Environmentally Conscious Lawns That Are Here to Stay From West Coast Turf

The definition of the “perfect lawn” is changing — and fast. Gone are the days when the best yard on the block was the one guzzling the most water to stay green year-round. The new gold standard for modern homeowners is a landscape that’s both beautiful and environmentally responsible.

Today’s homeowners are making smarter choices, and the conversation around what’s growing in your California and Arizona yard is evolving. Whether you’re planning a new lawn or rethinking your current landscape, the shift toward sustainable, water-wise solutions is here to stay. And leading the way are warm-season grasses.

The Smart Choice: Warm-Season Grasses

When it comes to balancing curb appeal with eco-awareness, warm-season grasses like Bermudagrass and Seashore Paspalum check all the boxes. These grasses are perfectly adapted for hot, dry climates and thrive in the kind of summer sun that leaves cool-season grasses struggling.

Their deep root systems allow them to handle drought far better than traditional lawn grasses. Once established, they require far less water to maintain a healthy, green appearance — meaning you’re not only reducing your water usage but also your monthly water bill.

At West Coast Turf, we grow and supply several premium warm-season grass varieties that deliver year-round beauty and serious durability for home landscapes, sports fields, parks, and golf courses.

Ditch the Plastic, Skip the Guilt

In recent years, artificial turf has been marketed as a “water-saving” option, but the reality is far from green. Synthetic grass lacks all of the environmental benefits a living lawn offers — no cooling effect, no carbon sequestration, no filtration of rainwater, and no support for the surrounding ecosystem.

Not to mention: under the hot sun, artificial turf can reach temperatures far higher than concrete or asphalt, making it uncomfortable and even unsafe during peak summer months. Choosing warm-season grasses or ground covers like Kurapia (a low-water flowering option) offers real ecological benefits while keeping your yard inviting and alive.

Overseeding vs. Winter Rest

Another way to stay environmentally conscious is in how you handle the off-season. Homeowners traditionally overseed warm-season lawns with cool-season grasses for a year-round green look. While this can maintain visual appeal, it requires winter watering and extra care.

An increasingly popular alternative is embracing “winter rest.” Allowing your warm-season grass to go dormant during the colder months means turning off the irrigation and letting nature take its course. When spring returns, your lawn will bounce back — healthy and ready for another season — without the waste of off-season watering.

The New Joneses Lead the Way

The best yards today aren’t just about perfect stripes and pristine edges — they’re about smart choices that work with the environment, not against it. Whether you choose a low-water warm-season grass, explore ground covers like Kurapia, or blend native plants into your design, you’re contributing to a healthier future.

At West Coast Turf, we’re proud to offer solutions that let you have the best of both worlds: a stunning California and Arizona lawn and a conscious approach to sustainability.

Ready to join the new Joneses? Visit westcoastturf.com and explore grass varieties, installation tips, and expert advice on building a lawn that looks great — and does good.

The Future of Golf: Sustainable and Stunning

As the golf industry continues to evolve, the focus on sustainability is becoming increasingly important. By implementing water-smart solutions, golf courses can not only reduce their environmental impact but also improve their bottom line through reduced water and maintenance costs.

West Coast Turf is at the forefront of this green revolution, offering a wide range of water-efficient turfgrass options and expert advice on sustainable golf course management. By partnering with industry leaders like West Coast Turf, golf courses in arid regions like the Coachella Valley and beyond can create stunning, eco-friendly landscapes that will delight players for generations to come.

The future of golf in arid regions is bright, green, and water-smart. By embracing innovative technologies, sustainable design practices, and drought-resistant turfgrass, golf courses can continue to provide world-class playing experiences while being responsible stewards of our precious water resources.

Water-smart golf course design goes beyond turfgrass selection. Incorporating native plants, xeriscaping techniques, and strategic use of hardscaping can dramatically reduce water needs while enhancing the course’s aesthetic appeal. Many courses are reducing turf in out-of-play areas and replacing it with drought-resistant landscaping, creating visually striking contrasts that add character to the course. West Coast Turf are leaders in innovation and sustainability. Visit our website for more information: https://westcoastturf.com

While the desert temperatures finally start to cool down we will all be enjoying more time outdoors and enjoying the desert lifestyle to the fullest. Golf courses are reopening and luckily the majority are natural grass. But use caution when on artificial turf as there are several hidden dangers you may be unaware of.

1. It can be dangerous to pets and children:

When pet waste is left unattended, it becomes a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and pathogens. These invisible dangers can lead to various health issues, especially if you have little ones and pets who love spending time outdoors and or have compromised health conditions such as asthma, COPD, cancers, and a vulnerable immune system.

