In the Coachella Valley, winter overseeding has become a seasonal ritual for many—but it might be time to rethink the routine. There are two camps when it comes to lawns: those who overseed and those who let their Bermuda grass go dormant.

If you’re on the fence about whether to overseed with winter rye, here are 10 great reasons to skip it—and give both your lawn and the environment a much-needed break:

1. Save Time

No scalping. No reseeding. No extra mowing. Enjoy a low-maintenance season and use your weekends for something fun.

2. Save Water

Overseeding requires frequent watering—sometimes three times a day—to get ryegrass to grow. In contrast, dormant Bermuda needs little to no water in the cooler months. Skipping overseeding can save more than 8,000 gallons of water per 1,000 square feet of lawn each season.

3. Protect Water Quality

Less fertilizer and fewer pesticides mean less runoff into our storm drains and groundwater. That’s good for your lawn—and great for the environment.

4. Cut Costs

Seed, water, labor, equipment, and fuel all add up. Plus, winter water use can impact your sewer rates for the rest of the year. Less winter water equals lower utility bills.

5. Reduce Waste

Scalping and mowing create a lot of green waste. By skipping overseeding, you’re also helping ease the burden on local landfills.

6. Improve Air Quality

Gas-powered mowers and trimmers add to our region’s air pollution. And scalping can kick up dust that worsens air quality, especially during Santa Ana wind season.

7. Lower Noise Pollution

Leaf blowers, mowers, and edgers can be relentless. Giving them a rest means a quieter, more peaceful neighborhood.

8. Avoid Headaches

Seed that won’t sprout? Patchy growth? Overwatering? Overseeding often brings more problems than payoff. Letting your lawn rest avoids common frustrations.

9. Lead by Example

We live in a desert. Choosing not to overseed is a smart, visible way to show that you care about our local water supply—and inspire others to do the same.

10. Give Your Bermuda a Break

Overseeding stresses Bermuda grass. Scalping before dormancy weakens root systems, and springtime competition with ryegrass delays recovery. Letting Bermuda rest helps ensure a healthier lawn come summer.

Still Committed to Overseeding? If you must overseed, make sure you do it with water efficiency in mind. Check out these “Overseeding Without Wasting” guidelines at CVWD.org/Overseeding

Source: WaterUseItWisely.com