Dreaming of a lush green lawn that doesn’t require a constant stream of water? With the right drought tolerant grass and a good sprinkler system, you can achieve a beautiful and sustainable landscape in the Phoenix area.
This guide will explore the best grass types for Arizona, helping you make an informed choice that saves water, money, and effort.
Warm Season vs. Cool Season Grasses
Many guides to planting grass will tell you to plant two varieties. The warm season variety is for summer temperatures, and it goes dormant in the winter.
The cool season variety can thrive despite cold temperatures. It will actually die off in time for the summer grasses to reappear. This need for two grass types results in overseeding in the off season to help foster both types of grasses.
In Phoenix, that’s just not an option. We need warm-season low water grasses throughout the year. There’s no need to plant cold weather grasses because our temperatures simply don’t get that cold. You could say Arizona lawn care is simpler because we need only one type of grass seed, regardless of the time of year.
Top Low Water Grass Options for Arizona
There are three main grasses that are good options for our desert climate. Generally Phoenix home owners find success with Bermuda, Buffalo, or Zoysia grasses.
Bermuda grass is a hardy variety that is popular for lawns across the US. It’s good for our climate because it is drought tolerant.
Buffalo grass is like a native plant. It has very low water needs. Many homeowners like it because it doesn’t require much mowing maintenance.
Zoysia grass is a slow-growing variety, which decreases the need for mowing. Like the other two, it tolerates heat and drought very well.
Additional Factors to Consider When Choosing a Drought Resistant Grass Type
To decide which grass is best, you’ll want to consider who uses your lawn. If it is just for show, then it doesn’t need to feel lush. It just needs to look good. If it is for the kids, then
you want something lusher and softer.
Our soil is poor. So you may want to invest in richer sod before you plant.
You’ll also want to think about Arizona lawn care. If you plan ahead, you can plant a variety that requires less water. That will reduce your water bill in the years ahead. Likewise, as you plan, you want to consider whether you want to mow regularly or if you’d prefer a variety that doesn’t need frequent maintenance.
Shade tolerance is another consideration, although it may not be very important for our Arizona desert lifestyle.
Conclusion
With our incredibly hot climate, you’ll want to be sure your grass type can handle the heat. You’ll need to invest in the right irrigation techniques to maintain it while minimizing water waste.
For expert guidance on choosing the right grass type and installing a water-efficient sprinkler system, contact Sprinkler Doctors. We can help you create the beautiful and sustainable lawn you’ve always wanted.