This spring lawn can use a little rejuvenating by overseeding.
Spring is the second-best time—autumn being the first–to either plant a new lawn or rejuvenate your existing one. For those of us in shorter-season areas in the northern latitudes, choosing varieties of grass seed that are suitable for our climate is essential to successfully grow a lush, green lawn. Read on to find out about the four types of lawn grass that are best suited to growing in cool northern climates.
Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) is a fast-growing perennial grass that spreads by underground runners. It is best planted in full sun or light shade. One of the most widely planted cool season grasses, Kentucky bluegrass is rugged and tough enough for sports fields when combined with perennial ryegrass. It requires a lot of water and will go dormant and turn brown during minor summer droughts. Once rainfall or irrigation resumes, Kentucky bluegrass will regrow from its roots if the drought was not prolonged.
Fine fescue (Festuca spp.) is a grass that is well-adapted to shady sites. It blends well with other grasses, particularly bluegrass. Tolerant of low moisture and drought, fine fescue continues to grow when other types of lawn grasses are brown and dormant. Because it also tolerates low soil fertility, it is a good choice for a low-maintenance lawn. Plant fine fescue mixed with Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass because a pure stand of fine fescue is difficult to mow well.
Tall fescue (Festuca spp.) is a coarse, clump-forming grass with a deep and extensive root system that is excellent for soils with poor drainage or high salt content. It will also perform well in shade and in areas that receive little artificial watering in summer. Tolerant of drought and insects, it stays green all summer in most northern areas. Because the seedlings of tall fescue are less hardy than established tall fescue grass plants, it should only be seeded in spring to early summer. Tall fescue is a fast-germinating grass that quickly becomes established in your lawn.
Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perrene) is a cool season bunch-type of grass that is not tolerant of extreme cold. During severely cold winters with little or no snowcover, perennial ryegrass will often die out. It requires a lot of maintenance to maintain a lush, full lawn of perennial ryegrass. It prefers full sun and will germinate and mature rapidly. Because of this, perennial ryegrass is part of grass seed mixes that include the fescues and Kentucky bluegrass where it functions as a “nurse crop,” crowding out lawn weeds until the other grasses in the mix can germinate and become established. It is also widely used to revamp and overseed existing lawns. Plant perennial ryegrass in your backyard for a tough turf that will withstand children and pets quite well.
All of these types of grass seed are available in a wide range of cultivated and hybridized varieties. Contact your local County Extension Agent for recommendations as to which varieties to plant that will produce the best lawn in your particular micro-climate.
Tags: fine fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue
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