The 2024 seeding and overseeding season is just around the corner. Seed is a commodity in the green industry and is susceptible to pricing peaks and valleys with regards to supply, freight and many of the other influencers on price that have become such an important topic over the last few years. The message is to determine volumes and lock in early to eliminate the potential for price hikes to take a bite out of your bottom line.

As temperatures begin to moderate in the fall, many turf managers will evaluate their managed areas and determine the course of action for the coming winter months. In areas where cool-season turf is grown, operations of rejuvenation and renovation may be recommended depending on how the turf survived the rigors of summer. In many cases, thinned or weak areas may be addressed by overseeding or mechanically incorporating seed to thicken the established turf canopy. Often overseeding will also be performed with aeration. If the turf suffered greatly, a complete renovation may be necessary to restore the property’s aesthetic value.

Where warm season turfgrasses are the dominant species, the choice to overseed with cool season grasses such as Perennial Ryegrasses or Tall Fescue will provide for a lush green lawn while the warm season cousins slip into dormancy for the cooler winter season.

Whichever you are working with the time is rapidly approaching. Late summer through mid-fall is the ideal time to rehab cool season lawns. Of course, specific dates will depend on the weather and geographic locations.  During the coming months, temperatures become milder and seasonal rainfall generally resumes keeping the seedbed damp and reducing the reliance on irrigation. Waiting too long, however, may reduce the time needed for new seedlings to mature, lessening their ability to overwinter and thrive.

For effective winter overseeding of cool season grasses into warm season grasses, the time may come a little bit later. Generally, depending on regionality, the timeframe is more like September through October. Again, waiting longer may reduce the ability to establish a dense, even canopy.

Seeding rates:

New lawn establishment

                  Turf Type Tall Fescue 8-10 Lbs. per 1000 square feet (350 – 400 Lbs. per acre)

                  Perennial Ryegrass 7-9 Lbs. per 1000 square feet (300 – 400 Lbs. per acre)

Over seeding rate

                  Perennial Ryegrass 10-20 Lbs. per 1000 square feet (450 – 900 Lbs. per acre)

Irrigation and Fertility

 Following the seeding process, water is critical. Short wetting cycles should be employed several times throughout the day allowing the seed to dry could mean the difference between success and failure. It is generally recommended that these light watering cycles should be conducted a minimum of 3 – 5 times per day for 7 – 10 days or when seedlings emerge then the gradual shift to deeper more infrequent watering can begin. Using a water assistance tool like Hydretain will help enhance seed germination, establishment and reduce loss to water depravation. Also, once the bermudagrass has gone completely dormant, fertilizing with a nitrogen-based fertilizer will improve the density and color of your winter cover. Check with your local Ewing branch for the best fertilizer for your region.

Options for Dormant turf

If you would like a green lawn without the additional watering and expense, consider applying turf paint. Ewing carries EMPRO branded green turf paint for this operation. One application may last for the entire season and provide the green color without the added maintenance.

Tips for rehabbing cool season lawns

• Apply a quality starter fertilizer to assist with establishment
• Ensure good seed to soil contact
• Keep the seed moist but not too wet
• Postpone herbicide applications until at least after the second mowing (read the label)
• Remember to only remove 1/3 of the leaf when mowing
• Use a good seed cover like Topper or Profile CoverGrow