Turf Calendar

J A N U A R Y

Bermuda Grass/Overseeded with Rye Grass

Fertilizing: Apply 1/2 lb. -Nitrogen- per 1000 sq. ft. Phosphorous is beneficial at this time.
Watering: Water every 7-14 days, depending on the weather, to a soil depth of 6-10 inches.
Mowing: Recommend regular mowing DO NOT mow or walk on frosted turf.
Dethatch/Aerify: None
Seeding: None
Sodding: Overseeded sod is available (hybrid Bermuda)
Pre-Emergent Weed Control: None

Non-Overseeded Bermuda Grass

F E B R U A R Y

Bermuda Grass/Overseeded with Rye Grass

Fertilizing: Apply 1 lb. -Nitrogen- per 1000 sq. ft.
Watering: Water every 7-14 days, depending on the weather, to a soil depth of 6-10 inches.
Mowing: Recommend regular mowing DO NOT mow or walk on frosted turf.
Dethatch/Aerify: None
Seeding: None
Sodding: Overseeded sod is available (hybrid Bermuda varieties)
Pre-Emergent Weed Control:To control spring and early summer weeds, apply one time February 25–March 5 in Phoenix, March 1–15 in Tucson. Follow label directions.

Non-Overseeded Bermuda Grass

Fertilizing: None
Watering: As dormant grass, water to a soil depth of 6-10 inches once a month, or less often if it rains.
Mowing: None, dormant
Dethatch/Aerify: None
Seeding: None
Sodding: None
Pre-Emergent Weed Control:To control spring and early summer weeds, apply one time February 25–March 5 in Phoenix, March 1–15 in Tucson. Follow label directions.

M A R C H

Bermuda Grass/Overseeded with Rye Grass

Fertilizing: Apply 1 lb. -Nitrogen- per 1000 sq. ft.
Watering: Deep water (6-10 inches) every 3-7 days.
Mowing:When nighttime temperatures are above 60ºF for at least 5 days in a row, over a period of 2-3 weeks mow progressively lower to 1/2 inch with a reel mower, 3/4 inch with a rotary mower, to encourage spring transition back to Bermuda Grass.
Dethatch/Aerify: None
Seeding: None
Sodding: Overseeded sod is available (hybrid Bermuda varieties)
Pre-Emergent Weed Control:To control spring and early summer weeds, apply one time February 25–March 5 in Phoenix, March 1–15 in Tucson. Follow label directions.

Non-Overseeded Bermuda Grass

A P R I L

Bermuda Grass/Overseeded with Rye Grass

Fertilizing: Apply 1/2 lb. -Nitrogen- per 1000 sq. ft.
Watering: Deep water (6-10 inches) every 3-7 days.
Mowing:Maintain at 3/4 inch or lower to encourage spring transition back to Bermuda Grass.
Dethatch/Aerify: None
Seeding: None
Sodding:Non-overseeded sod is available (hybrid Bermuda varieties)
Pre-Emergent Weed Control:None

Non-Overseeded Bermuda Grass

Fertilizing: Apply 1/2 lb. -Nitrogen- per 1000 sq. ft.
Watering: Deep water (6-10 inches) every 4-14 days
Mowing: Mow at minimum recommended height to encourage turf density.
Dethatch/Aerify: None
Seeding: None
Sodding:Non-overseeded sod is available (hybrid Bermuda varieties)
Pre-Emergent Weed Control:None

M A Y

Bermuda Grass/Overseeded with Rye Grass

Fertilizing: Fertilize once with a 3-1-2 ratio (e.g. 21-7-14).
Watering: Deep water (6-10 inches) every 3-7 days.
Mowing: Maintain at 1/2 inch with a reel mower and 3/4 inch with a rotary mower until the overseed dies.
Dethatch/Aerify:After May 15
Seeding: Common or turf type Bermuda Grass
Sodding:Non-overseeded sod is available (hybrid Bermuda varieties)
Pre-Emergent Weed Control:None

Non-Overseeded Bermuda Grass

Fertilizing: Apply 1/2 lb. -Nitrogen- per 1000 sq. ft.
Watering: Deep water (6-10 inches) every 4-14 days
Mowing: Mow progressively higher to recommended height
Dethatch/Aerify:After May 15
Seeding: Common or turf type Bermuda Grass
Sodding:Non-overseeded sod is available (hybrid Bermuda varieties)
Pre-Emergent Weed Control:None

J U N E

Bermuda Grass/Overseeded with Rye Grass

Spring transition back to Bermuda Grass should be completed by the end of June. Refer to each month’s section on Non-Overseeded Bermuda Grass for turf care recommendations for June, July and August.

