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How to Choose a Grass Seed
There are many types of grass seeds that are available to homeowners, but selecting the right type for your lawn is easy if you know what to look for. There are many varieties of grass seed available to homeowners: Buffalo, centipede, crabgrass and zoysia are just a few of the most popular blends, and one or more of them could be a good fit for your lawn.
Regional conditions, like rainfall amounts and average temperatures, play the biggest part in grass seed selection. The individual conditions in your lawn, like sunlight exposure, also make a big difference. In order to determine the best type of seed for your lawn you need to ask yourself several questions. Here are some of the most important questions that you should ask yourself when attempting to find the best grass seed for your yard:
What are the high and low temperatures in your area?
Each type of grass has specific conditions in which it grows best, and temperature plays a big role in your lawn’s success rate. Before selecting a grass seed, you’ll want to take a look at the highest and lowest temperatures that are experienced in your region each year. In cooler, northern portions of the country it is best to select a cool season grass.
Cool season grasses are recommended for use in areas where spring and fall temperatures range from 65°F – 80°F. Some of the most popular cool season grass seeds are bentgrass, fescue varieties, ryegrass and bluegrass. In southern states it is recommended that you select a warm season grass.
How do you know if a warm season grass is right for you? If your area experiences subtropical climate conditions with summer temperatures ranging between 75°F and 90°F, these seed blends will probably be a good fit. Bermuda, zoysia and centipede grasses are the most popular choices for homeowners in warm season areas.
How much direct sunlight does your lawn receive?
If most of your lawn is in a shaded area you will have a very hard time growing certain types of grass. The same goes for lawns that receive generous amounts of direct sunlight. Take a look at the following grass types and their ideal sunlight exposure:
Type of grass: | Best for: |
Bahia | Shaded areas |
Bermuda | Direct sunlight |
Buffalo | Direct sunlight |
Fine fescue | Shaded areas |
Rye | Direct sunlight |
St. Augustine | Shaded areas |
Tall fescue | Direct sunlight |
Zoysia | Direct sunlight |
Keep in mind that if your lawn receives very little sunlight you will have a hard time growing grass, even varieties that are suitable for shaded areas. In these settings you may decide to select a grass alternative that grows well without sunlight. Some of the best alternatives include periwinkle, star jasmine, pachysandra, liriope and dichondra.
How much time do you have to devote to your lawn?
Some varieties of seeds lead to a higher maintenance lawn than others. If you don’t have much time to devote to your lawn you will want to select a low maintenance seed blend. Tall or fine fescues, perennial ryegrass, buffalo, and centipede grass varieties are best for homeowners who are seeking a low maintenance lawn. Other types of grass seeds may require more weed control, watering and mowing.
If you are still unsure of the best type of grass seed for your lawn, consider getting in touch with a lawn care professional. Lawn care companies are the most well versed in selecting seed types, but even a lawn care employee at your local home improvement store can be helpful in picking out seeds that meet your lawn’s individual needs.
TruGreen will gladly visit your property as often as needed between scheduled visits to make any necessary adjustments and to ensure your satisfaction.
Getting Started with TruGreen
- Call or fill out the form above to reach a lawn care specialist.
- Know the square footage of your yard, as well as any specific areas of concern.
- With the help of your specialist, create a customized lawn care plan that meets your lawn’s needs.
- Schedule your Healthy Lawn Analysis2 to start your service.