October heralds the overseeding season at Fountain Park, marking the annual turf transition that keeps the park verdant through winter's chill. According to the town's announcement, the cooler temperatures prompt a snooze button for the summer-loving Bermudagrass, cueing the introduction of Ryegrass to maintain the park's luscious looks.
For the uninitiated wondering what overseeding involves, imagine playing musical chairs with grass varieties. The town swaps out the warm-season Hybrid Bermudagrass for the cooler-season Ryegrass, more commonly spotted in the northern states' lawns. "During overseeding, the Ryegrass seed must remain moist during the day to optimize germination in the warm sunshine," detailed the town's press release, pointing out the need to keep the seeds wet given the area's dearth of rainfall.
The overseeding process isn't an overnight affair; it's a several-weeks-long dance of 'scalping' the existing turf to accommodate the Ryegrass's growth, with careful attention to watering. Given Fountain Park encompasses more than 30 acres, that's a whole lot of grass to transform. This meticulous operation features scalping, seeding, fertilizing, and a regimented hydration schedule to ensure the seedlings take root.
However, residents should anticipate a tad more moisture underfoot during their park promenades. Overseeding necessitates daylight irrigation, with cycles commencing post-sunrise and running into the evening. "As a result, it is likely irrigation will be in operation during peak park usage times and will cause the walking path to be wet and potentially slippery," as per the town's website. Visitors should proceed with caution, and signs posted around will remind them of the potentially slick sidewalks.
The changes to your daily routine are but a temporary hiccup. Town officials promise a return to the usual nighttime watering schedule come early November once the Ryegrass has comfortably settled in. Until then, those who frequent Fountain Park should enjoy the evolving landscape, albeit with a bit more attention to their footing. The staff, keeping a vigilant eye on the overseeding progress, hopes this brief disruption will pave the way for year-round greenery that Fountain Hills residents have come to expect and cherish.
