Arizona Living Landscape FAQ

Call 480-390-4477 for a free Arizona Landscape Design and Estimate

Serving Queen Creek – San Tan Valley – Gilbert – Chandler – Mesa – Phoenix – Florence – Arizona

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I program my Irrigation Controller?

Let’s start by opening your clock with the universal key on the side by turning it forward. The Hunter Programming and Operation Guide will be located on the inside of the door. If yours is lost or missing use the web site listed below. When the page opens at the bottom of the page there is a link to an operation guide. Still having problems? Give us a call and maybe we can walk you through it on the phone or stop by and take a look. The clock that is installed by Arizona Living Landscape is considered by most to be one of the best on the market and one of the simplest to operate as well as one that has a battery back-up system. Below is a link to the manual for your timer:

https://www.landscapearizona.com/faq-html/ our website

2. What is an irrigation drip system and why are the little black pipes sticking up around my yard?

These little pipes are called spaghetti and they have little water emitters on the ends. They are programmed to come on and off at certain times which has been programmed in your Irrigation timer. You may see standing water for a little while, as it seeps into the ground. If they don’t appear to be working when they are supposed to, the emitter may be clogged or stopped up. For example, one plant is watering and the one next to it is not. Try twisting the emitter and/or removing it to get the water to flow. Then replace or change out emitter as needed. Dirt and hard water can clog the emitters and they need to be checked regularly.

3. How do I know if I have a leak in my irrigation system?

Most new lawns and turf areas will have some standing water. Your initial watering schedule is designed to keep your newly laid sod or seed constantly wet. Allowing it to dry out could slow down or even prevent it from taking root. First, turn your clock off and see if that stops the water flow. It should unless you have a stuck valve. If it does not, follow directions below for turning off the vacuum breaker. When you have a leak in a line it will only flow during its designated watering time but when the valve turns off it will stop the water flow. In most cases when you have a leak you will see a small spray or volcano looking eruption in the vicinity of the suspected leak. It may be hard to see sometimes but if you look you can usually find it. Go to your front hose bib. Connected to it but off to the side is your vacuum pressure breaker. There are two knobs that can be turned off, turn one or both off then please call our customer service department and we will address the problem as soon as we can. You should manually water your trees, plants, and lawn while waiting for your repair.

4. Why does my Ocotillo look dead?

Your Ocotillo is not green because it is protecting its tender inner system from the sun. An Ocotillo can take up to three years to bloom from the time of transplant. They also lose their leaves in the winter or go dormant. Please be patient it will be beautiful. We recommend you put a root stimulator on your Ocotillo once a month for a few months to encourage growth.

5. Why are my plants dying?

Trees and shrubs are living breathing organisms that respond to their unique environments. During high temperatures, it is natural for a plant to wilt in response to the heat. Usually, a wilting plant will perk up once the heat has diminished. If a plant appears stressed, check the surrounding soil for moisture or dampness. If you notice a plant turning brown in the heat turn up you water just a little bit and see if it continues to get worse or levels out, before adding more. During low temperatures plants can get frost damage and portions may brown and die. This is nature’s way of pruning; don not cut away these burnt sections until very early spring when you will generally get tons of new growth. In the mean time they act as a barrier from continued frost damage. If it is getting down to 34 degrees at night, we recommend covering your tender plants to protect them from the frost. Remember to remove the covers during the day. Several varieties of plants in Arizona routinely go dormant in the winter. You can purchase a frost cloth or just use a medium weight sheet or light blanket.

6. Why is my grass turning brown?

You need to make sure you are watering your new lawn enough, about three times a day for the first ten or so days. The soil beneath the sod should remain extremely wet for that time period. Avoid pet or foot traffic across or around the new lawn area during this time period. Other reasons for browning include pet urine stains, scalping after mowing which can be fixed by more frequent mowing, or grass growing too tall and blocking spray of sprinkler heads. During extreme temperatures; your lawn may need more water. Over watering after a new lawn has established can cause rot and problem areas. See the water guide listed below under new lawn watering instructions for more long term watering schedule and other information. Another issue could be sod worms or grubs. They will destroy your lawn very quickly. It is important to check the dying areas as soon as you notice them to see if they have any type of infestation. They can easily be removed with insecticide designed for grubs.

