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Fall Overseeding / Smart Scalping

fall-overseedingThe over-seeding process begins mid to late September

  • reduce but do not eliminate the amount of water applied to the turf
  • reduce the amount of water applied to the turf, cut the water back every other day TURF ONLY
  • continue to water the rest of garden as usual

Begin reducing mowing heights

  • reduce heights ¼ to ½ inches weekly
  • remove grass clippings
  • height should not be lowered below 1/2 inch
  • take care not to lower the mowing heights too much to prevent damage to mowing equipment and ensure healthy regrowth in the spring
  • if you see dust during the final mowing, it can be suppressed by slightly wetting the turf

Schedule seeding around the middle of October

  • this is the date average night time temperatures drop below 60 degrees
  • cooler temperatures slow the growth of bermuda significantly –gradually forcing it into dormancy
  • seeding before this will result in rapid re-growth of bermuda
  • areas with heavy re-growth will become unsightly in December when bermuda grass goes dormant

Seed

  • be sure to use perennial seed such as HTI 3 ryegrass; perennial grass grows slower and preforms better in shaded areas
  • annual grass is cost effective but you will be mowing twice a week.

Coverage

  • one pound of seed per 50 – 100 sq ft of lawn
  • best done by using multiple passes in a criss-cross pattern
  • use humus seed cover for quicker germination and to produce a thicker, healthier lawn. One bag per 50 sq ft lawn

Irrigation

  • seed must be kept moist, your turf should run on a valve separate from the rest of your garden.
  • water in short cycles at regular intervals 3 – 5 minutes; four times during the daylight hours ( every 2 hours during daylight ); do not water at night
  • constant monitoring is required, failure to do this will result in poor germination
  • maintain this schedule until first mowing ( approximately 2 – 3 weeks ) THEN CUT THE WATER BACK TO ONCE A DAY, 5 – 8 minutes. Follow winter watering schedule.

First Mowing

  • mow turf when it reaches 2 inches in height
  • re-seed areas with poor germination and top dress where necessary

Fertilize

  • use Best Turf Supreme fertilizer after the first mowing
  • be certain to water fertilizer into soil
  • continue fertilizing through the warm months. Check with a Moller’s associate as fertilizing practices change through the winter months.

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