Grass Seed for Highly Trafficked Lawns – If your yard is constantly occupied by a group of children, you need a resilient grass. Tall fescue is an attractive grass that withstands heavy use well (to a point, of course). It is also more resistant to drought than the other grasses mentioned.
How do I select a grass variety?
Choose a species of grass seed compatible with your climate and yard’s sun exposure. Consider the amount of moisture your lawn will receive. You may require drought-resistant grass. Choose a type of grass seed that can withstand the amount of foot traffic on your lawn.
When should you plant grass seed?
Generally, you can sow lawn seed and grass seed mixtures between March and October if the seedbed is kept moist during dry spells; however, this season can be extended if weather conditions are favorable. It is best to water the new lawn at a time of year that most closely matches the ideal conditions, rather than creating extra work for yourself.
- Other than moisture, the most crucial environmental condition for grass seed germination is a constant soil temperature of at least 8°C.
- In order for the soil to reach 8°C, the 24-hour average air temperature must be greater than 10°C.
- When grass seed should be planted A new lawn requires five factors for proper growth: Temperature An even distribution of seeds Good seed-to-soil contact Constant moisture Light Depending on the climate in your region, these conditions may occur at slightly different times, but in general, the spring and fall offer the optimal combination of warmth and moisture.
When is the optimal time to plant grass seed? Although grass seeds can be planted at any time of the year, spring and fall are the optimal planting seasons. You can anticipate fewer weed problems in the fall, as rain will make it easier to keep the seedbed moist, and the soil temperature will remain high.
- If you sow in the fall, root development will take precedence over leaf development, and your lawn will be ready for the following summer.
- If you live in an area with frequent hosepipe bans in the summer or the United Kingdom is experiencing a particularly dry summer, you should delay sowing a new lawn until later in the year.
Even if you sow the lawn early and it is established by the summer, if there is a drought, it will be water-starved in those crucial first months. It is preferable to wait until autumn, when natural precipitation will reduce the amount of watering required.
Due to the drought resistance of many fescue cultivars, it is acceptable to sow this type of seed from spring to summer, while avoiding cold soil conditions.
