Not all grass seed is the same. Each type of seed has its own unique properties and benefits and knowing the strengths and weaknesses of each seed type can help you decide what variety is best for your yard. When looking to overseed or establish a new lawn, it’s extremely important to choose the right grass species. This can be done by considering your region and climate, lawn usage and appearance of your lawn.
Grass Types
The Lake Norman-area climate is what’s known as “humid subtropical” and is one that experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters. For this reason, it is important to choose a seed that is specifically designed for warmer climates. Here are three of the most common types found in Denver, NC and surrounding areas:
Bermuda
This grass type is very durable and is often used in lawns that receive a lot of traffic such as golf courses and sports fields, so if you have kids that love to play in the yard, this is a great option. Bermuda grass performs great in the hot weather but requires a lot of water in order to thrive. One thing to be aware of is that Bermuda grass can spread very quickly. Installing edging around your landscape beds can prevent it from taking over those areas.
Zoysia
Zoysia is another popular drought-tolerant grass type for residential and commercial lawns and is one of the more stout warm-season grass types. It does not tolerate low temperatures and will turn brown in the fall and not green up until we are well into spring. Warm-season grasses are more susceptible to grubs causing damage than cool-season.
Tall Fescue
Tall Fescue is an incredibly popular choice for the homeowner that wants to have the best looking lawn on the block and is willing to invest in adequate watering and a fertilizing and weed control program to keep it green and weed-free. This grass type is commonly found in cooler regions of the country, but can be used near Lake Norman. It will require a lot of watering during the summer when high temperatures are in the 90s and low temperatures only reach the 70s, but the benefit of this effort is a lawn that looks immaculate.
Planned Use For Your Lawn
Next you’ll need consider how and to what degree your lawn will be used. Ask yourself, what do I want out of my lawn? Do you want a lawn that looks lush and beautiful? Then consider using Tall Fescue, but be aware that cool-season grass types will require an immense amount of water to maintain its appearance in the summer months.
Prefer something more drought resistant and tough enough for kids to play in? An excellent choice is Bermuda and Zoysia. Both grass types offer will be resilient to the brutally hot and humid summers.
When to Seed?
The final step in seeding and grass growth is knowing when to seed your lawn.
Bermuda & Zoysia
The best time to overseed these warm-season grasses is late-spring after the threat of frost has passed and daily high temperatures are consistently in the 80s, yielding to soil temperatures at least 65-70 degrees.
Fescue
Fall is the best time of year to overseed cool-season in North Carolina. Wait until high temperatures consistently stay in the 70s and low temperatures in the 50s.
If you’re looking into boosting the appearance of your lawn with overseeding or would like to learn more about the ideal grass seed for your lawn, contact the experts at Proformance Turf today.