lawn. You can purchase eco-friendly push mowers at home improvement stores. When your neighbor asks why you don’t have a gas mower, tell them you’re doing your part to help the environment! Maybe they will join the trend.

3. Use a Rake Instead of a Leaf Blower

Ask yourself, “Do I really need a leaf blower?” They are loud and smelly, they disturb your neighbors and worst of all they are not good for the environment. Why not trade in your leaf blower for a standard rake? It only takes a little bit more time than the leaf blower, plus you’ll tone your arm muscles in the process! Let’s face it, most parts of Arizona don’t see a ton of autumn leaves like some states back east, so a rake should be sufficient in maintaining your Arizona sod lawn.

4. Stick to Local Plants, Flowers, and Grasses

Native plants are going to grow best in your yard, so if you want flowers and plants incorporated into your landscape, try to choose ones that are native to your area. If you’re not sure which plants are local to your area, check with your neighborhood nursery or your professional landscapers to confirm which plants will be best for your yard.

5. Buy Sod From Local Businesses

Like flowers and plants, grasses that aren’t native to your region will require more maintenance and often more watering. It’s best to buy your Arizona sod locally as it supports local business and you can ensure you’re choosing the right type of grass for your home and climate. Which grass you choose also depends on how often your lawn is in sunlight. For help choosing the right type of Arizona sod for your lawn, answer three questions from our lawn selector tool. Your answers will determine the absolute best sod for your Arizona home.

For more information on Arizona sod, visit our website or call one of our Arizona sod specialists at 602-626-9959.

If you are like many people, you might think fall is the time to forget about your landscaping. This could not be farther from the truth, and not only is landscaping still a priority, but a little prep work now will make your lawn look much better in the warmer months too.

Don’t stop maintaining your pool

Many people think that the end of summer means they can stop worrying about pool maintenance until next spring, but that is not the case. If you want your pool to stay in great shape and need less maintenance in its lifetime, you should keep your chemicals balanced and clean out any debris weekly. This should help keep your pool in great shape and help you sidestep costly repair bills.

Don’t think your fall lawn doesn’t need fertilizer and TLC

Your lawn does not grow as fast in the fall, but that does not mean that you should stop cutting, fertilizing, and caring for it. You should be able to get information from a local landscaping professional about how native climate affects your lawn care maintenance schedule. A lawn that is properly cared for and fertilized during the fall season will resist damage during the colder winter months, and you will have to do less repair during the spring.

Don’t forget to plant spring flowers

Fall is the right time to start thinking about the colorful flowers you want to bloom in your yard in the spring. A local landscaping professional or plant nursery can help you figure out what bulbs are best to plant now. In the spring, you will be happy that you planned ahead and will have gorgeous spring blooms. Make sure you plant the bulbs deep enough so they are not frozen during the coldest parts of winter.

More Tips

Keep mowing – Your lawn needs to be mowed so that sunlight can reach the grass roots during the winter, but for the last two mowings of the year, keep your mower blade a little higher.

Aerate the soil – Aerating your soil helps oxygen, water, and fertilizer reach your grasses roots. If you do not have experience with aerating soil, it can be a good idea to let a professional handle this task.

Fill in bald spots – The quickest and easiest way to fill in spots in your lawn is to lay sod. You will want to hire a professional to make sure this is done correctly. Sod is also a great way to give your entire lawn a makeover if your yard is not living up to your expectations.

Maintaining your lawn during the fall will help it look better and save you a great deal of hassle in the spring. The time you invest in your property will add curb appeal and enjoyment to your property. Avoid spending time in the spring repairing lawn damage by focusing on your lawn in the fall.

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.

Starting to settle into the idea of chillier weather? Before the temperatures start to fall, take this time to do some maintenance around your property. Planting sod in the fall can bring new beauty to your lawn just in time for the changing seasons. If you’re installing sod during the cooler seasons, make sure you choose cool season grasses.

Here are some tips to help you with your sod project:

1. Clear the Area

You may not even realize how much stuff has accumulated in your yard area over time. Any materials and objects need to be removed. Items such as wood, bricks, and cement need to be moved. Do a thorough check for stumps, rocks, boulders, stones, and other natural debris that you might not notice upon first check, and remove those items too.

2. Grade the Space

You’ll want to grade the space properly to prevent any drainage problems. Slope the grade away from the foundations of buildings will help eliminate drainage problems on the property. Take care to reduce or remove severe slopes and low-lying areas which have potential to hold water in the future. Those spots should be filled upfront so the soil has a chance to settle. Toward the end of the process, you might need to add more filler. If your property is small, you can grade with hand tools. For a larger space, you’ll want to use a tractor-mounted blade or box for the work. Keep an eye out for newly uncovered debris that will need to be moved.

3. Prepare the Root Zone

The root zone is just what it sounds like; it is the area where you will lay down the sod and where the root system will develop. Take the time to prepare it properly. In particular, determine the pH level of the soil by performing a soil test. Then, make modifications, as needed. Acidic soils have a pH level of 6 or below. Alkaline soils have a pH of 7.5 or greater. Once you’ve determined the pH of your soil, ask a sod professional which fertilizer or other products to use.

4. Fertilize Sparingly

Don’t make the mistake of feeding your fresh sod tons of fertilizer, as this can damage it. Go light on the nitrogen, using a formula of no more than one pound per 1,000 square feet of lawn. Starter fertilizer that is high in phosphate can be beneficial for new sod.

5. Deploy the Lawn Roller

It’s time to check for low spots. These need to be filled to match the surrounding grade. Allow the site to settle, and, if possible, employ irrigation water to assist with the settling process. This will ensure your property is ready for a happy green lawn.

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. Contact us to talk to one of our sod specialists at 602-626-9959. Better yet, stop by and meet the team at our convenient Chandler location.

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.