Here are four easy steps you can use to achieve a great-looking Arizona lawn this winter.

PHOENIX — As desert dwellers, we enjoy sunshine year-round—but our lawns don’t always thrive the same way. Bermuda grass, the summer staple in Phoenix yards, goes dormant once cooler nights arrive in fall, turning a yellowish brown.

That’s when many Valley homeowners either choose to “go blonde” with the dormant Bermuda, or overseed with winter rye grass, keeping their lawns green and lush through the cooler months.

If you choose the greener route, the timing—and the method—matter. Overseed too early and the heat scorches the rye; too late and the seeds will be slow to germinate and fill in, leaving bare patches. Here’s what you need to know to make the transition a success.

The ideal window for transitioning to winter rye is late September through mid-October.  Valley overnight temperatures consistently drop into the 60s around this time—perfect for rye germination.

The danger of trying to get a head start: Daytime highs above 100°F will burn fragile rye seedlings!

On the other hand, if you overseed too late, germination slows in cooler nights.

Think of overseeding as riding the seasonal balance: warm enough for growth, cool enough for seedlings to survive.


Step 1: Scalp the Bermuda

  • Lower your mower height gradually until you reach about ½ inch.

  • Bag or rake away clippings so rye seeds can make contact with the soil.

  • A proper “scalp” thins the Bermuda canopy and opens up room for rye to establish.


Step 2: Seed the rye

  • Choose perennial ryegrass for a fine texture and deep green winter look.

  • Broadcast evenly: About 8–10 pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet is standard.

  • Overlap passes with a spreader to avoid thin, patchy spots.

  • Applying a thin layer of topsoil helps retain moisture and keeps the seed warm enough to germinate.


Step 3: Water wisely

  • Initial germination: Light, frequent watering (3–5 times daily) to keep the topsoil damp.

  • After sprouting (5–7 days): Cut back to 1–2 deeper waterings per day.

  • After mowing (about 10–14 days): Transition to a typical lawn irrigation schedule of 2–3 times per week, adjusted for rainfall and temperature.


Step 4: First, mow and fertilize

  • Mow when ryegrass is 2–3 inches tall, taking off no more than one-third of the blade.

  • Fertilize with a balanced, starter fertilizer high in phosphorus to encourage root growth.


A few additional notes for Phoenix lawns

  • Shade factor: Ryegrass thrives in sun and partial shade; if your yard has dense shade, growth may be thinner.

  • Water conservation: Overseeding adds beauty but also increases winter water use—be mindful of city watering restrictions.

  • Transition back in spring: As temps consistently climb above 90°F in April and May, Bermuda will re-emerge. Gradually reduce irrigation for rye to encourage Bermuda’s comeback.


The bottom line

Overseeding with ryegrass gives Phoenix homeowners that lush, green carpet in the cooler months when Bermuda fades. The key is timing: wait for consistent nighttime lows in the 60s, scalp the Bermuda, seed generously, and keep the soil moist until rye establishes. Done right, you’ll enjoy a vibrant lawn all winter—and a smooth transition back to Bermuda come spring.


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