Arizona grass care questions
by
Bob Wirth
+9
We just moved to Arizona and I need some grass advice. We have the type grass that goes dormant in the winter...looks like it is dead. Then it comes to life in the spring. I believe it may be St. Augustine or some sort of Bermuda? What type fertilizer/weed control is best for this grass? What is the optimal watering schedule, and what type mower do I need?
http://apnursery.com/blog/lawn-care-tips-for-arizona/
All I know is you should water it frequently.
In Arizona we overseed with a different type of grass - so you have winter grass and then summer grass. You can’t do anything to make the dormant grass flourish off season. Ask any of the landscap guys in the neighborhood for advice On what seeds to use
St. Augustine grass is thick, lush, and darkish green. It needs frequent watering to maintain in the heat. Bermuda grass usually is a runner that lays close to the ground, but grows tall. Both can benefit from fertilizer. Check with your local nursery or garden center. They can tell you exactly what you have, and what type of fertilizer you need. Happy gardening!
In the summer you want to water really early in the morning. We set the sprinklers to go off at about 4am. It gives the grass and other plants time to absorb the water before full heat hits
Welcome to Arizona! It is a different gardening experience here for sure. Best to get advice from neighbors who have beautiful lawns and the garden stores in your area. As was indicated above, whatever grass(es) you choose, be sure to water early in the a.m. or late in the evening to get the most benefit from your water. Any good mower should work just fine, just set the cut level so you don't crop the grass too short.
Sounds like Zoysia grass. Dormant in the winter. Thick, dense, and really hardy, but not that attractive at times. I had an entire lawn of it. It is really drought tolerant, and low maintenance. It is also called "gawk and squawk!"
Water water water. Dallas
Well, I lived in Az. and now live in West Tx. About the same when it comes to lawns. I use bermuda and fescue....grasses. If your planting new grass get a fertilizer for exactly that it will say on the bag. If its and existing lawn then find out exactly what combination of nitrate with fertilizer is good for your soil.....water new grass once a day early in the a.m. until it gets 2 inches high then you can water 3 to 4 times per week but always in the morning if you can and soak it good.
Rip it all out and xeriscape. Arizona is still a desert.
Actually, I have to agree with Sething2. Although Bermuda is adapted to hot AZ climate, the water bills will kill you. And your grass sure looks like Bermuda to me (an AZ native).
Look into xeriscaping. Doesn't have to be your entire property. Friends with kids have a grass backyard, xeriscape in front. Check with your particular city's water department. Many will give rebates if you change to xeriscape.
My entire property is xeriscaped, minus my side yard, which is small, but has grass, flowers, & a bench. I think the dog enjoys it more than I do!
Bermuda grass is a runner and can be very invasive. We covered our front yard with rock, laid drip hose underneath to water small trees and plants, and only had grass in a small area in back yard. That way we could garden against the fence in a 2 to 3 foot wide beds. It is too hard to upkeep grass in most areas of AZ and a waist of time and money. Enjoy, get a pool instead.