If you have followed the mowing recommendations and still have areas with Rye Grass, it’s probably growing in shaded and/or wet areas which favor Rye Grass.

Non-Overseeded Bermuda Grass

Fertilizing: Apply 1/2 to 3/4 lb. -Nitrogen- per 1000 sq. ft.
Watering: When it’s 90º F and above, deep water every 3-6 days
Mowing: Mow at recommended height.
Dethatch/Aerify: Remove thatch when more than 1/2 inch thick. Aerify as needed during the first four weeks of summer.
Seeding: Common or turf type Bermuda Grass
Sodding:Non-overseeded sod is available (hybrid Bermuda varieties)
Pre-Emergent Weed Control:None

J U L Y

Bermuda Grass/Overseeded with Rye Grass

If you have followed the mowing recommendations and still have areas with Rye Grass, it’s probably growing in shaded and/or wet areas which favor Rye Grass.

Non-Overseeded Bermuda Grass

Fertilizing: Apply 1/2 to 3/4 lb. -Nitrogen- per 1000 sq. ft.
Watering: When it’s 90º F and above, deep water every 3-6 days, reduce lawn watering when it rains.
Mowing: Mow at maximum recommended height to enhance stress tolerance.
Dethatch/Aerify: Remove thatch when more than 1/2 inch thick. Aerify as needed during the first four weeks of summer.
Seeding: Common or turf type Bermuda Grass
Sodding:Non-overseeded sod is available (hybrid Bermuda varieties)
Pre-Emergent Weed Control:None
Soil Amendment: Apply gypsum. Follow label directions.

A U G U S T

Bermuda Grass/Overseeded with Rye Grass

If you have followed the mowing recommendations and still have areas with Rye Grass, it’s probably growing in shaded and/or wet areas which favor Rye Grass.

Non-Overseeded Bermuda Grass

Fertilizing: Apply 1/2 to 3/4 lb. -Nitrogen- per 1000 sq. ft.
Watering: When it’s 90º F and above, deep water every 3-6 days, reduce lawn watering when it rains.
Mowing: Mow at maximum recommended height to enhance stress tolerance.
Dethatch/Aerify: No later than August 15.
Seeding: Common or turf type Bermuda Grass. DO NOT plant after August 31.
Sodding:Non-overseeded sod is available (hybrid Bermuda varieties)
Pre-Emergent Weed Control: If you’re NOT going to overseed this fall, to control winter annual weeds apply once August 25–September 15 in Phoenix; September 1-21 in Tucson.

S E P T E M B E R

Bermuda Grass/Overseeded with Rye Grass

Fertilizing: Do not fertilize 4-6 weeks before overseeding
Watering: When it’s 90º F and above, deep water every 3-6 days (DO NOT shut the water off completely- it could hurt the Bermuda Grass).
Mowing: Mow at maximum recommended height to enhance stress tolerance. If temperatures drop below 100º F begin to lower mowing height in preparation for overseeding .
Dethatch/Aerify: None
Seeding: None
Sodding: Non-overseeded sod is available (hybrid Bermuda varieties)
Pre-Emergent Weed Control: None

Non-Overseeded Bermuda Grass

Fertilizing: Apply 1/2 to 3/4 lb. -Nitrogen- per 1000 sq. ft. only if you DO NOT intend to overseed
Watering: When it’s 90º F and above, deep water every 3-6 days
Mowing: Mow at maximum recommended height to enhance stress tolerance.
Dethatch/Aerify: None
Seeding: None
Sodding:Non-overseeded sod is available (hybrid Bermuda varieties)
Pre-Emergent Weed Control: If you’re NOT going to overseed this fall, to control winter annual weeds apply once August 25–September 15 in Phoenix and September 1-21 in Tucson. Follow label directions.

