[Arid_gardener] converting lawn to desert

[Linda Drew]

Arizona Cooperative Publication,
"Converting Turf to a Xeriscape Landscape"
http://cals.arizona.edu/pubs/garden/az1371.pdf

This publication gives you a step-by-step guide for
replacing a grass lawn with a desert-adapted landscape.
A couple of guidelines:

"It is difficult to eliminate bermudagrass without the use
of herbicides. However, care must be taken in selecting
the proper chemical. Avoid using soil herbicides that
have a long residual activity because they may have
unanticipated and devastating consequences. They
prevent desirable plant growth for years and affect both
the roots and foliage of landscape plants.
The easiest to use and safest chemical for bermudagrass
removal is called glyphosate (glī-fō-sāte) which is
marketed under many brands and names. Glyphosate
is a non-selective herbicide, which can kill most plants
after it is absorbed by the green leaf tissue. It will then
move plant growing points such as new roots, shoots,
and developing fruits. For bermudagrass it is important
to kill the underground rhizomes that give rise to new
shoots and roots."

"When the lawn is eliminated, DO NOT use plastic
sheeting or roofing felt under the rock mulch. Both of
these materials decompose when exposed to the sunlight
over time. They can impede drainage, cause plant root
oxygen starvation, interfere with irrigation and restrict
effective preemergent herbicide uptake."

Let us know if you have questions.

Linda Drew
Master Gardener

>From: andymont at cox.net
>To: <arid_gardener at Ag.arizona.edu>
>Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page
>Date: Thu, 26 Oct 2006 11:58:12 -0700 (MST)
>
>Andy
>85028
>andymont at cox.net
>
>Switching from a grass lawn to desert.  Need somethng to kill the grass 
>roots that may try to grow after we put down the cover.  Something good but 
>not too expensive.
>
>
>_______________________________________________
>Arid_gardener mailing list
>Arid_gardener at CALS.arizona.edu
>http://CALS.arizona.edu/mailman2/listinfo/arid_gardener

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