What steps should we take to plant grass in a hard, dry, rocky yard?
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We are in Arizona (zone 8) and have read that rototillers are useless here. There are all kinds of people who have grass here so I know it will grow -we just don't know how to prepare the dirt. The picture shows how it looked when we bought the house - just weeds and rocks.
you have to start from scratch.rototillers are not a joke.once cleared out apply a few inches of top soil, lime,grass seed for your location.starter fertilizer and top with peat moss, keep the seed moist until germinated
Why? Why grow grass when the Colorado is low? So many gorgeous - low maintenance, low water options available. I admit it will cost a few extra bucks to have them planted (spikes and all that) but little maintenance, and no water bills ever. These are native. No allergens. Please.
Ask someone with a beautiful yard. They would know more of what thrives in your area.
Since I am sure water is high-priced there, why not go the astro turf route and do zeroscaping with cactus and succulents to reduce your water bill? Saves a ton of energy growing grass and maintaining in an environment it was never meant for..... https://www.google.com/search?q=pictures+of+astro+turf+backyards&client=opera&hs=MSr&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwin0_nKio7bAhUKilQKHXmYCGUQsAR6BQgBEKQB&biw=1473&bih=731&dpr=0.9
In Arizona, although it is not a designated drought state yet, it may very well become one soon, and with that will come higher costs for water usage. I would advise you against investing money into any endeavors to have a green lawn. I encourage you instead to learn more about xeriscaping.