See the notes below from the landscaper.
This time of year starts our transition period up to the beginning of April the rye grass has looked great and full. We were very happy with it. Here is a list of the steps we take to help the transition to the summer Bermuda from the winter rye and will help homeowners understand the process of ensuring our summer bermuda comes in as good as possible. I feel the area is looking great, especially all the new planting. With the new planting we have really focused on making sure the water is working for the plants and we are getting a lot of great starts to this growth season.
1. We monitor the temps temperatures. Once nighttime temperatures start exceeding 65 degrees on a consistent basis (typically late April/early May), it’s time to start the spring transition.
2. Reduce your watering to 70-80% of your normal usage. This will start stressing out the rye grass but will continue to support the bermudagrass.
3. Lightly verticut your grass to open up its canopy. This allows more sunshine to reach the bermudagrass below.
4. We Spray winter grass weeds (this will cause for large dead spots to appear)
5. After Rye Grass is Stressed and dying we will up the water for growth.
6. We Fertilize and increase your watering schedule. After about 2 weeks, you should notice that the bermudagrass is overcoming the ryegrass. Broadcast a balanced fertilizer (i.e. 16-20-0) at a rate of 9 pounds per 1000 square feet and increase watering back to a normal summer watering schedule.
7. If you allow the ryegrass to grow unchecked, it will out compete the bermudagrass. When June comes with its Arizona heat, the ryegrass will finally die and you’ll be left with nothing but bare spots.
Hope this helps and gives understanding to this time of year.
Buck Taylor
Proscape Landscaping
Legacy Community Partners
459 N. Gilbert Rd. Suite A220
Gilbert, AZ 85234