2.Chemical exposure:

Chemicals known to be carcinogenic such as heavy metals, volatile organic compounds like benzene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and harmful butadiene have been detected in turf infill made from recycled tires. “Eco-friendly” artificial turf is not a certifiable claim.

3. Heat:

This concern is paramount in the Coachella Valley and surrounding Southern California areas, where temperatures hit 124 degrees this summer. Artificial surface temperatures can get up to 60 degrees higher than natural grass (and have even been measured as high as 200 degrees Fahrenheit on a summer day!) The air at your head height also measures much hotter than the air directly above natural grass surfaces like West Coast Turf. This increases the risk of skin burns and heat illness, not to mention burning the paws of your beloved pets as well.

These are just a few of the reasons that a synthetic artificial turf surface can be harmful to you, your loved ones, your children or grandkids, and even your pets. Please contact us today for your safest option: natural turf from West Coast Turf.

For more information, visit: https://www.westcoastturf.com/

5 Tips To Get Rid of Mushrooms on Your California and Arizona Lawn

Are pesky mushrooms causing imperfections on your perfect California and Arizona lawn? Do you pull them and they seem to return in droves? You’re not alone, warm and moist conditions lead to growth of mushrooms (both unwanted and others). Let’s learn about ways to combat these from keeping your lawn picture perfect. To get rid of mushrooms in your lawn, you can try these methods:

• Aerate: Improve air circulation and water penetration to reduce moisture.
• Improve drainage: Install a drainage system to prevent water from pooling in your lawn.
• Remove mushrooms: You can mow, kick, or rake them over. You can also pluck them by hand and add a few drops of dish soap and water to their stems to burn the mycelium.
• Use a fungicide: Spray a fungicide on with a hose or sprinkle a powder on the area. Fungicides are meant to kill the mushroom at the root.
• Remove rotting wood: Remove any rotting wood and any tree stumps, as they provide food for mushrooms.
• Dry out the lawn: Fungi can’t grow without moisture, so fill in low spots with topsoil and replant with grass or turf.

Mushrooms will grow back as long as there’s organic decay in the soil and the area is warm and damp enough. Luckily as temperatures cool, the recurrence of these fungi will decrease, and your lawn will be back to pristine and peaceful. For more information visit https://westcoastturf.com

Just as a quality haircut can transform your look, a well-maintained lawn can elevate your home’s appearance from average to magazine-worthy. But achieving that lush, green grass isn’t just about tossing some seeds and hoping for the best. It requires careful attention to watering, mowing, and selecting the right type of grass.

Timing is Everything

First things first: when should you water and mow your lawn? According to Dani North, a lawn expert at West Coast Turf, the best time to water is early in the morning, between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. This allows your grass to absorb the moisture before the heat of the day sets in. As for mowing, the ideal time is between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. This window ensures the grass is dry enough for a clean cut, avoiding the risk of creating an unkempt appearance or damaging the blades.

If mornings aren’t feasible, the second-best time to mow is between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Mowing during these times helps avoid the peak heat of midday, which can stress the grass and lead to burning.

Seasonal and Regional Considerations

Your lawn’s needs also depend on your location and the type of grass you choose. In cooler regions like Northern California to New Jersey, cool-season grasses such as tall fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass thrive. These grasses should be kept between 2 to 3 inches for optimal health. Conversely, warmer areas from Southern Arizona to North Carolina are better suited to warm-season grasses like Bermuda and St. Augustine. Bermuda grass, for example, prefers to be kept between a quarter inch and three-quarters of an inch.

Choosing the Right Grass

Selecting the right type of grass for your region is crucial. For drought-tolerant options, Bermuda grass is a top choice in Southern California, where North resides. It’s durable and requires less frequent mowing—about every two weeks. In contrast, cool-season grasses like tall fescue need more water but are still resilient.

To simplify your grass selection process, North suggests using TheRealCaliforniaLawn.com to find local growers who offer grass varieties suited to your area.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Be sure to avoid mowing in the evening or at night, as open cuts in dark, damp conditions can leave grass vulnerable to disease. Also, avoid watering during the hottest part of the day, as this can lead to water loss through evaporation and stress the plants further.

By understanding the best times to water and mow and choosing the right type of grass for your region, you can achieve a lawn that not only looks great but thrives throughout the seasons. Happy mowing!

