Taming Tucson’s Summer Weeds: How to Control Monsoon Growth Before It Takes Over

Common Summer Weeds in Tucson: Recognizing and Managing Bermuda Grass, Buffel Grass, London Rocket, Purslane, and Russian Thistle. These resilient weeds flourish in the area's heat and monsoon climate, presenting dangers like fire risks and competition with preferred plants.

When the monsoon storms roll into Tucson, they bring much-needed rain that transforms our desert landscape into a lush, green scene almost overnight. For many homeowners, it feels magical to watch the desert come alive. But with that beauty comes an unwelcome guest—summer weeds.

Picture this: you spend hours keeping your yard neat and desert-appropriate, only to find large-sized patches of Bermudagrass sprouting through your decorative gravel, or sticky Buffelgrass crowding your saguaros. Within days, weeds can outgrow your favorite plants, create fire hazards, and even damage irrigation systems. That’s why understanding Tucson’s most common summer weeds—and how to control them—is essential to keeping your landscape beautiful and healthy.

Common Summer Weeds in Tucson

1. Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) A persistent grassy weed, Bermudagrass spreads quickly through runners and seeds. It thrives after monsoon rains and is notorious for taking over gravel yards and garden beds. Once established, it’s very difficult to remove without professional help. Learn more from the University of California Integrated Pest Management Program.

   
   

2. Buffelgrass (Pennisetum ciliare) Originally introduced for cattle forage, Buffelgrass is now one of Tucson’s most dangerous invasive species. Not only does it crowd out native plants, but it also increases wildfire risk because of its dense, dry fuel. Learn more about the threat from the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.

   
   

3. London Rocket (Sisymbrium irio) This mustard-family weed tends to explode in numbers after rains. It produces thousands of seeds, ensuring it will return year after year if not controlled early. The University of Arizona highlights how invasive it has become in Tucson.

   
   

4. Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) Though technically edible, this sprawling succulent weed grows rapidly across bare soil and landscape beds during warm, wet weather. Left unchecked, it can smother smaller desert plants. The University of Arizona AZ Invasive Plants database provides more details on its spread.

   
   

5. Russian Thistle (Salsola tragus) Better known as tumbleweed, this invasive weed dries up quickly and becomes a rolling fire hazard in Tucson’s dry winds. The University of California IPM provides further background information.

   
   

How to Control Summer Weeds

• Hand Pulling: Effective for small infestations and young weeds before they set seed. Make sure to remove the root system to prevent regrowth.

• Mulching & Ground Covers: A layer of mulch or decomposed granite can suppress new weed growth by limiting sunlight and seed germination.

• Pre-Emergent Herbicides: Applying a pre-emergent before monsoon season can stop weed seeds from germinating in the first place. The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension recommends timing applications for best results.

• Targeted Herbicides: For tough invaders like Buffelgrass or Bermudagrass, selective herbicides may be necessary. Professional application ensures safety for your desirable plants and surrounding environment. See UA Weed Management Resources.

• Professional Landscaping Services: Sometimes, weeds spread too quickly to tackle alone. A professional crew can not only remove existing weeds but also design long-term prevention strategies.

  
  

Take Back Your Landscape

Don’t let monsoon weeds take over your desert paradise. At Sonoran Oasis Landscaping, our expert crews know Tucson’s unique weed challenges inside and out. Whether it’s invasive Buffelgrass threatening your property or Bermudagrass creeping into your irrigation lines, we provide safe, effective solutions that keep your landscape looking its best year-round.

Call us today at (520) 546-2994 or visit Sonoran Oasis Landscaping to schedule weed control and landscape maintenance before weeds gain the upper hand.

Author

Deborah Munoz-Chacon

ISA Certified Arborist & AZ PMD Weed Control License

Owner, Sonoran Oasis Landscaping