Spring Is The Time for Rye To Bermuda Grass Transition

The temperatures are climbing and commercial properties are seeking advice on how to properly transition winter ryegrass back to summer Bermuda grass. While Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance can do it for your business here are the DIY instructions and advice. Follow the 5 steps to an easy spring and summer transition.

1. Reduce your watering to 70-80% of your normal usage.  This will start stressing out the rye grass but will continue to support the Bermuda grass.

2. Lightly verticut your grass to open up its canopy.  This allows more sunshine to reach the Bermuda grass below.

3. Aerate your ground. This increases water penetration and nutrient uptake, breaks up soil compaction, and allows more oxygen to reach the root zone.  Most good and well stocked rental locations have verticutting and aerating equipment available.

4. Gradually lower your mower settings and increase your mowing intervals to twice a week so that the grass height does not exceed 1/2″ to 3/4.”  Make sure to bag all clippings.  If they remain on the ground, they’ll create a mat layer that will inhibit the growth of the Bermuda grass.  Use a rake to collect clippings if needed. Beware of shady areas in your lawn.  The ryegrass will grow aggressively in these area so you must maintain a low mowing height to allow the Bermuda grass to get its needed sunlight.

5. Fertilize and then increase your watering schedule.  After about 2 weeks, you should notice that the Bermuda grass is overcoming the ryegrass. Broadcast a balanced fertilizer (i.e. 16-20-0) at a rate of 9 pounds per 1,000 square feet and increase watering back to a normal summer watering schedule.

If you allow the ryegrass to grow unchecked, it will out grow the Bermuda grass. When June comes with its Arizona heat, the ryegrass will finally die and you’ll be left with nothing but bare spots. To avoid that, follow the 5 steps listed above: you’ll have a summer green space that every business in the whole neighborhood will envy!

It doesn’t matter to us whether you want commercial 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