In Las Vegas it is difficult sometimes to maintain a beautiful yard. Our seasons change more dramatically than anyone expects, with temperatures ranging from freezing to well over 100 degrees. While a large amount of plants that might be used in landscaping in more temperate climates may do well in between these extremes, when the inevitable cold or hot that comes with living in the desert happens, most plants will suffer. While grass lawns will generally fare better than other plants, grass does not respond well to the extreme heat of Las Vegas without copious amounts of watering in order to keep it hydrated. Without this watering, you will find your grass quickly turning brown if not dying in patches. As the heat increases to greater levels, the watering must be increased as well in order to keep it healthy.
This raises an issue with regards to your lawn and how good it can look legally. A lush lawn that remains thick and green is going to require more than 55 gallons of water every year per square foot, which is far more than is able to be required under the watering restrictions imposed by the city. They are well aware that the restricted amounts are not enough to keep your grass green, but in order to conserve water for human and animals to drink it is realized that your grass must be sacrificed. Even if you have the ability to afford the fines that you would receive from over watering, one of the penalties can be a complete shutoff of your water to your home for repeat offenders. Nobody, including the city, wants for you to be unhappy and as a result they suggest more water smart landscaping ideas that will not require the amounts of water that grass does. Simply put, grass is not a good fit for the desert and you are strongly encouraged to remove it and replace it with an alternative.
There are programs in place in Las Vegas designed to take some of the sting away from the costs of removing grass during watering restriction periods. One program reimburses home owners up to 2 dollars per square foot for all grass that is removed and replaced with a ground covering that is considered “water smart.” This can include artificial turf, which will mimic the look and feel of your current grass all year long, essentially providing you with the beautiful green grass that you have always struggled to get, but doing so with an artificial product. Synthetic turf is plastic, and if installed correctly will look as good as your grass does during the best times, and better than it ever has during the harsh extremes of hot and cold. It will provide a safe a cushioned ground covering that makes a perfect play area for children and pets, and provides a clean and tidy look to any yard. When you are ready to improve your home, save money, save water and get a rebate for doing it, contact Desert Greenscapes for a free estimate.