Grass

• You can still plant Bermuda grass.
• Fertilize Bermuda grass lawns with nitrogen according to the directions on the package.
• Apply one inch of water per week to Bermuda lawns.
• Raise the mowing height to 2.5 to 3 inches.
• If your grass needs to be dethatched, you can still do it in August.

Trees/Shrubs

• Apply nitrogen fertilizer to fall ripening fruit trees like oranges and tangerines late in the month.
• Apply nitrogen and zinc to pecan trees.
• Pecans also need more water than most other shade trees.
• Increase water to trees and shrubs as it gets hotter. Apply mulch to the ground around the base of heat sensitive plants keep the roots cooler and prevent evaporation. Keep the mulch several inches away from the trunk.
• Cut off spent blooms to stimulate re-bloom (VERY IMPORTANT)
• Native and imported heat tolerant plants can be planted. They will need to be watered on a regular basis until fall.
• Protect newly transplanted trees from heavy winds and dust storms by staking.
• Late August or early September fertilization will benefit most plants.
• August is a good time to plant Bougainvillea, Yellow Bells, Oleanders, Acacias, Cassias, Eucalyptus, Mesquites, and Palo Verdes. During their first few weeks, they will need daily watering.

Flowers

• Water roses deeply
• Hose off rose plants in the early morning to increase humidity and control spider mites.
• If roses show yellowing from iron deficiency add an iron supplement.
• You can still plant summer flowers to plant, however you will have to pull them up and plant the winter flowers during late October, so there’s not much time left.

Vegetables

• Plant seed for fall vegetables: Snap Beans, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Chinese Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Collard Greens, Corn, Cucumbers, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce (Head & Leaf) Leeks, Mustard, Green Onions, Summer Squash.
• Transplant tomato plants.
• Prepare flower beds for fall plantings. Irrigate and then cover with clear plastic for six weeks.
• August is a good time to plant melons.

1. Don’t prune Citrus or other sun sensitive plants during the summer. (Includes Pygmy Date Palms)
2. Don’t over water. Yes, it’s very hot in the desert in August, so it might seem like watering more is the answer. Not necessarily true. Water slowly (prevents run off), deeply (use a soil probe or a long handled screwdriver to check that the water is penetrating 2-3 ft. deep for trees and shrubs, and 1- 1 1/2 ft. deep for turf & flowers), and infrequently (let the soil dry between watering).
3. Watering at night can lead to fungal disease.
4. Don’t add fertilizer to dry soil. If you apply dry fertilizer on dry soil and water it in, the fertilizer is carried toward the roots as a concentrated solution and will burn them. Always water first, then apply fertilizers to moist soils, and then continue with the rest of the water.

This month’s project is a custom outdoor kitchen by Alexon Steel Works. It is an L-shaped kitchen wrapped around an existing pillar of the covered patio. For the counter-top, we did a custom tile installation with glass and slate inserts. We faced the back side of the structure with “Dakota Brown” veneer stone. The bar provides for seating of up to 8 with foot rail at the bottom.

In Arizona, we tend to spend our time outside at opposite times of the rest of the country. We are ending our hot summer months and heading in to our bbq season. With the temperature cooling and football season rapidly approaching, Alexon Steel Works can be your custom outdoor kitchen provider.

For your outdoor kitchen needs, please call Alexon Design at 480.699.7796 and ask for Eddie Grant.

See more of this property: Click Here

Grass

• Plant your Bermuda lawns if you haven’t already.
• Apply iron to your lawn once per month.
• If it’s time to dethatch, do it during the active growing season, May through August. Dethatch every two or three years to rejuvenate the grass.

Trees/Shrubs

• Apply mulch to the ground around heat sensitive plants to keep the roots cooler and prevent evaporation.
• Heat tolerant plants can be planted right through the summer months. They will need to be watered on a regular basis until fall.
• Transplant palms, mesquites, palo verdes, and other arid shrubs and trees in the heat of the summer for best results.
• Prune bougainvillea and lantana to stimulate growth and blooms.
• Transplant hibiscus. Fertilize hibiscus and palms with palm tree food and keep watered. For established hibiscus, prune back about one-third of the new growth.

Flowers

• Cut back on fertilizing established roses to encourage plants to slow down for the hot summer.
• Water roses deeply as temperatures rise.
• Hose off roses in the early morning to increase humidity and control spider mites.
• Flowers for summer color include: celosia, coreopsis, cosmos, gazanias, globe amaranth, portulaca, zinnia, salvia, vinca (periwinkle), gomphorena and verbena.
• Flowerbeds will need irrigation every other day through the summer.
• Use ammonium phosphate in flower beds to increase and keep flowers blooming.
• Stake taller flowers to prevent damage from summer winds.

Vegetables

• Plant seeds for cucumbers, squash, cantaloupe, muskmelon
• Plant transplants: sweet potatoes
• Keep plants moist. Wilted leaves in the morning are a sign of moisture stress. Late afternoon wilting may be heat stress.
• Use sunscreens that offer no more than 50% sun reduction.
• As your melons come in, place a board beneath them. This will keep them off the moist soil and prevent insects from attacking them.
• Begin harvesting onions and garlic.

1. Don’t over water. Yes, it’s very hot in the desert in June, so it might seem like watering more is the answer. Not necessarily true. Water slowly (prevents run off), deeply (use a soil probe or a long handled screwdriver to check that the water is penetrating 2-3 ft. deep for trees and shrubs, and 1- 1 1/2 ft. deep for turf & flowers), and infrequently (let the soil dry between watering).
2. Do not prune citrus during the summer.
3. Don’t shade corn, squash, melons, black-eyed peas, okra, or grapes.
4. Don’t add fertilizer to dry soil. If you apply dry fertilizer on dry soil and water it in, the fertilizer is carried toward the roots as a concentrated solution and will burn them. Always water first, then apply fertilizers to moist soils, and then continue with the rest of the water.

This new home in north Scottsdale was a real treat to work on. The front courtyard was intended to make a huge impact for guests as they enter the home. It also acts as “Happy Hour” time in the evenings. The backyard is just like a resort destination. The use of space was critical, and enhanced with several different seating areas. The water features and synthetic turf help to soften the hardscape of travertine and stacked stone.

To renovate your backyard, call the office at 480.699.7796.

See more of this property: Click Here