Landscaping needs change with the weather. With temperatures finally heading up, homeowners may want to pay a little extra attention to their yards.
Weed growth
Windy weather and new landscaping can often spread weed seeds. If you see a home in need of a little extra attention, submit a community concern to let us know.
- It really stinks. Stinknet may look like a harmless yellow puffball, but don’t be fooled — this invasive weed releases allergens, has a strong odor, and is highly flammable. It spreads aggressively and can choke out native plants. To remove safely, wear gloves and a mask, gently pull the plant from the base (roots and all), and place it directly into a sealed bag. Avoid mowing or shaking it to prevent the spread of seeds.
- What the spurge? Spurge comes in with new gravel and takes root easily in its new home. Oftentimes, homeowners mistake this scraggly weed for a purposefully planted shrub. Alas — the weed should be pulled and removed in accordance with the ACA design guidelines.
- Don’t get crabby. Crabgrass can prohibit growth of your healthy lawn and spread easily and quickly. Keep your lawn healthy to help prevent future growths.
- Hiding in plain sight. Nutsedge — another grass-like weed — can take over your yard quickly and be difficult to identify. They typically have a distinct center ridge and must be treated with a specific herbicide. Give time for the treatment to take effect before pulling to prevent the pods from spreading and causing more weeds to grow.
- Trees away. Not all shade is made the same. Salt Cedar trees soak up a good amount of water and deposit salt above and below ground — not great traits for a tree in the desert. Avoid planting and pull the sapling if you see it sprouting.
- Spray it, don’t save it. Spring and summer growing seasons also apply to weeds flourishing in the yard. Pre-emergent can be a useful tool for those without the time to manually remove weeds as they pop up.
- It takes a village. Weed control gets a lot easier when all neighbors actively manage their yards. With just a few yards covered in weeds, the seeds can spread to other houses in the area.
Common desert weeds
Spring planting season
Even hardy plants need optimal conditions to take root, grow strong, and eventually withstand the hot summers and (sometimes) freezing winter temps in Avondale. March and April provide temperate weather to help plants thrive. Get out those shovels and replant anything that didn’t make it through the winter — or even last summer.
Watering schedules
Set a reminder to check your watering schedule in early May. Use this generally accepted guidance as a starting place for your summer watering needs. Remember — new plants need a different watering schedule while they adjust to the new soil.