Perennial ryegrass is a cool-season grass that is best known for its strong traffic resistance. In fact, it’s considered to be so durable that the grass courts at Wimbledon have been 100% perennial ryegrass since 2001. It’s also fast to establish and is accustomed to low mowing heights. These three factors make it a great choice for sports fields, but knowing how to care for it is very important since it can be high-maintenance.

Here are two ryegrass-related questions that customers like you asked in 2024. ATS rep Chris Fondren has the answers.

Q: Should I wait for rain in the forecast to overseed ryegrass?

A: No. The seed will lay there until the necessary conditions for germination are met. I find that field managers who wait for rain frequently miss the opportunity. We have busy lives, and inevitably, something will pop up that prevents us from spreading the seed. Then, you’re waiting for the next rain, and then the next until we finally reach winter. By this point, you’ve missed the optimum window. So, I recommend applying the seed as soon as nighttime temperatures start to cool. That way, the rain will come, and the seed will be in place to absorb it. This also applies to fescue types.

Q: When should I mow newly germinated ryegrass?

A: That’s a difficult one to answer, as there are many right answers and many wrong answers. The first thing to consider is the type of mower you have: rotary or reel. With a rotary mower, you need to wait longer because the suction that the blades generate can pull the newly germinated, shallow-rooted plants out of the ground. I recommend waiting until the turf is at least three inches tall before you mow, but you want to make sure not to let the plants get so tall that they fall over. That can lead to disease issues. So, there is a fine line there. With a reel mower, it’s absolutely critical to have sharp reels and bedknives. If they aren’t sharp, you can pull the plants from the ground since their roots are still shallow. With a reel, once the plants get to a couple of inches tall, you can begin to mow. I have seen field managers never stop mowing with a reel mower and have success, but to be on the safe side, it’s best to wait a few weeks.

For more expert advice, reach out to your ATS rep. If you’re new to ATS, our rep finder tool can connect you with a rep in seconds.