Like it or not, seasons are changing and things are starting to heat up in Arizona which means two things for homeowners: skyrocketing electric bills, and planting summer grass seed. Growing summer grass in Arizona, however, is not as easy as it sounds. It will require some pre-planning, time, dedication, and maintenance.
If you’re up for the challenge, we have a few tips from lawn care specialists on how to have the best-looking lawn on the block. Otherwise, you can leave it up to the professionals and hire a landscape maintenance company in Phoenix.
When to Plant Seed in Arizona
Arizona basically has two seasons, or at least it feels that way. So naturally, there are two seasons for planting seeds: fall and spring. For the springtime, you’ll want to plant a heat and drought tolerant seed before temperatures hit 80 degrees consistently and before your winter grass dies off. For the fall, it’s recommended to plant your winter grass (such as ryegrass) before temperatures drop below 70 degrees.
Types of Grass to Plant in Arizona
The extreme summer climate in Phoenix makes Arizona lawn care difficult. There are only a few types of grass that work well here:
- Bermuda-type grasses
- Zoysia grass
- St. Augustine or Palmetto St. Augustine grass
These grasses specifically have stood the test of time and have acclimated well to desert climates. The most commonly planted summer seed is Bermuda.
- Bermuda is a type of grass that grows well in the summer season. Compared to other types of grass, it requires less water and is drought tolerant which means it’s a perfect choice for the desert.
A key thing to keep in mind with Bermuda grass is that it doesn’t actually die out in the winter. Instead, it goes dormant and begins blossoming again when the temperatures rise. It’s possible to overlap Bermuda with your winter grass to have a luscious lawn all year round.
How to Prepare Your Yard for Planting Seeds
Before you throw down seed, you need to prepare the soil or existing grass. Young grass cannot penetrate compacted soil, so one of the first steps is to break up the top layer of dirt. You’ll want to till approximately the top 3” to make sure the seeds can take root and remove any rocks or debris.
If you have existing grass you’re overseeding, you’ll want to mow it down shorter than normal and rake it to thin it out. You can also apply a starter fertilizer to make sure the soil is rich and full of nutrients.
How to Water Seed Once They’re Planted
Once planted, seeds germinate in about 7-10 days. During this time, it’s crucial to water your yard regularly and keep the soil moist making sure there are no dry spots or puddles. After the new grass reaches about an inch in height, you can cut back the watering to 2 or 3 times a day, and then again to only once a day after about two weeks. Once your lawn is established, you can stick to watering as needed.
Hire a Professional Landscaper for Maintenance
Keeping grass alive in Arizona can seem like a full-time job, which is why professional landscapers exist. Once your grass is established you can hire a landscaper for maintenance needs and help keep your yard looking good and staying healthy.
