Arizona Turf Care Guide

By Sonoran Landesign

Expert care. Exceptional lawns. Year-round.

Warm-Season & Cool-Season Turf — The Sonoran Way

At Sonoran Landesign, we work with two primary turf categories:

Warm-Season Grasses

Bermudagrass, Hybrid Bermuda, Paspalum.

Built for Arizona’s extreme heat, these grasses thrive through summer and naturally go dormant once soil temps drop near 55°F. Keeping them green all year requires either:

• Overseeding with perennial ryegrass, or…

• Applying environmentally friendly turf colorants

Cool-Season Grasses

West Coaster Dwarf Tall Fescue, Blue-Rye Mixes.

These varieties stay green through winter and transition smoothly into spring, especially in shaded or specialty areas.

Fall Overseeding

A Sonoran Landesign Signature Service

When nighttime temps consistently fall below 65°F, it’s time to overseed. Warm-season turf should be fully established for at least 90 days before overseeding to ensure strong rhizomes.

Winter Lawn Variety of Choice

We recommend premium perennial ryegrass for its dark color, durability, and superior performance compared to annual rye.

Our Overseeding Process

1. Prepare the Lawn

• Verticut to thin thatch to ½ inch

• Lower the mowing height and lightly scalp (never remove all leaf tissue)

• Remove debris for flawless seed-to-soil contact

2. Fertilize

Apply a starter fertilizer to fuel strong early growth.

3. Seed Application

• Spread 8–10 lbs per 1,000 sq. ft.

• Distribute in two directions for uniform coverage

• Use only high-germination, zero-weed, premium-grade seed

4. Watering for Germination

• Water 3–4 times daily, 5–7 minutes each

• Keep soil consistently moist for the first 10–14 days

• Once seedlings reach 1", reduce to one deeper irrigation cycle per day

5. First Mow & Final Feeding

• First mow when blades can cleanly be cut

• Apply a balanced fertilizer 10–14 days after seeding

• Feed once more before Thanksgiving for deep winter color

Spring Transition

Helping Bermuda Wake Up Strong

As temperatures warm in April–May, Bermuda begins to push through the winter rye. Our goal is to encourage that transition smoothly.

Transition Steps

1. Lower the mowing height gradually

2. Lightly verticut to open the canopy

3. Apply a low-nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer

4. Adjust irrigation to ~70% of peak summer levels

5. Increase mowing frequency to twice per week

6. Aerate areas with compaction

Important:

Avoid turning off irrigation for a full week—this harms both rye and Bermuda. Controlled reduction works far better.

Seasonal Turf Care Tips — Sonoran Landesign Recommendations

Fall

• Clear debris and leaves

• Aerate compacted zones

• Overseed weak sections

• Apply fertilizer with potassium for root strength

• Spot-treat weeds

• Begin reducing irrigation cycles

Winter

• Final late-fall mow should be slightly lower

• Keep leaves and debris off the turf

• Irrigate sparingly—avoid soggy soil

• Limit foot traffic on frost

• Remove objects that may shade or damage turf

• Monitor for pests

Spring

• Rake lightly and clear winter debris

• Verticut if needed

• Aerate for improved drainage and airflow

• Repair bare spots

• Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer

• Use a spring pre-emergent

• Increase mowing as growth accelerates

• Water deeper, less often

Summer

• Water early in the morning

• Apply 1"–1½" of water weekly depending on soil type

• Mow consistently with sharp blades

• Fertilize lightly with slow-release nitrogen

• Spot-treat summer weeds

• Watch for grub activity and heat stress

• Reduce traffic on the hottest days

• Aerate compacted zones early summer

Verticutting vs. Dethatching — What We Recommend

Verticutting

• Thins overall canopy

• Doesn’t disturb roots

• Perfect for overseeding prep and spring transition

Dethatching

• Deeper, more aggressive removal of organic buildup

• Best during active summer Bermuda growth

• Necessary only every 3–4 years

Sonoran Landesign uses each method strategically to maintain long-term turf health without stressing the lawn.

Your Lawn. Our Expertise. Year-Round Results.

Arizona turf requires precision, timing, and a trained eye. With Sonoran Landesign’s seasonal program, your lawn stays greener, healthier, and more resilient—from summer heat to winter cold.