weeds — Sonoran Oasis Landscaping

Don’t Want to Use Chemicals? Organic Material for Weed Maintenance

We’re all concerned about what we’re using to clean our our homes and to keep pests and weeds out of our yards. We are even understanding now that some of our food may contain antibiotics and other additives that we may not want to be ingesting.

You have choices. You can purchase organic produce and meats. And, there are organic materials that you can use to help reduce weeds in your yard. Did you know that if you have a basin or wash, traditional weed control chemicals cannot be sprayed in them? They can leach into the groundwater.

Organic materials are a more earth friendly way to help with your weed control efforts. Corn gluten is an organic material that works to help keep weed seeds from germinating. And, there is a citrus-oil based product that works to kill weeds that are already growing. Watch our short video to find out more.

Contact us at (520) 370-5697 or through this blog post if you have questions about organic weed control materials. They are a viable alternative to other weed control methods.

Monsoons in the Desert

The monsoons seem to have finally started in Tucson. It’s a welcome relief to the 114 degree weather we’ve been having. And, it helps slow down or stop the terrible wildfires we’ve been having throughout Arizona.

The summer rains are often the only water that desert plants get this time of year. For landscape plants, the monsoons allow you to turn off your automatic irrigation system and save some water while they’re here. A rain sensor is an easy way to ensure that your irrigation is not running when it’s

raining. It’s inexpensive and easy to install.

Another not so welcome result of our summer rains is weeds. The monsoons bring just the jump-start weeds need to grow. And, it doesn’t take much. In just a few days time after the rains, you’ll start to see weeds starting to emerge. Pre-emergent chemicals can help keep weeds from popping up. They should be applied before a rain for the best results. When you’ve missed the opportunity for that, post-emergent weed killers can be used on the weeds you can actually see. Desert Broom, Spurge and Russian Thistle (or tumbleweed) are some common weeds you’re likely to see in Arizona.

We take the good with the bad in the desert. And, the rains are definitely considered good especially when the heat has been so bad. Summer flowers will be blooming especially bright with the monsoon water. Enjoy the cooling rains and stay safe by staying out of flooded washes!