Reduce Dust When Planting Winter Ryegrass

The Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) encourages commercial properties, government agencies, and residents to reduce dust this fall when switching to winter ryegrass. Overseeding can impact air quality by generating dust when scalping existing Bermuda grass. Each year the department responds to questions and concerns from landscapers, golf course managers, and residents regarding the dust created during the overseeding process.

The department offers the following tips to help prevent dust during the overseeding process: 

· Avoid scalping on windy days and on High Pollution Advisory (HPA) days

· Don’t over-dry the area prior to scalping

· Apply water to moisten the area prior to scalping

· Reduce the area to be overseeded and the depth of scalping       

· Keep dust collection screens and filters in good working order

· Sweep loose debris from paved surfaces instead of using a leaf blower, see the P-25 Ordinance

· Moisten material piles before loading into dumpsters

Generally, overseeding/scalping projects do not require a dust control permit. However, the dust emissions generated during these projects are still regulated under MCAQD’s Rule 310. Visible dust emissions beyond the property line may result in an air quality violation.      

View their Overseeding Tips for Dust Control help sheet that is available in English and Spanish.   Please check with local municipalities for possible additional restrictions.