How to Maintain your Lawn in Albuquerque
by
Gabby Hyman, All About Lawns Columnist
Whether you were born here or have relocated, living in the Albuquerque weather is never a boring proposition. Albuquerque averages 63 days a year with temperatures above 90 degrees. Yet the city also averages 115 days with temperatures below freezing. If you live in a condo or apartment with lawn service, weather is of little consequence. But if you're a homeowner trying to keep your grass alive through this topsy-turvy weather, there's plenty to consider. Albuquerque is renowned for having what is called "dry heat". For a well-tended, moderately watered lawn, dry heat is good growing weather. But over-watered grass will catch disease or rot, and under-watered lawns in the Albuquerque summer will simply die.
Evaluating Your Albuquerque Lawn If you're planning to seed or sod a new lawn, it's critical to evaluate your soil condition and terrain before selecting your grass. You might consider calling in a professional lawn service for a free evaluation before you spend money on materials and labor.
In general, turfgrasses like Bermuda grass, blue grama, zoysia grass, and buffalo grass have done well in Albuquerque. Blue grama is a strong, high-altitude grass native to Utah. St. Augustine grass has a low tolerance to heat and may not work so well -- depending on ample water, shade, and wind.
The downside to turfgrass lawns:
- have a high-susceptibility to pests
- are sensitive to lawn disease
- and require excellent drainage
Heat-resistant tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass have also fared very well on Albuquerque area lawns. Be sure to rid your lot of your most-prevalent pests and apply the larger balance of your annual nitrogen fertilizer each fall.
It's a good idea to remember that Albuquerque soil is high on the alkaline side. You may want to ask a local lawn service how to best lower the pH for optimum growth and lifespan.
About the Author
Gabby Hyman has created online strategies and written content for
Fortune 500 companies including eToys, GoTo.com, Siebel Systems,
Microsoft Encarta, Avaya, and Nissan UK.
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