Which Grass Seed is Right For My Lawn

Lawn care can be complicated, especially when you take into consideration its cost, environmental impacts, and local climate. Choosing the best type of grass seed for your lawn doesn’t have to be. 

As your local lawn care experts, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to guide you in answering the question, “What is the best grass seed for MY lawn?”

We help choose the best grass for lawns across New Jersey, and will help you determine the best grass seed for full sun, the best grass seed for shaded areas, and the best way to plant grass seed. Read on for more expert tips, like choosing the best time to seed grass and the best time to water grass seed once it’s been planted. 

What To Consider When Choosing the Best Grass Seed For Your Lawn

The Regional Climate

Different climates create different growing conditions, so it’s important to check your grass seed packaging for information on grow-zone compatibility. Make sure the grass seed you choose is well suited for the precipitation and temperature ranges of the region you live in. We think the best grass seed for northeast climates is Tall Fescue, Kentucky Blue, Perennial Rye or a Fine Fescue blend. 

Sun Versus Shade

Choosing the right grass seed for the amount of sun or shade your lawn gets is important. Full sun grass seed will not do well in shady areas, and the same applies for the best grass seed for shade when planted in full-sun areas. Our favorite full-sun grass seed is Kentucky Blue, although it does require additional fertilizer to nourish. The Fine Fescue blends are the best grass seed types for shaded areas in the Northeast.

Amount of Traffic

Heavy traffic is another factor to consider when considering grass seed types is the amount of traffic your lawn usually gets. Whether it’s pet and wildlife traffic or weekly impromptu soccer games in your backyard, take into consideration how much your grass will need to endure. Check seed packaging for more guidance on traffic compatibility. 

Soil Type

Sandy, rocky, and dry soils might require a heartier seed. Tall Fescue seed is the most resilient and environmentally-friendly regional seed that we use. We recommend this seed if you have a difficult soil type for grass to thrive in, and we recommend a soil health assessment and the help of a professional lawn care service if your grass struggles to take root.

Drought Resistance and Upkeep

If drought is an issue where you live, or you struggle to maintain proper upkeep for your lawn, grasses like Kentucky Blue may not work for you. We recommend Tall Fescue seed for more drought resistance and versatility. Drought resistant grasses are more resilient and establish deeper roots, so they can thrive even in dry conditions. If you’re unsure which grass seed type is best for your situation, try the Tall Fescue first. 

The Best Time To Plant Grass Seed

Fall is the best time to put down grass seed and to address bare patches at the end of the season.  When you plant in the fall, you reduce your chances of missing opportunities for early spring growth.  Reseeding in fall allows you to take advantage of the most optimal part of the season to germinate grass seed.  During the fall, the air temperatures are dropping which allows moisture to remain longer on the ground plus the soil is still warm enough to allow the new seeds to pop.  Also, an important advantage is that the new seedlings have all winter to mature and grow longer roots to help them be more resistant next spring.

If you notice bare spots in the spring while the rest of your grass seed seems to have taken root, throwing a handful of seed on those spots and raking away thatch and debris can be helpful. Keep some seed handy from your fall overseeding to plan ahead for this.

How To Care For Your Lawn After Planting Grass Seed

Once your lawn has been aerated and seeds have been planted, it’s time to apply a layer of compost top dressing. Since seeding happens in late fall, it’s helpful to time your overseeding at the point of the season when you’ll no longer need to mow. Not sure when that is? Our article about mowing grass in the late fall can help guide you. 

Your lawn’s watering schedule will also change as the season changes and grass becomes dormant. For best practices detailing how and when to water your lawn, click here. 

Beyond regular watering and applying your compost top layer, new seeds just need time to grow. Like established grass, seeds will be dormant through the winter and will spring to life when the ground thaws and soil begins to warm. Sit back, relax, and prepare for a busy spring managing your abundant, fast growing grass this year. 

If You Need Help Choosing the Best Grass Seed for Overseeding

When you’re ready to overseed but need more information about how to choose the best grass seed for your lawn, your local lawn care experts can help. 

Green Roots Organic not only handles the entire seeding process for you from start to finish with our Fall Revival Packages, we’re here to help you make decisions about products and seed types for your DIY lawn care projects too. Contact us today with your questions about products, grass types, and soil health, or get an instant quote here.