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Learn The Best Time To Plant Grass Seed For A Healthy Lawn

Best Time To Plant Grass Seed A beautiful, green lawn is more than just aesthetically pleasing. Typically, maintaining your turf is one of the best investments in your home yielding a high return. Yet, many homeowners struggle with achieving this goal ending up with bald spots instead. If you need to repair your lawn, you may be wondering when is the best time to plant grass seed.

 

 

Some Factors Affecting The Best Time To Plant Grass Seed

Most homeowners don’t realize there’s a certain art to planting grass. You can’t simply throw the seed down and expect a lush, green turf. Where you live and your local weather conditions can impact the timing of planting grass in any given year. Generally, you need to consider the following factors for success:

1. Local Weather Forecast

Extreme weather temperatures stunt the growth of grass and can kill off young seedlings. For instance, high temperatures combined with humidity and excess moisture are perfect conditions for certain fungal diseases. While frost can easily kill young grass seedlings.

2. The Type Of Grass Seed

Many parts of North Carolina lie in the transitional zone. This area has temperatures moving from the heat of the south to the cool of the north. In this zone, both warm and cool grasses thrive. The best time to plant grass seed depends on which type you’re planting. Spring or early fall is perfect for cool-season grasses. While early summer is the best time to plant warm-season grasses.

3. Soil Temperature

For proper seed germination, the soil must achieve a particular temperature. The soil temperature must be consistently 40-60 degrees F for cool-season grasses. Warm-season grasses require a soil temperature range of 65 -70 degrees F. Although the air temperature may seem perfect, soil temperatures can be cooler.

4. Weed Elimination

Weeds will compete with grass seedlings for water and nutrients. Well-established weeds can choke out your grass before it has time to establish. Thus, you need to remove all weeds before trying to grow new grass.

5. Soil Preparation

Even if you’ve followed all of the above steps, your grass won’t thrive without preparing your soil. For example, compacted dirt prevents roots from getting water and nutrients. Soil that is too acidic or alkaline will also prevent grass from growing.

Finally, healthy soil is a living ecosystem that plants need to thrive. Without organic matter to sustain the physical, chemical, and biological functions of your soil, your grass will eventually die.

Balance Your Softscape With Hardscape Elements

Nothing is more pleasant to the eye than green grass kept finely shorn. – Francis Bacon

Unquestionably, a lush, green lawn is pleasing to view. However, left alone, a large area of turf is boring. Plus, maintaining grass is a very time-consuming project. You need to water it, feed it, and mow it. Furthermore, you need to keep it free from disease and pests.

Incorporating hardscapes into your yard can eliminate some of these maintenance tasks while adding personality. For example, your choice of hardscape element and material can add elegance, whimsy, or modern concepts to your garden.

Plus, by incorporating hardscape elements, you create definition and greatly increase its usability. Many hardscape features create extra square footage for additional living space. For example, by simply installing a patio, you create the proper space for relaxing or entertaining.

Yet, designed and installed correctly, hardscapes add more than just function. Your hardscape element can be a work of art adding dimension, depth, and texture to your property. By using both living and non-living elements, you create a balanced appearance.

FAQs About Planting Grass

We’ve covered some of the basics of the best time to plant grass seed. Below, we answer a few commonly asked lawn questions. If you have other questions, please feel free to call us at 336-442-0160.

Which Is The Best Type Of Seed?

Unfortunately, there isn’t one type of grass seed that’s perfect for every home. In addition to considering the climate, professionals must consider the soil type. Furthermore, some grasses won’t tolerate heavy foot traffic or deep shade.

Moreover, some grass varieties are drought tolerant while others require frequent watering. Plus, some grow quickly while others are much slower. Usually, a blend of several types can help you achieve a beautiful lawn.

Can You Put Too Much Straw On Grass Seed?

Generally, when putting down new seed, you need some type of covering. Without mulch, your seed can wash away in a downpour or blow away in a heavy wind. Furthermore, a mulch will keep moisture and heat in to help germinate your seeds.

Typically, most people use straw to do this job. When applying straw, be sure to put down a thin layer. Too much makes the perfect habitat for fungal growth.

What Hardscape Should I Install?

Truthfully, the best hardscape is the one that fits in with your lifestyle and needs. The person who does a lot of entertaining won’t need the same features as someone who wants a relaxing retreat. Thus, the first step is to consider how you want your yard to function.

At Landscape Solutions & Designs, Inc. we can transform your property into a beautiful, functional area by installing these hardscapes:

Plus, we can handle all of your other landscaping concerns:

  • Tree removal
  • Pruning
  • Sod installation
  • Lawn care
  • Mulching
  • Landscape lighting
  • Artificial turf installation
  • And more!

Since 2005, we’ve been helping homeowners create the perfect yard for their needs and budget. Don’t let another season pass you by without fixing your drab backyard. Call us at 336-442-0160 to book your free no-obligation consultation.