In Arizona, Bermuda grass is grown in the summer and Rye grass in the winter. The landscape design guidelines for Verrado do not require overseeding in the winter when the Bermuda grass goes dormant. Bermuda grass will begin growing again in May and will be green and healthy with the appropriate amount of watering throughout the summer months.

As the community grows and the trees mature, the tree lined streets provide a shady canopy which is a welcome reprieve from the summer heat. However, the shade from mature trees creates a challenge for Bermuda grass to thrive. With this understanding, the Residential Design Guidelines for Verrado provides opportunities for Owners who are interested in replacing front yard turf with a desert landscape theme or even artificial turf.

If you are thinking about a desert landscape theme, here are a couple of important design requirements to keep in mind:
1. In the Main Street and Heritage Districts, decomposed granite must be ½” screened and ‘Saddleback Brown’.
2. In the Victory District, decomposed granite must be ½” or ¾” screened and ‘Mountain Vista Brown’.
3. A combination of shrubs, ground cover and accent plants must be planted at a minimum density of 1 plant per 25 square feet.

If you are thinking about installing artificial turf, here are a couple of important design requirements to keep in mind:
1. 400 square feet is the maximum total area of artificial turf allowed on Lots with street frontage of less than 65’ | 450 square feet is the maximum total area of artificial turf allowed on Lots with street frontage greater than 65’ (requests for artificial turf that exceed the square footage requirements are reviewed on a case-by-case basis)
2. Trees, shrubs and groundcover are required in the front yard in addition to the artificial turf. This helps give the artificial turf a more ‘natural’ appearance.
3. Artificial turf must have the appearance of ‘real Rye or Bermuda grass’ and have a face weight of 60 ounces and a pile height of 1 1/2” – 2”. Review Appendix “I” in Residential Design Guidelines for Verrado.

Prior to beginning any front yard landscape modifications, be sure to review Appendix “J” A Simple Guide to Front Yard Landscapes in Residential Design Guidelines for Verrado. The Guidelines will provide you with the detailed requirements for desert landscape and artificial turf.

All front yard landscape modifications do require approval from the Design Review Committee prior to any work beginning. The Design Review Application . The Design Review Committee meets weekly and is happy to assist with any landscape questions you may have.