As residents know, spring in Arizona feels like summer most other places. We aren’t well into April yet and already temperatures are well into the 90s. This makes spring a perfect time to transition your sod from winter rye grass to summer bermudagrass. As the experts in Arizona sod, we are asked about this often and have gathered a list of tips for transitioning your lawn.
1. Timing
Typically, the best time to make this transition is late April/early May, but it all depends on the temperature. On a consistent basis, when daytime temperatures are 95-100 and nighttime temperatures are above 65, you will know this is the optimal time. At this point, the winter rye starts to wilt and bermudagrass tries to grow.
2. Mowing
You can aid the bermudagrass’s growth by simply lowering the blades on your mower and giving the grass room to flourish. Be sure to collect all clippings when you mow, as these can impede the growth of the grass if left to create a layer atop it.
3. Watering
You’ll want to slightly reduce your normal water usage on your sod (by about 25%). Be mindful not to overwater – even if you see brown spots as temperatures get hotter. This is common during the transition process.
4. Aerifying
In order to allow oxygen, water, and other nutrients to reach the lawn’s roots, aerating the sod is necessary with a bermudagrass lawn. For this, we recommend a core aerator, which is a machine that contains hollow spoons that pull up soil plugs when the machine is moving around the yard.
5. Fertilizing

Be careful not to put your fertilizer out at full rate yet, as that will allow the rye grass to grow. You want to use your complete fertilizer at half rate until about June when the bermudagrass is at the height of its growth.

When you are ready to transition your Arizona lawn from winter to summer grass, West Coast Turf can help you! We are the leading experts in Arizona sod and can answer any of your questions. Call us at (888) 893-TURF or visit us at www.westcoastturf.com.

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