Vol. 1 #8
August 18, 2000

Plant Grass Seed In The Fall - But Which Kind?

    Prime time is soon coming for folks who are serious turfgrass enthusiasts.  The reason is simple - September is the best 30 days of the year to plant "cool season" grasses which include tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, and fine fescues such as Creeping Red Fescue.  Nature seeds itself during this time period and so should the gardener.

    In the fall the soil temperature is high and grass seed will germinate quickly and completely.  Growth will occur throughout the natural growing season of fall and winter root development will continue through the winter during all periods when the ground is not frozen.  In early spring the grass greens and continues to grow so that you have a fully mature plant by mid May with a deep root system and disease resistance.

    In the spring the soil temperature is low and early spring seeding may result in slow germination late in the spring.  The result is a sparse and shallow root system as well as a tender foliage which is very susceptible to diseases. You should only seed in the spring if you have bare ground or sparse grass knowing that you may well have to repeat this process in the fall.

    "Cool season" turf grasses tend to stay green in the year round in cooler climates, but don't survive the intense heat of the deep South.  "Warm season" grasses such as bermudagrass and zoysia thrive in hot weather, but are dormant and tan in color from first frost through May which spans more than half of the calendar year.  For these reasons we prefer to grow "cool season" grasses in this climate even though the summer heat often takes it toll on these grasses.  In order to restore their diminished population we have to re-seed in the fall.

    Kentucky Bluegrass and fine fescue spread from the root and tend to become better established with time.  Kentucky Bluegrass does not fare well in temperatures above 85 degrees or acidic soil, two conditions which are prevalent in Central and  South Virginia.

    The fine fescues tend to do well in "naturalized" or wild areas, and in dense shade.  They don't do well in full sun or high maintenance areas.  Creeping Red (Fine) Fescue is great for dense shade and lots of  tree roots, but get your seeding done in late August or early September so the grass can establish prior to heavy leaf fall.  Waiting too long will result in loss of new seedlings from the tines of your rake or the matting of the leaves.

    Ryegrass does not spread from the roots and must be replenished by seed.  Ryegrass requires a soil temperature of 50 degrees or greater to germinate, is very green in the winter, grows aggressively, and withstands a high levels of traffic.  Ryegrass quickly enters dormancy during periods of intense summer drought.

    Tall fescues such as Triple A Blend, Rebel, Winning Colors Blend, etc. germinate at a soil temperature of 60 degrees or greater, holds its color well in the summer, handles traffic well, adapts to various lighting situations, and resists summer dormancy within reason.

    Ryegrass grows more aggressively than tall fescue and will choke out the tall fescue in a competition for the same square inch of ground. The net result is  a population of perennial ryegrass, which is weaker in the summer.  We recommend straight tall fescue or blends containing no more than 20% perennial ryegrass and no annual ryegrass  .  We recommend you get your seeding done in September or October.

    See our Lawn Care Tips for a year round schedule of lawn care and visit Our Store to purchase grass.  Happy planting!

Andy Lynn