Questions on overseeding Winter Grass

[Lawnguy6340]

Okay here's a few questions on overseeding for winter. Take into account that I live in Oklahoma because, of course, it's different in every state. I'm hoping someone w/ knowledge about this subject could help me out in this department.

1. Fescue or Rye?
2. Do I just use a fertilizer spreader and drop it in the grass. Will this actually make their whole yard turn to winter grass. I have seen whole yards with winter grass and am wondering if this was done by just using a fertilizer spreader. If so, it sounds like easy money, and more mowing!
3. Will it ruin their bermuda grass?
4. When is the best time to do it?

I really appreciate any help on any of these questions. Thanks.

[Mike J]

My experience is,

Mow (short)
Rake
Aerate
Seed (I've used Rye)
Water

[Lawnguy6340]

Hey Mike. By mow short, do you mean to scalp it? I guess I'll be renting an areator for a couple days this year too. I've read a couple posts on winter rye, by using the search tab, and found some useful info too. Is it completely neccessary to aereate? How much do you guys charge for the avg. sized yard? Thanks.

[Mike J]

I try not to leave bald spots. You need the seed to get to the soil.
RSC rents core areators for $90 a day, 2hr minimum is $30. I only do areation for request until I buy one. I go over the lawn twice crossing the first path.

No areation is not "necessary" but if the lawn is compacted then yes I would. I shoot for $45 to $60 per hour. If you rent one you will need to have more than enough lined up for the day to make any money.

Make sure you ask for a core areator, spikes just compact it more.

[Lawnguy6340]

Hey Mike. Thanks for the help! I'm thinking about trying to find a local shop that sells the rye in bulk. Thanks for the tips. I'll probably try to line up a whole days worth of them and then rent the aerator and see how that goes.

[LLee]

If you use perennial rye it will be much easier to mow during the cold months than if you use annual (which is much cheaper). The annual rye stays wet "in the blade itself" which is like mowing in the rain all the time. I will not use annual rye anymore if I have to mow it.

[Keith Jacobi]

1.) I always use fescue.
2.) I use a broadcast spreader. The whole yard will have fescue coming up but the bermuda will still be there. It gives it a little bit of color in the cooler season but it also usually grows faster than the bermuda at certain parts of the year. That means it can look a little bit like grassy weeds are gowing all over the place but it will also stripe a little bit better.
4.) You need to do it immediatelly. It needs time to establish some roots before it gets to cold.
Ive never done any kind of ground prep work before overseeding and have never had any problems. If the bermuda is so thick that the seed can't get to the ground or that it won't get any light then you should probably mow it just low enough so those things will happen. You definately don't want to scalp it at this time of year. Water a couple of minutes twice a day until it germinates in about 7 to 10 days. You only want to keep the ground moist, not soaked. Too much water will wash away seed or cause it to rot. I apply 8 to 10 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. It wouldn't hurt to put down some phosphorus if they do not regularly fertilize the lawn. Stay off of newly seed area until the fescue needs to be cut. Make sure they haven't already put down a preemergent. Where in OK are you from?

[Lawnguy6340]

Hey Keith. Thanks for the help! I'm from Oklahoma City.