Bill Barnard, general manager
We’ve made it through the end of summer, and we are starting to see more people returning to the desert for our milder winter weather. This is also the time of the year that we begin the overseeding process for our turf areas, which include the golf courses, clubhouses, and common areas. Many of our people from up north are not aware of this process. In Arizona, our summer grass (bermuda) goes dormant in the winter time, and so we seed the lawns with a winter grass (rye) that will grow in the existing bermuda grass bed. This is so the grass can continue to have a beautiful green look, and for the golf courses, a much more appealing surface to play on during the winter months.
The overseed process begins by reducing water and putting chemical out to stunt the bermuda grass growth. The bermuda grass is then scalped down by lowering mowing heights, which allow the winter rye grass seed to take root. After spreading the rye grass seed, consistent watering begins for seven to ten days to allow the seed to germinate. Once the seed has germinated, we apply a fertilizer to strengthen the plant and continue irrigating to ensure proper growth and fill-in. Mowing then typically begins once the plant has reached a certain maturity level that will help the grass spread and get fuller. The entire process from seeding to ready-to-use turf takes about three weeks. After that time, the rye grass will continue to mature throughout the winter months.
After finishing with the seeding and germinating phase of over-seeding, the parks, green spaces, and golf courses will be reopened. Specific to the golf courses only, cart traffic will be restricted to “cart path only” for approximately two to three weeks after reopening. This restrictive time on the golf courses is a necessary part of the process. Cart traffic increases the wear and injury to the new turf. Any damage during this period can negatively affect the quality of the surface for several months. We are trying to ensure the best conditions for the long-term. Since we are closing Eagle’s Nest golf course early next year, we will not be overseeding, and that course will remain open and allow cart traffic through the end of the year.
While we can’t control Mother Nature, it is the largest factor for a successful overseed. Thus far, she has been cooperating with milder temperatures and cooler nights, so we hope to have a good overseed this winter. We ask that you all help with the process and stay off the grass for the first three weeks of the germinating process. This is necessary in order to protect the large investment we are making to provide lush, green conditions during the winter months.
If you are a golfer, or just enjoy the green spaces, I hope this information helps shed some light on just some of what we do to maintain our golf course and common area turf. As we welcome back our winter visitors and get ready for a busy holiday season, I hope you will be sure to take advantage of all the amenities, activities, and other events here in PebbleCreek during this time of the year.