Overseeding Bermuda with Rye

RA Carlton – posted 27 October 2004 11:37

My HOA doesn’t want to overseed this winter because the landscaper states that the bermuda will be better in the Spring if it rests for a winter. Doesn’t overseeding help fertilize the bermuda and make a stronger foundation for the bermuda?

tommy – posted 27 October 2004 13:28

Studies have shown that over seeded bermuda has less winter kill, ( in transitional areas), but there is no fertilizer benefit, and the bermuda will “rest”- whether its over seeded or not. The most often complaint associated with over seeding, is when perennial rye is used and doesn’t transition out quickly enough in spring/early summer. If you want a pure bermuda stand by early summer- use annual rye or Poa trivialis. Perennial rye will somtimes hang around the entire summer!