The Best For Your Winter Grass and Commercial Property

While Bermuda grass typically goes dormant in the cold months, it is possible to extend the length of its growing season and lush green appearance well into winter.  The University of Arizona turf specialists recommend multiple applications of iron (2-4 oz of actual iron per 1000 square feet).  Apply the first application in early October, the next 10 days later and follow up again after another 10 days.  Do not apply nitrogen fertilizers.  Remember that even dormant Bermuda grass needs ½ inch of water per month during the winter 

Another option is applying a colorant to dormant lawns. The University of Arizona has been doing trials with coloring dormant Bermuda for the winter.  

Since we live in a desert environment, it is important to use our water as efficiently as possible.

 Limiting, or forgoing, overseeding is one of many ways to conserve water. There are significant benefits to not overseeding, such as reduced water costs and lower costs associated with preparing and maintaining the winter lawn.

The overseeding process is stressful to Bermuda.  Just at the time when it is beginning to store sugars in its roots and rhizomes, all the vegetative parts are cut off stopping that process.  It can't manufacture food which  weakens the grass making it difficult for it to grow back vigorously in the spring.  Its root structure is weakened and it has low tolerance to extreme temperatures. When this process is repeated year after year, the grass may become so weak that it becomes thin or dies out in patches leaving bare spots when the rye dies in late spring.

An option is to allow your Bermuda lawn to rest or go dormant for the winter season.  There is nothing wrong with this and in fact, University of Arizona turf specialists agree it’s better for the lawn in most cases.  This will save you the costs of installation, maintenance and water.  Non overseeded Bermuda will begin greening up as early as February or March.  This option allows for other maintenance issues to be resolved and can be used as an opportunity to 'spruce up' landscape areas.

It doesn’t matter to us whether you want desert landscaping, lush lawns or some type of landscaping in between, we can help.  We serve businesses like yours all over the Phoenix Metro Area. To find out how give us a call at 623-848-8277.

Presented by:
Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC
623-848-8277
http://www.commerciallandscapecare.com
greenskeeperllc@cox.net