Lets talk about something important for once: What experience and knowledge do you have about grass seed?
I could Google this, but I’d rather talk to y’all.
I’ve heard that you can plant grass seed in any month that has an “R” in it. Does that include December, January and February when you run the risk of a hard freeze? Wouldn’t a hard freeze kill the little baby grass roots?
Also, someone recently told me that the best time to put down grass seed was when there was snow on the ground. I didn’t quite understand his reasoning. What do you think of this?
We cut down a big old shade tree in the back yard, and I’m growing grass where none has grown in years. Someone made the comment that it will “spread and fill in.” I know Bermuda, or crab grass (I don’t know the difference,) sends out shoots, but does Fescue “spread?” Doesn’t it have to seed out to spread? And, of course, after it seeds out, and the neighbors call the city on you for having waist-high grass, the grass dies.
So educate me on the finer points of planting and caring for Fescue grass, please.
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Well, I am not perfectly familiar with Fescue, but, yes, in general, seeding in the spring or fall is best. Fall preferably as it has all winter to grow and become established and, planting in hot weather risks the young grass getting mildew or fungus that will kill it off in large patches practically overnight. Just liberally spread your grass seed in all areas you want covered and it will spread accordingly. make sure you look for the right variety either sun or shade strains or an all around, both, combo. You might want to look at hydroseeding, not very expensive and the seed is sprayed out in a slurry of moisture holding compound.
However, this method that I once used in May here in CA. did end up getting fungus from the warmer weather though the general procedure was great for even coverage and ease of watering while waiting on the seed to sprout. You must keep the seeded areas evenly watered several times a day to promote sprouting and the hydroseeding slurry holds water well to promote better sprouting results.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNc15ombaHk
I would (because I know approximately where the lawn will be) recommend a Fescue / Bluegrass mix. Plant it in the fall no later than Mid October. I’ve used a non-seed straw as a moisture retainer and shade for new lawns. (Don’t use hay). Get a soil test kit from the local agricultural extension service and use it now. The results should be back by September follow their fertilizer and ph control ( lime or sulfur) recommendations. Make sure to water deep (long time with water on) and often (everyday) for at least a couple of weeks.
Don’t let the lawn get to waist high. Snakes, alligators ;>) and rats or mice will take up residency.
Still illegal in all states but Colorado, still, isn’t it?
LOL! Oh, I know @Tropical_Willie! I was just sayin’ that I thought the only way Fescue could spread is by seeding out, and to seed out it has to get really tall! Can Fescue spread without seeding?
What are the properties of Bluegrass?
I would first try to figure out what is the soil like around where the tree was. Is it acidic or alkaline. Then treat the soil. Or you can always throw down some fresh soil and put down some sod and water and hope for the best.
I took a class on lawn care at the university agricultural extension. This was in Michigan.
Grass grows in the spring and fall.
Plant seed in the spring, when you notice the bright yellow forsythia blooming.
You can also plant in the fall, late September and early October.
Water the seed a lot.
It is normal to have a brown dead-looking lawn in August, don’t worry about it.
Or be like my mom and waste $300/month watering it like you own a golf course or something.
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