For more information visit https://www.westcoastturf.com/

Maintaining a lush, green lawn in the arid climates of Southern California and Arizona can be quite a challenge. It’s totally achievable though, with the right approach. Mowing plays a pivotal role in keeping your lawn healthy and attractive. Here are some tips on the best way to keep your lawn beautiful when mowing:

1. Choose the Right Mower: It is crucial to select the appropriate mower to achieve optimal results. For Southern California and Arizona, where lawns often consist of warm-season grasses like bermudagrass, Zoysia grass, or St. Augustine grass, consider using a rotary mower. These mowers are well-suited for cutting thicker grass types commonly found in warmer climates.

2. Adjust Mowing Height: Maintaining the correct mowing height is vital for the health of your lawn. In hot and dry climates, it’s recommended to keep your grass slightly taller to provide shade to the soil and retain moisture. Adjust your mower’s cutting height to leave the grass blades around 2 to 3 inches tall. Taller grass also helps to inhibit weed growth by shading the soil.

3. Follow the One-Third Rule: Adhere to the one-third rule that states

you should never remove more than one-third of the grass blade’s height in a single mowing session. Cutting more than this can stress the grass and make it more susceptible to drought and diseases. Aim to mow your lawn regularly to maintain a consistent height.

4. Mow When the Grass is Dry: Mowing wet grass can lead to an uneven cut and cause clumping, which can smother the grass beneath. Additionally, wet grass is more prone to tearing, resulting in an unhealthy appearance. Therefore, it’s best to mow your lawn when the grass is dry, preferably in the morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler.

5. Sharpen Mower Blades Regularly: Sharp mower blades ensure clean cuts, promoting healthier grass growth. Dull blades tear the grass instead of cutting it cleanly, leaving ragged edges that are more susceptible to disease. Check your mower blades regularly and sharpen or replace them as needed to maintain optimal cutting performance.

Alternate Mowing Patterns: Changing your mowing pattern regularly helps prevent soil compaction and encourages upright grass growth. Consider mowing in different directions each time you mow to avoid creating ruts and uneven wear on your lawn.

6. Leave Grass Clippings on the Lawn: Grass clippings are a valuable source of nutrients for your lawn. Instead of bagging them, leave them on the lawn to decompose. This practice, known as grasscycling, returns essential nutrients like nitrogen back into the soil, promoting healthy grass growth. For more information, visit westcoastturf.com 

California is no stranger to drought, it’s a recurring feature of our climate, especially in desert areas. Arizona has been in some stage of drought since 1994(!), so drought is a long-term concept in the West. Many shifts are made for the purpose of water conservation, one of which is in landscaping. With these dry times saw a large uptick in fake lawns. 

In a recent controversial move, California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill aimed at restricting the use of “forever chemicals” in synthetic lawns. The veto highlights the state’s complex stance on artificial turf, as it was a material once promoted as a water-saving solution during droughts. The vetoed bill was part of a broader effort to address health concerns associated with synthetic turf, particularly the presence of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals, found in the crumb rubber base of artificial turf, have been linked to various chronic diseases. Despite growing worries about the environmental impact and health risks, manufacturers claim they are working to address concerns by exploring alternative materials. However, removing PFAS entirely has proven challenging.

The debate over synthetic turf in California reflects a shift in legislative priorities, with some cities already moving to ban artificial lawns due to environmental concerns. Researchers emphasize the potential health risks associated with PFAS, which can enter the human body through various pathways, including skin contact, inhalation, and water contamination.

Studies indicate that high temperatures can cause chemicals to leach out of the crumb rubber base, posing additional risks to human health. Synthetic turf, known for its heat-retaining properties, can reach temperatures significantly higher than living grass, making it a cause for concern. Experts suggest that real grass and plants offer a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic grass. Drought-friendly landscaping options, such as warm-season grasses and native plants, provide cooling benefits and contribute to a healthier urban ecosystem.

Football is a rough contact sport, one with inherent risk for on-field injuries. While those injuries are inevitable, the extent and severity of them depend on several factors. One of those factors that is currently trending in the news is the use of grass versus artificial turf. Aaron Rodgers started and ended his season with the Jets during Week 1 of Monday Night Football with a torn Achilles tendon. So what does this have to do with grass? Well, a lot.

In terms of safety, there is a huge difference between playing on natural grass and artificial turf. Here are a few:

1.     Traction – with natural grass, you get more consistent traction as well as footing. Players are less likely to slip on sod than they are on slippery turf.

2.     Shock absorption – since grass is much softer and more forgiving of a surface, it provides much better shock absorption, which cuts down on injuries and concussions by absorbing the impact players’ bodies might otherwise take.

3.     Lower risk of scrapes to players’ bodies – skidding into any surface can be painful, but natural grass provides a softer landing than artificial turf, as it’s much less abrasive.

