As summer fades and the weather begins to cool, your natural turf enters one of the most important stages of the year: the fall transition. This phase sets the stage for how well your lawn, sports field, or landscape will perform through winter and into spring. Proper fall preparation ensures healthy roots, improved resilience, and a lush green surface you can enjoy year-round.

Why the Fall Transition Matters

During the hot summer months, natural turf often experiences stress from high temperatures, heavy use, and drought conditions. The fall transition period gives your grass the chance to recover and strengthen before cooler weather arrives. By focusing on soil health, proper nutrition, and maintenance practices now, you’ll build a strong foundation that carries your turf through the dormant months.

Aeration and Overseeding

One of the best ways to help your grass transition is through aeration. Aerating relieves soil compaction, improves water penetration, and allows roots to access oxygen and nutrients more efficiently. Pair this with overseeding to fill in thin or bare spots. Fall’s cooler temperatures and more consistent moisture make it the perfect season for new seed germination, giving your turf a denser, healthier appearance.

Fertilization for Strong Roots

Feeding your turf in fall is essential. Apply a fertilizer high in potassium and balanced with nitrogen to promote root development and overall plant health. Unlike spring fertilization, which focuses on top growth, fall fertilization is all about strengthening the root system so your turf can withstand colder temperatures and bounce back quickly in spring.

Adjusting Irrigation

With cooler weather and shorter days, your turf won’t need the same amount of water as it did in summer. Reduce irrigation frequency, but water deeply when you do. This encourages roots to grow downward, increasing drought resistance and stability. Keep an eye on rainfall, and adjust your schedule accordingly to prevent overwatering.

Mowing Best Practices

Continue mowing your grass through fall, but gradually lower the mowing height as the season progresses. This helps prevent matting, reduces disease risk, and keeps your lawn looking tidy. Be sure to sharpen mower blades — dull blades can damage grass, leaving it more susceptible to stress.

Traffic Management

Fall often means more activity on sod, whether it’s backyard gatherings, holiday events, or sports seasons. Consider rotating play areas or using protective covers on high-traffic zones to prevent compaction and wear. Giving turf recovery time during this season helps ensure long-term durability.

The Payoff in Spring

By investing time in your fall transition, you’re setting up your natural turf for long-lasting success. Healthy roots, stronger density, and a well-nourished surface mean your lawn or field will green up faster and perform better when temperatures rise again.

At West Coast Turf, we know that seasonal care makes all the difference. Whether you’re managing a professional sports field or your own backyard, the steps you take in fall will keep your turf looking its best for months to come. For more information, visit westcoastturf.com

Fall is here, football season is in full swing, and nothing beats gathering friends and family to cheer on your favorite team. While tailgating in the stadium parking lot is a tradition, you can bring that same energy home by transforming your lawn into the ultimate game day hangout. With the right setup—and a little help from healthy natural grass—you’ll score big with your guests every weekend.

Home Field Advantage: Why Turf Matters

A lush, well-maintained lawn sets the stage for an unforgettable outdoor viewing party. Unlike concrete patios or artificial surfaces, natural turf stays cooler, provides a comfortable space to sit or play, and creates that authentic “stadium field” vibe. With West Coast Turf, you’re not just rolling out grass—you’re rolling out the red carpet for tailgating fun.

Set Up the Sidelines

Think of your backyard as your personal arena. Arrange chairs, blankets, and even beanbags to create cozy seating areas where guests can settle in. If you’ve got the space, set up a projector screen or large outdoor TV to give everyone a front-row seat. And don’t forget shade solutions—tents or umbrellas help keep your fans comfortable during day games.

Turf-Friendly Game Day Activities

Football isn’t the only sport that makes game day exciting. Your lawn is the perfect space for cornhole, ladder toss, or even a quick two-hand touch scrimmage before kickoff. West Coast Turf’s durable sod varieties can handle the traffic, so you won’t have to worry about bare patches after the fun. Just be sure to rotate high-use areas to let your grass recover after the final whistle.

Grilling and Chilling

Every tailgate needs great food. Set up your grill in a safe zone, away from high-traffic turf areas, and keep a cooler stocked with drinks nearby. If you want to really impress your crew, build a DIY snack station with turf-inspired décor—mini goalposts, team-colored tableware, and football-shaped serving trays. It’s a small touch that makes a big impact.

Turf Care Timeouts

Heavy foot traffic can be tough on any lawn, but a few simple steps will keep your turf game-day ready. Before the weekend, give your grass a fresh mow (but not too short) and water it deeply. After the party, lightly rake and check for compacted spots—an occasional aeration during football season helps your turf bounce back stronger than your rival’s defense.

Celebrate the Win (Even if Your Team Doesn’t)

Whether your team takes home the victory or not, your lawn will be the real MVP when it hosts friends, family, and unforgettable memories all season long. With West Coast Turf, you’ll enjoy professional-quality grass that looks and feels like the real deal—because it is.

This football season, bring the tailgate to your turf. With the right setup and a little care, your backyard can rival any stadium lot. After all, why fight the crowds when you’ve already got home-field advantage? For more information, or to learn more, visit westcoastturf.com.

