Sustainable Lawn Care
As our Sustainable Demonstration Lawn showcases, you can have green grass organically and cut down your water usage by choosing drought tolerant grass species. We used a Rhizomatous Tall Fescue, (RTF®) - this blend of dwarf turf type tall fescue requires 37% less water and 42% less maintenance than the standard Kentucky Blue Grass lawn.

There are three main grass types:

Bunch: Form separate independent clumps (lower left)
Rhizomatous: Spreads by underground horizontal stems sending out new shoots and roots. (below center)
Stoloniferous: Spreads by above ground horizontal stems sending out new shoots and roots. (below right)

Before you create your own lawn, answer the following questions:

What function does your lawn serve?
The typical lawn has areas that are used heavily and other regions that are never utilized. If you have lawn areas that you seldom travel through, plant some wildflower seed and let the grass grow long. Other options are to lay mulch, plant a spreading groundcover, a native shrub or tree, or create a colorful xeriscape garden.

How much time can you realistically spend on maintenance?
This will help determine how large your lawn will ultimately become. Do not become a slave to your lawn!

How much sun does your lawn receive?
Almost all grasses need six hours of direct sunlight between 8am and 4pm. If you have full shade, consider planting a shade loving groundcover, lay mulch, or build a hardscape.

What is the soil type, health, and pH of your lawn?
This should be your #1 priority! A healthy lawn starts with healthy soil. Get a soil test. Grasses prefer a pH of 6-7. After you receive your test results amend your soil appropriately. Aerate and thatch your lawn. Add an inch of compost in the spring or fall to build your soils’ micro and macro nutrients. Keep lawn clippings on the lawn to help build organic matter. Do not apply bark mulch; it will rob nitrogen from the soil.

Do not spread any chemicals! They kill invertebrates, worms, fungi, and beneficial microorganisms. If your soil is balanced you will ultimately have fewer weeds and a healthier lawn. Lawn insecticides and herbicides should not be used in areas we encourage our family, friends, and pets to play in.

Do you have adequate irrigation?
Newly seeded lawns need to remain moist for 3-4 weeks so germination can occur. After the lawn is established make sure your irrigation is set to spray early in the morning to prevent evaporative loss. Maintain your irrigation system and update any cracked hoses or heads. Measure your water usage by setting up a rain gauge or cans. Watering 4” in soil depth and less often encourages roots to grow deeper creating a stronger lawn. Watering daily encourages the grass plant to grow a shorter root zone and a weak plant structure. Mow your lawn high to maintain moisture.

Choose an appropriate grass species for your desired appearance and our dry climate.

Rye grass and Fescue blends require less maintenance and water than the more commonly used Bluegrass. Choose a grass that coincides with your soil, amount
of wear, and sunlight. It is important to over-seed in the spring and fall. Over-seeding will reduce the intrusion of weeds and dead spots.