Despite living under stringent drought conditions for several years now, Southern Nevadans with a practical, functional need for natural grass can achieve a lush, vibrant lawn year-round with careful planning and dedicated maintenance.  Here in the desert we produce lawns composed of either Tall Fescue grass or Bermuda grass.  Fescue grasses stay green during winter, but require more water and attention than Bermuda grass, which goes dormant in winter.  Whichever grass type you have or choose, Chip-N-Dale’s has the expertise, knowledge and tools to help you maintain a full, healthy green lawn – given we keep the following three factors in mind:

Proper Irrigation Strategy

Proper irrigation is essential for maintaining lush and healthy lawns in desert landscapes. An effective watering schedule according to SNWA guidelines must be implemented to optimize water usage and prevent water waste. In arid environments, it is best to water lawns during the early morning to minimize evaporation and allow the soil to absorb water efficiently. Fully-functional sprinkler heads and nozzles free of debris are critical, as they allow delivery of water uniformly and consistently across the lawn, avoiding dry spots or puddling. It is vital to ensure every inch of the lawn receives sufficient moisture and coverage, which can be achieved by positioning the sprinklers properly and adjusting their spray patterns. Overwatering must be strictly avoided, as it not only wastes water but also encourages shallow root growth and makes lawns susceptible to diseases. On the other hand, underwatering can lead to dry, patchy areas and stress the grass, making it more susceptible to drought and pests.

Ongoing Attention and Upkeep

Proper maintenance of lawns in desert landscapes is essential to ensure lush, healthy greenery in an otherwise challenging environment. Mowing is a crucial aspect of upkeep; it removes excessive growth than can block irrigation coverage and concentrates nutrient allocation to the most desirable parts. In order to optimize plant health, Fescue lawns are mowed to a blade height of roughly three inches while Bermuda lawns are mowed to about an inch height.  Regular edging is important to maintain clean, defined lines and prevent encroachment (or escape) of unwanted vegetation patterns. Fertilization plays a critical role in replenishing essential nutrients depleted by the persistent warm-weather growth and a rigorous watering schedule.  Fescue lawns go semi-dormant in cold weather but can maintain their lush, green color through applications of nitrogen and iron.  Bermuda lawns will naturally go dormant in winter, taking on a golden, hay-like appearance until warm weather returns.  Reseeding a Bermuda lawn with Rye seed in the fall can help maintain some green coloration if desired during the colder months.

Chip-N-Dale’s is proud to include two vital services in its core maintenance program:  yearly aeration and yearly dethatching.  Aeration aids in enhancing water penetration and airflow to the roots, reducing soil compaction, and facilitating better nutrient absorption. Dethatching is necessary to remove “thatch”, dead organic matter that accumulates between grass blades and soil, thus preventing water and nutrients from reaching the roots.  Lastly, our warm climate combined with bouts of humidity can be conducive to the development of fungal diseases in natural grass. Applying fungicides preventively during the spring can help protect the grass from these infections. Our maintenance crew members are vigilant for any signs of fungal issues (such as circular brown patches, viscous yellow rings or unusual growth patterns with wilted, pale blades) and address them promptly with the appropriate fungicide treatment.

Weed Suppression and Elimination

Weeds can be relentless invaders in desert lawns, competing with grass for space, water and nutrients. Applying pre-emergent herbicides in spring can help prevent weed germination before the warm weather comes. Hand-pulling or spot-treating with post-emergent herbicides can be effective for existing weeds. We regularly inspect lawns under our care for any signs of weed growth and take prompt action to prevent them from spreading.  A full, intact lawn year-round is the best defense against weed establishment.

Creating a vibrant and healthy natural grass lawn in the Las Vegas desert requires thoughtful care and attention. Strategic watering, proper fertilization, proactive weed control, aeration, dethatching, and timely fungicide application are all key elements of a successful lawn care regimen. With dedication and proper maintenance, homeowners can enjoy a thriving green oasis that stands out amidst the arid desert landscape. By inviting a Chip-N-Dale’s professional maintenance crew to service your landscape, you can enjoy the beauty and function of a lush natural grass lawn in the heart of the scorching Las Vegas sun.