Summer in California and Arizona brings intense heat, low humidity, and long, sunny days—conditions that can be challenging for maintaining a lush, healthy lawn. But with the right turf care strategies, your grass can thrive even during the hottest months. Here’s your ultimate guide to keeping your turf in peak condition this summer.

1. Choose the Right Turfgrass Variety

The foundation of summer natural grass success starts with choosing the right variety. In the Southwest, warm-season grasses like Bermudagrass, TifTuf, and Tahoma 31 are ideal choices. These varieties are drought-tolerant, heat-resistant, and bounce back quickly from wear and tear. West Coast Turf offers these high-performance options, specially cultivated for California and Arizona climates.

2. Water Wisely

Efficient irrigation is essential in summer. Instead of watering every day, focus on deep, infrequent watering to encourage strong root growth. Early morning is the best time to water—before 8 a.m.—to reduce evaporation and fungal growth. Make sure your irrigation system is properly adjusted to avoid runoff and uneven coverage.

3. Mow Smart

Raise your mower blade during the summer months. Taller grass blades provide more shade to the soil, reducing evaporation and helping roots grow deeper. Never remove more than one-third of the blade length at a time, and always mow with sharp blades to avoid stressing the turf.

4. Fertilize Appropriately

Feeding your lawn during the growing season is critical, but timing and type matter. Use a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer to sustain steady growth without burning the turf. Avoid over-fertilizing during peak heat—it can stress the grass. Consult with your local West Coast Turf specialist for a fertilization plan tailored to your grass type and region.

5. Control Weeds and Pests

Summer conditions can lead to an increase in weeds and insect activity. Keep your turf dense and healthy to naturally crowd out weeds. Monitor for pests such as grubs and chinch bugs, and use targeted treatments if necessary. Integrated pest management practices are ideal for minimizing chemical use while maintaining control.

6. Aerate If Needed

Compacted soil can prevent water, air, and nutrients from reaching roots. If your lawn feels spongy or has heavy foot traffic, core aeration can relieve compaction and improve turf performance. Aerating in early summer can give your lawn a mid-season boost.

7. Stay Consistent

The key to summer turf care is consistency. Stick to a regular mowing, watering, and maintenance schedule. A little attention each week will prevent problems and keep your turf looking great all season long.

Summer lawn care in California and Arizona comes with its challenges, but with the right grass, tools, and techniques, you can maintain a beautiful, resilient yard. At West Coast Turf, we’re here to provide expert guidance and the highest quality sod for your unique climate. Contact us today to learn more about our summer-ready turfgrass options! 

Visit westcoastturf.com for more information and be sure to follow us on socials. 

When you think of Earth Day, you probably picture recycling drives, park clean-ups, or planting a tree — but the biggest environmental impact you can make might be right outside your door. In Arizona and California, where water conservation is a year-round priority, choosing the right grass is more than a landscaping decision — it’s a commitment to a healthier planet.

At West Coast Turf, we’re proud to grow and supply sod that not only looks great but also helps protect the natural resources of the place we all call home.

The Eco-Friendly Lawn Revolution

In the past, a “perfect” lawn usually meant high water bills, heavy fertilizer use, and a lot of maintenance. But times have changed, and so has the definition of a great yard. More and more Arizona and California homeowners are embracing warm-season grasses and drought-tolerant options as part of an eco-friendly lifestyle.

Warm-season grasses like Bermudagrass and Seashore Paspalum are specifically designed for the sunny, dry conditions common in the Southwest. These grasses:

✔️ Require less water than cool-season grasses
✔️ Handle extreme heat with ease
✔️ Stay green and durable in high-traffic areas
✔️ Promote healthy soil and reduce runoff

For areas where water restrictions are tight or for homeowners looking for even more sustainable options, Kurapia ground cover and native grass blends are excellent alternatives that reduce irrigation needs even further while adding visual beauty and biodiversity to your landscape.

Beyond Grass: Natural Lawns vs. Artificial Turf

Artificial turf is often marketed as a “green” solution — but in reality, it lacks nearly all of the environmental benefits of living grass. Natural lawns:

• Absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen
• Cool the surrounding environment (artificial turf can reach dangerously high temperatures)
• Filter stormwater and help replenish groundwater
• Support local wildlife and biodiversity

On Earth Day and every day, investing in a real, living landscape helps keep your yard healthier and the environment cleaner.

Smart Lawn Care for the Seasons

Another way Arizona and California homeowners can be eco-friendly is by adjusting seasonal lawn care.

Winter overseeding — often done for a year-round green appearance — comes at the cost of extra water during the cooler months. On the other hand, allowing your warm-season grass to go dormant over winter (called winter rest) saves water and gives your lawn a natural break before it reawakens in spring.

It’s a simple choice that helps your landscape work with the seasons, rather than against them.

Your lawn can do more than just look great — it can make a real difference. Choosing the right sod, using water wisely, and prioritizing living landscapes over synthetic shortcuts are all ways to create a more sustainable outdoor space for your family and future generations.

