As November winds down and the holidays approach, many golf courses across the Southwest have completed their annual overseeding process. For properties in Southern Nevada, Southern Arizona, and the lower desert regions of California — including Palm Springs — overseeding ensures lush, green playing surfaces during the winter and spring months. Few sights rival the aesthetics of a well-manicured, overseeded golf course.
What Is Overseeding?
Overseeding is the practice of planting cool-season grass seed over warm-season turf that goes dormant in cooler temperatures. This process typically includes:
- Course Preparation: Mechanical and plant protection treatments to prepare the seedbed.
- Seeding: Applying a cool-season turfgrass variety, most commonly Perennial Ryegrass.
- Irrigation Scheduling: Adjusting water applications to establish new growth.
- Fertilization: Applying nutrients to promote healthy development.
Benefits of Overseeding
- Visual Appeal: Overseeded courses offer a vibrant, green landscape compared to dormant turf.
- Faster Recovery: Overseeded turf withstands heavy play and cart traffic better than non-overseeded surfaces.
- Improved Playability: Cool-season grasses thrive in cooler weather, outperforming warm-season varieties.
- Weed Suppression: Dense overseeded turf reduces space for weeds to establish.
- Economic Impact: Overseeding enhances course quality, attracting golfers and boosting local economies.
Considerations
Overseeding does come with challenges. In desert regions, water scarcity is a real concern — especially with declining Colorado River levels. Some estimates suggest skipping overseeding could save 1.5–2.0 acre-feet of water per course (roughly 480,000–650,000 gallons). Additionally, the process can be costly, which is why some facilities weigh the benefits against budget constraints.
However, the economic upside is significant. Golf generates more than $1 billion annually in the Coachella Valley, $1.25 billion in Las Vegas, and nearly $6 billion in Arizona. For many properties, the return on investment makes overseeding a strategic choice.
Simplot Turf & Horticulture: Your Overseeding Partner
Whether your course chooses to overseed or not, Simplot Turf & Horticulture provides everything needed for success:
Final Thoughts
Overseeding is more than a cosmetic upgrade — it’s a strategic decision balancing aesthetics, playability, and economics. While water and cost concerns are valid, the benefits often outweigh the challenges for courses aiming to deliver exceptional winter and spring conditions.