O C T O B E R

Bermuda Grass/Overseeded with Rye Grass

Fertilizing: Do not fertilize 4-6 weeks before overseeding. Do not fertilize OSR until after 1st mowing.
Watering: After overseeding, 3-4 times daily for 5-10 minutes to keep seeds damp until germination.
Mowing: Mow Bermuda progressively (over 2-3 weeks) lower to 1/2 inch with a reel mower, 3/4 inch with a rotary mower, to prepare for overseeding. When Rye is 2 inches, mow no lower than 1 1/2 inches. Once established (when each plant has 3 to 4 blades), can lower height.
Dethatch/Aerify: Before overseeding, lightly dethatch only if necessary to ensure rye seed has soil contact.
Seeding: When nighttime temperatures are below 65º or it’s less than 78º–83º daytime, overseed with rye for winter color and protect dormant Bermuda.
Sodding: Non-overseeded sod is available (hybrid Bermuda varieties)
Pre-Emergent Weed Control: After third mowing to control winter annual weeds apply once by November 30.

Non-Overseeded Bermuda Grass

Fertilizing: Apply 1/2 to 3/4 lb. -Nitrogen- per 1000 sq/ ft.
Watering: Deep water (6-10 inches) every 3-6 days
Mowing: If not dormant, mow at maximum recommended height to enhance stress tolerance.
Dethatch/Aerify: None
Seeding: None
Sodding: Non-overseeded sod is available (hybrid Bermuda varieties)
Pre-Emergent Weed Control: None

N O V E M B E R

Bermuda Grass/Overseeded with Rye Grass Fertilizing: Do not fertilize OSR until after 1st mowing, then apply 1/2 lb. Nitrogen per 1000 sq. ft. Phosphorous is beneficial at this time.
Watering: After OSR is established, water every 3-10 days to a soil depth of 6-10 inches
Mowing: When OSR is 2 inches, barely mow the Rye Grass, no lower than 1 1/2 inches. Once established (when each plant has 3 to 4 blades), can lower height.
Dethatch/Aerify: None
Seeding: When nighttime temperatures are below 65º or it’s less than 78º–83º daytime, overseed with rye for winter color and to protect dormant Bermuda. Overseeding should be completed no later than November 15.
Sodding: Overseeded sod is available (hybrid Bermuda varieties) Pre-Emergent Weed Control: After third mowing to control winter annual weeds apply once by November 30.

Non-Overseeded Bermuda Grass

Fertilizing: None
Watering: Prior to grass going dormant, water every 6-10 days. Once grass goes dormant, water to a soil depth of 6-10 inches once a month, or less often if it rains.
Mowing: None
Dethatch/Aerify: None
Seeding: None
Sodding: None
Pre-Emergent Weed Control: None

Tip: After the last cut on Bermuda is a good time to have the mower blades sharpened for the first cut of OSR or for spring

D E C E M B E R

Bermuda Grass/Overseeded with Rye Grass

Fertilizing: Apply 1/4 lb. -Nitrogen- per 1000 sq. ft.. Phosphorous is beneficial at this time.
Watering: After OSR is established, water every 7-14 days, to a soil depth of 6-10 inches
Mowing: After OSR is established (when each plant has 3 to 4 blades), recommend lower mowing height
Dethatch/Aerify: None
Seeding: None
Sodding: Overseeded sod is available (hybrid Bermuda varieties)
Pre-Emergent Weed Control: None

Non-Overseeded Bermuda Grass

Ideally, a complete fertilizer should be applied on a monthly basis for an established lawn. Use about 1 pound of actual nitrogen per 1000 square feet every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season.

Example: The fertilizer has an analysis of 21-7-14. The first number represents Nitrogen. Divide 100 by 21, which is about 5. Therefore, 5 pounds of fertilizer are required to apply 1 pound of actual nitrogen per 1000 square feet. By using a balanced fertilizer, when the correct amount of nitrogen is applied, the correct amount of phosphorous and potassium is also applied.