7. Why is my masonry cracking? (I.e. patios, walls, stone work, BBQ’s and fireplaces)

Exterior masonry items are subject to extreme temperature changes from heat and cold, normal settling and even earth movement. This will cause the expansion and contraction of such items and should be expected. All major deficiencies will be addressed during the warranty period.

8. How often should I check my Irrigation system?

At least every 30 days! Your grass sprinklers will come out of adjustment, emitters will blow off lines causing leaks, some emitters will clog over time from calcium build up by city water, etc. Manually turn on each valve from your controller and physically walk your yard and check every plant, tree, & sod area. Clean and/or change out emitters as needed on a regular basses. Don’t forget to turn your valves back off when complete. And replace the 9 volt battery every 6 months in your clock.

9. Why does my granite appear to be wet in certain spots?

Some types of granite are more porous than others and will retain water from a watering earlier in the day often leaving a wet appearance or water stain. In most cases it is nothing to worry about.

The landscape basics: what to expect after installation.

New Arizona Lawn Watering Instruction

New lawn care: all turf is a form of Bermuda, therefore, your lawn will go dormant (turn brown) in the cooler months unless it has been over seeded with winter rye grass.

• New turf will require water 3 times per day, 3-10 minutes each (typical sprinkler heads – specialty heads will need more or less water) interval for the first 2 weeks. (During this time, do not walk on the turf area).
• After 2 weeks, reduce the watering to twice per day for 5-10 minutes per watering. Observe your lawn to determine whether to adjust times by 1-2 min either way to prevent dry out of certain areas or flooding of others. Note: every zone may have different watering times from each other based on layout or yard drainage.
• After 2 additional weeks your lawn can be turned back to a more normal watering schedule. Seek out city watering guides or municipality for your area, or consult nurseries in your area. Most lawn problems can be avoided with a good watering schedule and regular fertilization and care.

Note: Over watering your lawn can cause damage not only to your lawn but surrounding items. And under watering can cause brown spots.

See area under frequently asked questions for clock reprogramming.

What to expect with my new lawn.

New turf will be uneven. Turf areas will level out over time with weekly mowing. If you desire a quicker leveling, you may fix seams and low spots with a mixture of 50% sand and 50% fine garden mulch. To avoid a lumpy, uneven grass area, please do not walk on your grass for the first 3 weeks it will cause excessive bumps in your yard and that is not a warranty item.

Mowing should start after the first 3-4 weeks. Make sure your sod is dry, and that you’re mowing at a higher setting for the first 90 days. In summer, fertilize with ammonium sulfate (21-0-0) every 30 days and gypsum every 45 days.

Over seeding: To over seed your lawn for winter, use perennial rye seed. It will be available at most home improvement stores or your local nursery. This should take place between the beginning of October and early November. Time frame can shift depending on current temperatures. Consult a nursery professional for proper time and proper installation and watering. If temperatures are still above 95 degrees it is too hot to over seed. In the winter (for winter rye) fertilize with ammonia nitrate (34-0-0) every 30 days and gypsum every 45 days. No fertilizer is required in the winter if you choose not to over seed your lawn.

There is no such thing as an evergreen lawn in Arizona with temperatures that range from 20 degrees to 120 degrees. Contrary to what some believe, it is not necessary to over seed Bermuda grass in winter. If temperatures are mild, Bermuda may retain some green color most of the winter and it usually stays quite green through Thanksgiving. Many people skip over seeding to save water and enjoy a vacation from mowing. Bermuda will recover faster in spring and remain healthier if it is not over seeded with rye grass in winter. It should green up on its own sometime in February or March, depending on spring weather.

Regular mowing promotes good healthy growth; grass should never be allowed to block spray of the sprinkler heads that will cause brown spotting from lack of adequate spray, and too long between mowing will cause you to scalp your lawn when it is mowed.

Note: newly installed lawns should not be dethached the first year.

When do I change the settings for water of trees and plants?

Set irrigation to water more frequently as temperatures rise. (The amount of water supplied stays the same; it is the frequency of watering that change with the seasons). Be sure to water around the outer reaches of a plant’s canopy, where feeder roots can absorb it. Water should soak 1 foot deep for shallow-rooted plants such as cacti, Succulents, annuals, and perennials; 2 feet deep for shrubs; and 3 feet deep for trees. Use a soil probe to determine how far water penetrates. The probe will easily move through moist soil but stop at dry hard soil.