At West Coast Turf, we’re committed to providing California and Arizona homeowners with the highest-quality, environmentally smart sod options. Whether you’re installing a new lawn or upgrading an old one, your choices today can help shape a greener tomorrow.

Visit westcoastturf.com to explore our warm-season grass varieties and expert resources. Let’s grow greener, together.

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.

Maintaining a lush California and Arizona lawn during the warm winter months in desert climates requires thoughtful care and attention. Here are some effective strategies to ensure your grass remains vibrant and healthy despite the warmer days and cooler nights.

1. Aerate and Overseed

Aeration is crucial for improving soil health. Use an aerator to create small holes in the lawn, allowing water, air, and nutrients to penetrate the soil more effectively. This process helps reduce soil compaction and promotes stronger root growth. Following aeration, overseed with a winter-hardy grass mix, such as ryegrass, to fill in any sparse areas and prepare your lawn for spring growth.

2. Fertilize Wisely

Apply a winter-specific fertilizer to provide essential nutrients during the cooler months. This is particularly important for warm-season grasses that may still be growing. Fertilizing helps maintain color and vigor, ensuring your lawn is ready for the warmer months ahead. Aim to fertilize every 6 to 8 weeks during winter.

3. Adjust Watering Practices

Here in the Coachella Valley we have strict conservation practices: no watering until dusk or later. Watering needs change significantly in winter. In desert climates, it’s important to water deeply but less frequently. For trees, water to a depth of 3 feet; for shrubs, 2 feet; and for ground cover, about 1 foot. Monitor soil moisture levels to avoid overwatering, which can harm desert-adapted plants. Ask a professional if unsure.

4. Regular Mowing

Keep your grass at an optimal height of about 2 to 2.5 inches. Regular mowing encourages healthy growth and prevents disease by allowing sunlight to reach the soil. During winter, you may not need to mow as frequently; adjust your schedule based on growth rates.

5. Clear Debris

Maintaining a clean lawn is vital for preventing disease and promoting healthy growth. Regularly remove leaves, branches, and other debris that can block sunlight and trap moisture. This practice also helps reduce pest habitats. This includes all of those festive holiday lawn decorations as well.

6. Monitor for Pests and Diseases

Even in warmer climates, pests can be active during winter months. Keep an eye out for signs of infestations or diseases and treat them promptly. Regular inspections can help catch issues before they become serious problems.Talk to your lawn care maintenance providers. 

By following these tailored tips for winter lawn care in desert climates like Palm Springs, and the greater Coachella Valley, homeowners can enjoy a beautiful and healthy lawn year-round. With proper aeration, fertilization, watering practices, mowing, debris management, and pest monitoring, your lawn will thrive even through the cooler months.

Implementing these strategies will not only enhance your lawn’s appearance but also set it up for success as temperatures rise again here shortly in spring!

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

Maintaining a beautiful lawn while accommodating pets can be challenging but rewarding. Here are five essential tips for lawn care that will help you achieve a lush, green turf while ensuring your furry friends can enjoy their outdoor space safely.

1. Choose Durable Grass Varieties

Selecting the right type of grass is crucial for a pet-friendly lawn. Opt for durable grass species that can withstand wear and tear from pets running and playing. Varieties depend on climate and area:

Bermuda & Rye grasses work best in our arid desert climate, depending on time of year.

These grasses are more resilient to pet activities and less likely to suffer from damage caused by urine or digging.

2. Implement Regular Maintenance Routines

Regular maintenance is key to keeping your lawn healthy. This includes:

– Frequent Mowing: Keeping your grass at a height of about 2 to 3 inches helps it recover from pet traffic and reduces the visibility of any yellow spots caused by urine.

– Watering: Water your lawn regularly, especially after your pet relieves itself. This dilutes the nitrogen in urine, preventing brown patches.

– Fertilizing: Use pet-friendly fertilizers and apply them less frequently to avoid overloading the soil with nitrogen, which can harm your grass.

 3. Create Designated Pet Areas

To protect your lawn, consider creating specific areas for your pets to play and relieve themselves. This eliminates any “landmines” you may step in as well.  This can be done by:

– Installing Fencing or decorative rock perimeters: Use natural barriers or fences to separate pet areas from the rest of your lawn.

– Setting Up Potty Zones: Designate a specific spot filled with mulch or gravel for bathroom breaks. This not only keeps your main lawn intact but also helps train your pets to use that area consistently.

 4. Clean Up Promptly

Immediate cleanup of pet waste is essential for maintaining a healthy lawn. Regularly remove solid waste and rinse areas where pets urinate to prevent odor buildup and grass damage. This practice not only keeps your lawn looking good but also promotes a healthier environment for both pets and humans.

5. Minimize Chemical Exposure

When caring for your lawn, choose organic or pet-safe products whenever possible. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could harm your pets if ingested or inhaled. Always keep pets indoors during lawn treatments until the area is safe again. Using natural ingredients for pest control and fertilization will ensure a safe environment for your furry friends while maintaining vibrant turf.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a beautiful, thriving lawn that accommodates your pets’ needs without compromising on aesthetics or safety. For more information visit 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