Arizona Lawn Problems

Caliche

• Southern Arizona soils contain a caliche layer, a layer where lime binds the soil, which can block root development and cause iron deficiency. Water trapped by the caliche layer can cause salts to build up in the soil and affect root aeration. The Arizona Cooperative Extension recommends planting lawns only where at least 8 inches of topsoil sit on top of the caliche.

Transition Zones

• Homeowners who attempt to grow grass in transition zones where warm- and cool-season grasses can each be grown may face a battle to keep their lawns healthy and looking their best. Warm-season grasses grow from mid-April to mid-October, going dormant in winter. Cool-season grasses grow well in spring and fall, but can remain green year-round.

Overseeding

• Homeowners can overseed warm-season grasses with a cool-season grass to improve a lawn's appearance after the first frost occurs. Overseeding involves risk, as cool-season grasses may compete and even overtake warm-season grasses under the right conditions.