4.     Joint injuries – since a grass surface is much more forgiving, it causes less stress to joints, such as knees and ankles – both season-ending injuries for an NFL player

5.     “Turf burn” – artificial turf reaches much higher temperatures than natural grass. Especially in the beginning of a football season in warmer regions, this can cause heat-related injuries for players, as well as discomfort in general.

Optimizing player safety is a top priority for every NFL team and the surface they play and practice on plays a larger role than most people know! West Coast Turf provides sod for many football fields, among many other sports and venues. For more information, visit our website at: westcoastturf.com

When installing California and Arizona sod for your home, there are several dos and don’ts to keep in mind to ensure successful establishment and healthy growth. Here are some guidelines to follow:

Do:

1. Prepare the soil: Ensure that the soil is properly prepared before laying the sod. Remove any existing grass, weeds, rocks, or debris and loosen the soil with a rake or tiller. Level the surface to avoid uneven areas.
2. Test soil pH: Conduct a soil test to determine the pH level and nutrient content of the soil. Adjust the pH as necessary by adding lime or sulfur to create an optimal growing environment for the sod.
3. Water the soil: Before installing the sod, water the soil thoroughly to provide adequate moisture for the roots. This helps the sod to establish and promotes good root contact with the soil.
4. Lay the sod promptly: Install the sod as soon as possible after delivery or purchase. Sod is a perishable product, and delaying the installation can lead to drying out or root damage.
5. Lay the sod properly: Start laying the sod along a straight edge, such as a sidewalk or driveway, and work your way across the lawn. Butt the edges of each piece tightly against each other without overlapping, ensuring no gaps or spaces are left between the pieces.
6. Water immediately: Once a section of sod is laid, water it immediately. This helps settle the soil, removes air pockets, and promotes contact between the roots and soil.
7. Water regularly: Keep the sod moist by watering it regularly for the first few weeks after installation. Aim for deep watering to encourage the roots to grow deeper into the soil. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to shallow root growth and other issues.
8. Mow with care: Once the sod has established and grown to the recommended height, mow it to maintain its appearance. Set the mower at the appropriate height and avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade length at a time.

Don’t:

1. Don’t delay installation: As mentioned earlier, avoid delaying the installation of the sod. The longer it remains rolled up, the greater the chances of it drying out and deteriorating.
2. Don’t stretch the sod: Avoid stretching the sod while laying it. This can cause the roots to separate from the soil, making it difficult for them to establish properly.
3. Don’t leave gaps or overlaps: Ensure that the sod pieces are laid tightly against each other without gaps or overlaps. Leaving gaps can result in weed growth and uneven appearance, while overlaps can lead to uneven rooting and hinder growth.
4. Don’t overwater or underwater: Striking the right balance with watering is crucial. Overwatering can suffocate the roots, encourage disease, and lead to shallow root growth. On the other hand, underwatering can cause the sod to dry out and wither.
5. Don’t walk on the sod too soon: Avoid walking on or putting heavy objects on the newly installed sod for the first few weeks. This gives the roots time to establish and prevents damage to the delicate young turf.
6. Don’t mow too short: When it’s time to mow, avoid cutting the grass too short. Scalping the lawn stresses the grass and weakens its ability to thrive.
7. Don’t neglect maintenance: Once the sod is established, continue with regular maintenance practices such as watering, fertilizing, and weed control. Neglecting these aspects can lead to the deterioration of your lawn.

Remember, each sod variety may have specific care instructions, so it’s always beneficial to consult with a local expert or refer to the sod supplier’s recommendations for best results.

Friday, October 28, 2022 was the Official 100^th Birthday of the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena. At West Coast Turf, we are proud to provide them with their sod and we join them in celebrating one hundred years of being one of the most famous and beloved venues in sporting history. 

Some fast facts: The Rose Bowl has a seating capacity of 92,542, making it the 16^th largest stadium in the world, and the 11^th largest in the United States. Best known as a football stadium, it’s been home to the UCLA Bruins football team since 1982 and has hosted 5 Super Bowl games (3^rd most of any stadium). It’s also a notable soccer venue, as well as a concert venue for many of the most iconic and famous musicians – Michael Jackson, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, U2, and Journey all played there, as well as Lilith Fair festival. 

The Rose Bowl was designated a National Historic Landmark and a California Historic Civil Engineering landmark in 1922. Since 1993, West Coast Turf has been the proud providers of their turf that so many sports and teams have played on. We know that the grass you play on is one important aspect of what makes a stadium so popular, and we are honored to provide their Bermuda sod for them year after year.

To see our full client list, click on the About Us section.