- September 1, 2025
- Posted by: Justin Pauling
- Category: Uncategorized
Landscaping in the Phoenix Valley is like caring for a garden in the heart of the desert. With triple-digit summer heat, dry winds, and nutrient-poor soil, even seasoned gardeners face challenges. That’s why knowing when and how to fertilize is essential in this unique desert climate. Proper timing and technique can mean the difference between a thriving landscape and one that struggles to survive.
Fertilization is more than just encouraging growth—it’s about giving your plants the essential nutrients they need to stay healthy, strong, and resilient through Arizona’s harsh conditions. Timing, technique, and the right type of fertilizer are crucial.
At Kevens Landscape, we’ve spent over 35 years helping homeowners in El Mirage and the greater Phoenix area create and maintain beautiful, heat-tolerant landscapes. Here’s our comprehensive guide on when and how to fertilize your desert lawn, trees, and plants for year-round success.
Understanding Fertilization in Phoenix’s Desert Climate
Desert soils in Phoenix often lack two critical nutrients: nitrogen and iron. These deficiencies can cause yellowing leaves, weak growth, and reduced flowering.
Why is this common? Arizona’s desert soil is typically sandy or clay-heavy, both of which are poor at holding nutrients and moisture. Combine that with intense sun and low rainfall, and it’s even harder for plants to absorb what they need.
Fertilizing your landscape helps by:
- Replacing missing nutrients in poor soils
- Promoting healthy root and foliage development
- Supporting blooms and fruit production
- Enhancing drought and heat resistance
Understanding your soil’s composition and deficiencies is key. You can even get a soil test done to help guide your fertilization strategy.
Fertilizing Warm-Season Lawns (Like Bermuda Grass) in Phoenix
Spring Fertilizing (March to May)
As temperatures begin to rise in early spring, Bermuda grass starts to green up. This is your cue to begin fertilizing. Use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer every 6 to 8 weeks to support lush, green growth.
Benefits:
- Encourages rapid green-up and recovery from winter dormancy
- Strengthens root systems before summer heat
- Boosts density and overall turf health
Choosing a slow-release fertilizer helps prevent burning and allows nutrients to release gradually, providing sustained nourishment.
Summer Fertilizing (June to August)
Avoid fertilizing during the peak of summer. Arizona’s extreme heat can stress lawns, and adding fertilizer during this period may do more harm than good.
Risks of Summer Fertilizing:
- Increased plant stress
- Greater risk of root burn
- Potential for dehydration and grass dieback
During this time, it’s best to focus on proper watering and mowing practices to support your lawn without overloading it with nutrients.
Fall Fertilizing (September to October)
As temperatures begin to drop in the fall, fertilizing helps prepare your Bermuda grass for cooler months. This is also an ideal time to overseed with ryegrass if desired.
Benefits:
- Promotes root development and recovery from summer stress
- Supports establishment of winter grass
- Maintains a green, healthy lawn throughout fall and early winter
Apply fertilizer every 6–8 weeks through mid-October, tapering off as growth slows.
Fertilizing Arizona Trees and Non-Desert Shrubs
Spring Fertilizing
Trees and non-native shrubs benefit from a balanced fertilizer application in early spring. This prepares them for their most active growing season.
Supports:
- Leaf and flower production
- Strong branch and root development
- Overall plant vigor and resilience
Use a deep-root feeding method or slow-release stakes to ensure nutrients reach the roots.
Fall Fertilizing
In early fall, another round of fertilization helps trees and shrubs store energy for the winter months.
Why Fall Fertilization Matters:
- Replenishes nutrients lost during summer
- Encourages root growth in cooler temperatures
- Improves spring bud formation and flowering
Avoid fertilizing trees that are going fully dormant in winter, such as deciduous varieties.
Why Fall Fertilization Is Crucial for Desert Plants
While spring is popular for fertilizing, fall may be even more important for desert-adapted plants. Many native and desert-friendly plants use the cooler months to store nutrients in preparation for their next active growth period.
Fall Fertilization Benefits:
- Supports long-term root development
- Helps rebuild from summer heat damage
- Provides nutrient reserves for spring
This is especially helpful for flowering perennials and shrubs that bloom early in the year. A fall feeding ensures they’re ready to burst with color when spring arrives.
If you’re updating your landscape this fall, read our Ultimate Guide to Landscape Installation for tips on timing and plant selection.
Key Fertilization Mistakes to Avoid as a Phoenix Homeowner
Avoiding common mistakes can protect your plants and save you time and money.
Top Fertilization Errors:
- Fertilizing during extreme summer heat
- Feeding dormant or stressed plants
- Over-fertilizing, which can lead to nutrient burn
- Using fast-release fertilizers that overwhelm the plant
Desert plants thrive with less frequent, well-timed feedings. Learn more about low maintenance landscape ideas that can reduce the need for ongoing fertilization.
Best Practices for Fertilizing in Arizona
Getting the most out of your fertilizer requires understanding your soil, your plants, and the environment.
Best Practices:
- Use slow-release fertilizers to avoid nutrient spikes
- Water deeply after application to move nutrients to the root zone
- Adjust watering schedules with the seasons; see our water-saving tips for more
- Apply fertilizers in the morning or evening to avoid heat stress
- Correct deficiencies like nitrogen and iron with targeted products
You can also use compost or organic fertilizers to boost soil structure while feeding your plants.
Professional Landscaping Support in Phoenix
Fertilizing in Arizona isn’t always easy. Between extreme heat, poor soil, and unique plant needs, it helps to have an expert on your side.
Kevens Landscape has been serving Phoenix and the surrounding areas—including El Mirage, Scottsdale, Goodyear, Surprise, Peoria, and Glendale—for over 35 years. Our team offers:
- Fertilization and lawn care
- Tree and shrub health management
- Irrigation system installation and repair
- Landscape lighting design
- Landscape design and 3D planning
- Ongoing landscape maintenance
We take pride in helping homeowners create beautiful, functional outdoor spaces that stand up to Arizona’s tough climate.
Final Fertilization Tips for Thriving Arizona Landscapes
Proper fertilization can make a big difference in the health and appearance of your lawn, trees, and garden. By focusing on spring and fall applications—and avoiding the harsh summer months—you can give your landscape the nutrients it needs to thrive.
If you’re ready for expert help with your fertilization schedule, irrigation system, or complete yard transformation, Kevens Landscape is here to help.
Visit Kevens Landscape or call us today to request a quote. We proudly serve El Mirage, Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, Goodyear, Surprise, and Peoria.
Let us help you grow a healthier, more beautiful landscape—season after season.