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A Quick Guide to Winter Grass for East Valley Homeowners
Every fall, lawns across the East Valley start fading from green to brown, and a lot of homeowners assume something has gone wrong. Most of the time, nothing has. Here are five things most people don’t know about winter grass, and what they mean for your lawn this season.
1. Brown Bermuda Isn’t Dead, It’s Dormant
Bermuda is a warm-season grass. When temperatures drop in the fall, it slows down and goes dormant, which is why it turns brown. It is resting, not dying, and it will green back up once the weather warms up in the spring. If you want a green lawn in the meantime, overseeding with winter rye on top of your dormant Bermuda keeps your lawn looking green all the way until May.
2. October Is the Best Time to Overseed
The Yard Experts recommend overseeding in October. Fall temperatures in the valley are just right for two things to happen at the same time: your Bermuda lawn goes dormant, and your winter rye seed germinates. That timing gives your new rye the best possible start.
3. Turn Off Your Lawn’s Water Two Weeks Before You Overseed
If you plan on overseeding this winter, turn off the water to your lawn about two weeks before your overseeding service. This allows your Bermuda summer grass to go into dormancy, so your winter rye doesn’t have to compete with it. The result is a full, green lawn all winter long. Be sure to turn off only the zones that water your lawn, not your whole irrigation system, so your plants and trees keep getting the water they need.
4. The Process: Scalp, Seed, Mulch, Fertilize, and Water
Getting winter rye to take hold comes down to five steps:
- Scalp
Cut your Bermuda down low so the new seed can make contact with the soil. - Seed
Spread high quality winter rye seed evenly across the lawn. - Mulch
Cover the seed with a light layer of mulch to help hold in moisture. - Fertilize
Apply a starter fertilizer to give the new grass a strong start. - Water lightly, multiple times a day
Keep the soil moist at all times while the seed germinates.
With the right care, you should expect to see sprouting in one to three weeks.
5. You Don’t Need to Overseed Every Year
Overseeding every single year is popular here in the East Valley, but we actually recommend overseeding every other year. Giving your Bermuda a year off helps protect its long-term health. If you want a compromise, at least skip every third year of overseeding.
Ready for a Green Lawn This Winter?
Whether you want a green lawn all winter or want to give your Bermuda a year off, our team can help you make the right call for your yard. We handle the full overseeding process for homeowners across the East Valley, including Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, Gilbert, Chandler, and Mesa.
If you need help with your lawn or any other yard care service, simply reach out or call us at 480.987.6110 and our team will take care of the rest.
