The over-seeding process is an extremely laborious and timely task.  Depending on region, Golf Course Superintendents often need 7-28 days to complete the process.  Although simplified, there are basically four steps to the over-seeding process:

1) soil preparation

2) seeding

3) watering

4) grooming of the new grass.

The preparation of the seed bed usually consists of the scalping and/or verti-cutting of the Bermuda grass.  This process essentially thins the Bermuda grass allowing for seed to soil contact of the ryegrass seed.

“Seeding” of a Las Vegas golf course follows shortly after the seed bed preparation is complete.  The seeding process is completed through the use of countless implements such as fertilizer spreaders, drop seeders and slit seeders.

The third step in the process, “irrigation”, is very critical.  This step is also the key reason why courses close for such a significant period of time each fall.  Seeds must be kept moist to facilitate seed germination process.  Conditions on the course during this period are often wet and unplayable.  Keep in mind that ryegrass seed needs a minimum of seven days of moist conditions just to germinate.

The last step in the process is the grooming of the new ryegrass seedlings that have emerged from the Bermuda grass. The first cut on ryegrass usually occurs around the 12th to 14th day. The height-of-cut on the grass will be much higher than normal operating heights. Please be patient as this can take up to 30 days to accomplish pending the course and environmental conditions.