[Arid_gardener] JILL - grass... in the desert

[Mark Di Lucido]

Jill

 

Here are some other options:

 

1)       There are other species of turf that can work within the
circumstances you describe, and be a better fit than common Bermuda, which
does not do well in shade, is extremely invasive, is very hard to get rid of
if you choose to do so later, and for many people is an allergic nightmare.
And, if you want it to be green during the winter you'll have to overseed
with rye which means you'll be mowing and watering year-round.   Some
Bermuda hybrids you might consider include 'Tifsport', 'Princess 77', and
'Bulls-Eye' (AKA 'BobSod' and sold at Home Depot) which does well in shade
(it's the stuff growing in the Chase Field (Diamondbacks playing field).
If you let the turfgrass grow a little taller between mowings the roots will
penetrate deeper thus increasing time between irrigation and adding a small
measure of drought tolerance (set your mower height so that you never cut
more than one-third of the blade height).  These hybrids can look incredible
if you want to invest the time and resources (especially a rotary mower) but
will look fine will average maintenance.  If you go this route keep in mind
that between you and Mother Nature, 5 to 6 feet of water per year (multipled
by the number of square feet in your grassed area) is required to keep it
looking good, and that Mom supplies only 7 inches per year in the Phoenix
area.

2)       Synthetic turf is another option not normally considered which may
work in your situation.  One caveat--I wouldn't use this unless the shade in
your yard is very dense as synthetic's temperature in full sun will be too
hot for paws and feet.  Expect to pay 3 to four times the installation cost
of sod.  The obvious payback is you'll never mow, and depending on how long
you own the home you may potentially save lots in maintenance costs.  It's
not maintenance free though, you'll still want to hose off doggie doo
remnants and an occasional weed will find its way through.  And while I
can't say unequivocally that your tree's roots will receive the same oxygen,
water, and nutrients as with live grass, I know water will infiltrate into
the soil beneath so I suspect tree health will not be adversely affected.
Most brands offer an 8 to 10 year no-fade warrantee.

3)       Buffalograss, not to be confused with Buffelgrass (see below),
Sideoats grama, and Blue grama are native bunchgrasses that can make a lawn
of sorts, or are an excellent choice for the dry grassland look.  I hesitate
to characterize them as meadow because in my mind that involves being
located on a wetland fringe and being wet a substantial part of the growing
season.  These species will not form the green carpet many of us envision as
traditional lawn, at least in the Phoenix area.  And they won't stand up to
heavy traffic like common Bermuda and the hybrids.  Still, when back lit by
morning light or submitting to a gentle breeze, they are incredibly
beautiful.  Some, like Muhlenbergia capillaris 'Regal Mist' have a
stunningly colorful inflorescence.  Most are available by seed (internet) or
in containers at you local nursery.

4)       If I were in your shoes I'd go the Bermuda hybrid route but on a
limited basis.  That is, install a smallish area-say no larger than 400
square feet.  This way your doggies will be happy (as will you since you
won't be slave to the maintenance involved with a large expanse of
turfgrass).  For the area surrounding the turf (and depending on what exists
or is planned in the remainder of your yard), consider some of the
aesthetically striking ornamental grasses--natives include Muhlenbergias and
Boutelouas species.   Many exotic (non-native) ornamental grasses are also
appropriate but stay away from invasive species such as Fountain grass and
Buffelgrass.  

 

Enlightening commentary is superfluous as I am the final authority on all
matters :-).

 

Good Luck,

 

The Barbarian Gardener.

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: arid_gardener-bounces at CALS.arizona.edu
[mailto:arid_gardener-bounces at CALS.arizona.edu] On Behalf Of Genie
Sent: Thursday, August 24, 2006 2:09 PM
To: arid_gardener at CALS.arizona.edu; jilzan at juno.com; jilzan at cox.net
Subject: [Arid_gardener] JILL - grass... in the desert

 


Dear Jill, 

There are native desert grasses, but NONE that are truly suitable for dogs
to roll and play in...  nor practical as a lawn. 

Look around the Phoenix area; golf courses, cemeteries, school yards, etc..
you will likely see Bermuda in summer, and Rye in winter.  
Bermuda is invasive and miserable, but tolerates heat, drought, and traffic
-- and is relatively low maintenance.  Yes, there is an 
Ag Extension in Maricopa County.  You may also want to consider hiring a
landscaper.  For about $150 per month, a landscaper will 
seed and maintain a small patch of lawn.  PLEASE NOTE that Bermuda is
considered an invasive weed and is illegal in some cities 
within Maricopa County... so check... before you grow! 

Regards,  Genie -- in Tucson   




 
Message: 1
Date: Wed, 23 Aug 2006 21:13:51 -0700
From: Jill Baum  <mailto:jilzan at juno.com> <jilzan at juno.com>
Subject: Re: [Arid_gardener] still looking for answer - meadow instead
  of lawn?
To: arid_gardener at CALS.arizona.edu
 
Are there tough, lower water use, groundcovers, that might be a better idea?
 
Do you know of any native grass or meadow types of yard in our area, or
have any idea of anyone else who I might ask?    Is there an agricultural
extension in our area?
 
thanks again,  Jill
 
  
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://CALS.arizona.edu/pipermail/arid_gardener/attachments/20060825/e914bbe4/attachment-0001.html