During periods of extreme heat or wind, increase length of water time. Turn off watering system at the clock during wet periods.

Note: Don’t forget to turn clock switch back on after any reprogramming of timer.

Watering Schedule: first check periodically for plant and tree stress from too little or too much water.

Signs of Under Watering Your Plants

• Soil is dry.
• Older leaves turn yellow or brown and drop off.
• Leaves are wilted.
• Leaves are curled.

Signs of Over Watering Your Plants

• Soil is constantly damp.
• Leaves turn a lighter shade of green or turn yellow.
• Young shoots are wilted.
• Leaves are green yet brittle.
• Algae and mushrooms are growing.

Plants can use three to five times as much water during the hot Arizona summer months as they do during the winter. Adjust your watering schedule with the seasons and when there are more significant changes in the weather.

What to do when mixing new plants into a mature yard

To prevent wilting, young plants should be watered more often than older plants. After they become more established (about one year) allow a slight drought between watering. The plants will adapt to the stress and become more drought-tolerant.

All cacti and some succulents will not be on the drip system and should be hand watered 2-3 times per month. Over time this may be a little less often but should never be forgotten about. Cacti should be allowed good drainage and never over watered. Cacti do not require fertilization.

Tips for Fertilization and Watering

Citrus Trees: Do not fertilize this tree for the first year. After one year, apply ammonium sulfate (citrus fertilizer) three to four times per year (Feb., May, and August). Apply in accordance with the manufacturer recommendation. These trees should be deep watered and then allowed to dry out before being watered again. (Once per week is a general guide) Consult nursery professional for best type of citrus fertilizer for your needs.

Queen Palms: Queen Palms, unlike Mexican fan palms, require special care. Queen palms also need to be watered more often than other palms. You’ll need to fertilize your Queen palm with 1/4 cup of ammonium sulfate once per month, palm tree food every 90 days. All palms need some type fertilization care. See a nursery professional for proper fertilizers.

Desert Trees: Desert trees are native to this area and do not require any fertilization. Your drip emitters will be close to the root ball of the tree when first installed and should be pulled away as the tree matures to approximately one half the diameter of the canopy. This will help prevent the tree from blowing over and assist in developing a healthier root system. Once the tree is established you should eliminate the drip system to the tree and water deeply with the hose two (2) times per month.

Non Desert Trees: Non desert trees such as citrus, Ficus, Elms, and palms (just to name a few) prefer additional water. These trees will require more fertilizers and generally do better when planted as a young tree (15 gal. or smaller) vs. a mature specimen, which will have a hard time with acclimation.

Shrub Care: Desert shrubs require no fertilization. Non desert shrubs require fertilization twice per year with ammonium sulfate or a general fertilizer (16-8-4), once in the spring and once in the fall.

Cactus: Cacti need good drainage away from the roots and do not require any fertilizer. Water 2-3 times per month in dry summer and once monthly in dry winters. Rainy times you do not need to water cactus.

Ocotillos: This type of plant requires small amounts of water and takes up to three years to produce any signs of life. Water your ocotillo during dry periods with a garden hose to maintain a healthy look. You can also sprinkle the sides of the Ocotillo to assist in leafing out. Do this in the evening. We also recommend using a root stimulator on your Ocotillo when initially planted for a few months to encourage growth.

For good long and short term care of your landscape you should take the time to see to your trees’ and plants’ needs. Even low maintenance yards need some extra care a few times per year. A good fertilization and watering schedule will produce an absolutely beautiful yard. Consult nurseries, the internet for more information.

Dormancy Schedule and Frost Protection

Dormant Schedule: Listed below is a partial listing of plants which go into a dormant state during part of the year. This means the plant looks as though it is dying, no flowers, no leaves, brown in color, etc .

Winter Dormant Plants/Trees: Lantana – Chinese Elm – Red bird of paradise – Mesquite – Ruellia Britannia – Palo Brea – Ruellia Katie – Desert willow – Ash varieties – Chinese Pistache

Summer Dormant Plants/Trees: Mexican primrose – Desert Marigold – Verbena – Salvia Greggii – Brittle bush – Pentsemon – Blackfoot Daisy

Frost Protection: The following plants should be covered when temperatures drop below freezing. DO NOT use plastic to cover plants; use dry bed sheets, burlap, frost guard fabric is best. Even after a severe frost most things do recover in the spring or summer. Frost damage is not covered under warranty.

