The best time to over-seed your Arizona lawn in preparation for the winter is in October or when the temperature is approaching 60 degrees. If you’re looking for a how-to guide on how to over-seed your lawn, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn more about the proper seeding, fertilizing, mulch, water, and mowing practices that’ll keep your lawn looking lush green even in the coldest months!

Rake to Reduce the Thatch Covering Your Yard

Lawn thatch is a buildup of dead grass and leaves and other stuff you don’t want sticking around. To properly over-seed your lawn during the winter, you need to remove this unwanted layer of your old summer lawn. You can do this in one of two ways depending on the length of your grass: by lowering the height of your mower and by raking. If you’re using a lawnmower, reduce the height to between ¼ - ½ an inch. Alternatively, a rake in both directions of your lawn with a dethatching rake and mowing over it once more should do the trick. Don’t skip this step, or you’ll have difficulty with your lawn’s seed being able to penetrate the soil.

Seeding

Perennial or annual ryegrass is preferable for over-seeding your lawn during the winter months. However, perennial ryegrass will produce a rich, deep green, requires less water, and less seed to produce the grass, making it the preferable choice. Depending on the length of your grass, which shouldn’t exceed 2 inches, you’ll need 12-15 pounds per 1,000 square feet. Try your best to evenly sow your lawn. The best way to do this is to spread half the seedlings in one direction and half in the other direction.

Fertilizing

When it comes to fertilizing an overseeded lawn, you should use a starter fertilizer containing nitrogen and phosphorus to get your new winter lawn off to a good start. This fertilizer will provide essential nutrients to the seedlings.

Mulch

Overseeding requires a lot of water or at least a lot of moisture. This is where mulch can help you out. For those who are unable to water their lawns 3-5 times a day or don’t have a sprinkler system, mulch can keep moisture locked in. A light layer of mulch or compost mulch should be evenly spread over your seeded lawn.

Water

Maintaining optimal moisture levels is pertinent, especially in the first 10 days of seed germination. Depending on your lawn and the heat, you should water your lawn 3-5 times a day but avoid any puddling of the lawn. After germination, reduce your watering frequency to 2-3 times a day to as little as once a day, depending on your lawn.

Mowing

Once the seed has been germinated and your lawn reaches about 2 inches high, you can mow your lawn. You don’t want to mow prematurely, or you can risk ripping out the roots. Don’t remove more than a ¼ inch at a time.

Visit the Store Today

Don’t leave your beautiful lawn incomplete. We carry a large variety of decorative rocks and granite in varying sizes, colors, and styles. Visit AZ Rock and Granite for all your landscaping needs today! Contact us to find out more about landscaping stones and decorative rocks for your yard by calling 623-979-3454.