Getting Nerdy About Houses - Arizona Winter Lawn Care

How To Plant A Winter Lawn In Arizona

Arizona is unique to many climates, in that the temperature can support grass in the winter. However, the grass that is prevalent in the summer becomes dormant in the winter. Therefore, winter lawns are commonly planted. This “end of summer” ritual generally occurs towards the end of September or the beginning of October, when temperatures finally begin to drop below 100 F.  

Overseeding With Ryegrass

Overseeding with ryegrass is a great way to maintain a lush green lawn through the winter. Make sure you plant the ryegrass at the right time when day temperatures are between 80-85 degrees and around 55 degrees at night. The ideal time for overseeding is at the start of October. You should do it in the evening when temperatures are low. 

There are two types of ryegrass available on the market: 

• annual 

• perennial seeds

The annual variety has a lower cost but requires more water than the perennial. It grows into thick grasses that clump over time. Most homeowners prefer the annual type due to its neutral tone and option to replant every winter.

The perennial requires less water and grows into an appealing lush green cover.  Perennial ryegrass can be planted all year round. 

Preparing the Lawn for overseeding

To prepare your lawn for overseeding, you want to reduce fertilizer application as you are approaching the winter so the grass can stop producing shoots and go into dormancy. Also, you will want to reduce the amount of watering ten days before planting. Then, you will want to scalp or vertical mow your lawn to 40% of the normal height three days before planting the ryegrass. 

This process will ensure the ryegrass seeds reach the soil when planting and are not obstructed by the currently planted grass. Additionally, you will want to make sure that you remove all the excessive clippings and debris before planting the rye grass. As added insurance, you can rake the ground lightly before planting to remove the remaining thatch and loosen the soil. 

Once you have prepared the ground for the rye grass, it is time to plant! You will broadcast the ryegrass seeds at rates of 10-15 pounds per 1000 square feet. After you have added the seed to the yard, you should rake the ground so that the seeds can make better contact with the soil. Finally, you will want to finish the seeding by applying ¼ inch of mulch or fertilizer to create optimal growing conditions. 

In the beginning of the growing process, you will want to water the lawn more aggressively. It is recommended that you water the lawn at least twice a day until the seeds germinate. After the seeds begin to sprout, you can reduce the watering cycle to once per day. To enhance growing, you will wna to apply fertilizer 14 days after germination. After you have applied the fertilizer to the ground, make sure to water the lawn immediately to help the fertilizer penetrate into the soil. Once established, typically, you can reduce the watering cycle again to shorter time periods or every other day. It is best to refer to the instructions as different seeds have different requirements. 

As the chill of winter begins to fade and the warmth of the desert beings again, the rye grass will begin to brown or die. When this happens, stop watering the lawn for a couple of weeks. This will allow the rye to dye off and the Bermuda to begin growth for the summer.  Once the rye is dead, do not forget to resume watering to revitalize the dormant Bermuda grass. 

Water Conservation Tips

Water is a precious commodity in the desert climate of Arizona, so you need to employ strategies for minimizing water consumption. 

• Avoid watering your lawn on cold days.

• Water your lawn in the early morning or late evening.

• Skip watering on frost days as the condensation will provide enough water for the grass.

Hire Home Inspection Experts

Whether you are planning to buy a new home or need advice on how to take care of your property, you can count on Dwell Inspect Arizona for all your inspection and home consultant needs. We will educate you about the property, offer maintenance tips and direct you to the right service professionals. Our team serves all of Phoenix and the neighboring communities. Call us at (480) 867-4599.