Arizona Grass ( phoenix area)

Brando – posted 26 August 2009 16:36

So, i am looking for input from anyone with knowledge about turf in the phoenix area.I have about 800 sqr feet in the back that HAD common Bermuda. I managed to kill it all off over the course of a year and last year had the area sodded with bulls eye( bob-sod) that was over seeded with winter rye.

All was fine until this spring and the change over back to the bob-sod. It didn’t come back except in sparse areas.It was my fault, A. i didn’t water it correctly to establish a deep enough root system, and B. i detached it myself, incorrectly, ripping out most of the stolons.

I had the sod grower come take a look, he said it was shot and would NOT spread.

So i killed what was left of the bob-sod with roundup.

BACK to dirt.Yard is in the back of and east west facing home( back to the west).lots of sun from noon on. BUT there is a Arizona ash tree at one end that partially shades during the heat of the day.

Winter rye seems to be grow fine, and i plan on reseed that as soon as it it will stay viable.i don’t want to lay sod again.What i need to find is something in seed form that will grow and survive the heat, sun and slight partial shade in the summer.I would like to have something that is very dense and soft like a tiff variety.tiff is a Bermuda correct? i should be able to find a “seedable” variety shouldn’t i?

Any experiences or suggestions.

BTW, as soon as i can convince the wife the ash tree is just a PITA ( it ws trimmed wrong by the first owner and look like heck) IT is coming down

[This message has been edited by Brando (edited 26 August 2009).]

[This message has been edited by Brando (edited 26 August 2009).]

saltcedar – posted 03 September 2009 12:33

Shade and Bermuda grass don’t mix period.Almost all improved varieties of Bermuda arevegetively propagated so no seed is available.

Might try a wide-bladed Zoysia assumingthe Arizona plant police allow it in your state.Cavalier zoysia is fine leaved similar to bermudagrass

http://www.preferredlandscapetx.com/galleries/plants/images/picture_200.jpgI personally prefer a wide blade (Palisade zoysia)that is very vertical and cuts well with a rotary mower.

[This message has been edited by saltcedar (edited 03 September 2009).]

tommy – posted 03 September 2009 14:29

You might want to consider sprigging Bob sod, because its the best bermuda for your sun light situation. There is still time to do it before the cold nights come in. You can usually order sprigs at the same retail locations you order sod from. The sprigs are shredded up pieces of bermuda,(stolons mostly) that are spread over the area and topdressed enough to hold moisture and protect from the sun. Its very similar to seeding, except you need a thicker cover of top dressing on sprigs. Its also much less expensive compared to sod.