Citrus- Ficus – Agaves -Dwarf Oleander -Arizona Yellow Bells -Hibiscus- Dalbergia Sissoo -Cape Honeysuckle- Lantanas- Bougainvillea- Orange Jubilee ·Exposed Tropical Bird of Paradise- Pigmy Date Palms- Plumbago -Sago Palms- Natal Plum – any tropical type plant.

Put Styrofoam on growth tips of Mexican Fence Post, Senita and other small specimens of Organ Pipe type Cactus. All similar or like kind.

Frost Damage should not initially be cut back it will help with protecting the rest of the plant until spring. Frosted plants should not be removed until mid spring they may just be dormant and most will recover very quickly come spring, sometimes even better than before. Once springs temperatures warm up, trim back portions of plant that will not recover.

Things to Know

Granite: Rocks are a natural product and will vary in size and color from delivery to delivery. The majority of landscapes in Arizona utilize decomposed granite as a top dressing. Decomposed granite comes in many sizes and colors.

• Minus or decomposed rock contains 60% to 80% crushed granite sand.
• Screened rock contains approximately 40% to 60% crushed granite sand.
• Sized rock contains approximately 20% crushed granite sand.

Granite will become thin or decompose slowly over time. It is very common to re-granite or put on a thin, fresh coat every 5 to 7 or more years. This time varies depending on type of granite.

Animals: All efforts should be taken to keep Foreign or Domestic Animals away from eating or urinating or trampling on any part of plants or irrigation material causing damage.

Termite Barrier: Often termite barriers are disturbed when installing landscape. This is often unavoidable and the customer should always have their home retreated after installation by original company who holds your warranty whether termite barrier was disturbed or not. This should be expected and is not a warranty problem by Arizona Living Landscape. It should be considered in your landscape budget while in the planning process.

Yellowing of Leaves or premature leaf drop due to pest: This is generally a sign of over watering. Other possible problems are an infestation of some sort or a vitamin deficiency. Or maybe just a normal cycle of the tree or plant. Often plants such as lantana and other plants may in late summer early fall, suffer from White Fly infestation. Some type of yuccas, agave, and cacti are prone to burrowing bugs that eat the item from the inside out killing it the process. A monthly dose of grub type powder insecticide around these plants should deter them. Other possible solutions can be as simple as cutting back the watering or treating with an appropriate pesticide. A good insecticidal soap is effective against many harmful insects. These can also be found at any home improvement store. Pesticides should always be used with care and only when deemed necessary. But always act at first sign of problems rather than waiting. Consult your local nursery or a pest control company for the best possible solutions.

Note: Good watering and fertilization schedule and removing debris and dead or dying limbs or branches is always good preventive medicine.

Drainage: Customers are always discouraged from blocking their drainage down the side yard, but we are here to work for you and will build your yard the way you want, please take our advice on how to best make your yard drain in the best possible way. Pads and sidewalks can still be added and still drain. Even on a good unobstructed drainage area it can still take up to 72hrs to drain if blocked or even slower.

Weed Control: Pre-emergent twice per year is the best weed control agent in granite areas. Plastic overlays are no longer used. Some weed growth will occur even after treatment and should be manually removed.

For lawns some types of fertilizers have weed control for lawns in them but the best form of control is a combination of pulling them buy hand along with a good fertilizer with weed control.

Nut grass can be very problematic and may take help from a professional weed control company. It can take several treatments and long term care but better addressed sooner than later. It requires a specific weed control to remove it and will spread if you pull them by hand.

Flagstone: Flagstone is a natural stone product from the earth. It will always vary in color, thickness and density. It may even contain fossils from plants and other organisms these will appear as black splotches within the stone. The flagstone has layers and may chip off from time to time. Hairline cracks should be expected within the flagstone mortar joints. Flagstone will have a natural unevenness to it, being a natural stone product.

Where to look for watering schedules: There are several areas to look but be sure it is specific to your area. The following is a good example of things to look under for information.

https://wateruseitwisely.com/region/arizona/index.php