Planning your lawn can involve a lot of thought, especially if you don’t want to spend all your free time tending it. Most people choose to plant grass seed when they have the least amount of stress in their lives, such as in the fall or early spring. When you plant grass seed also determines whether you’ll need to reseed later or not. Small details like these are what make a large difference in how much maintenance your lawn requires. Here we explore the pros and cons of planting grass seed at different times of year.
Spring
If you’re looking for an easy lawn care season, spring might be the best time to plant grass seed. If you want a lush lawn in the spring, you’ll want to choose a warm-season grass like Bermuda or Zoysia. You can plant these grasses as early as February, though March or early April is best. Warm-season grasses grow quickly, which will help them get established quickly during the spring and early summer. If you’re looking for a fall lawn, choose a cool-season grass like Kentucky bluegrass, Fescue, or Ryegrass. These grow best in the fall and early spring, but they can also tolerate the summer heat. Kentucky bluegrass is a popular fall lawn choice, as it grows very well in the fall and winter.
Case
While spring is the easiest time to plant grass seed, it might not be the best choice for your climate. In the south, it’s too hot to plant grass seed in the spring, so homeowners will often plant in fall. In the north, the ground is too cold in the winter to plant grass seed. You can plant it in the spring, but it might not germinate until late summer. Consider fall planting for northern climates as well. If you’re planting in the fall, you’ll want to choose a warm-season grass like Bermuda or Zoysia. These grow best in the fall and spring, but they can also survive the summer heat. You can also choose a cool-season grass like Fescue. These grow best in the spring and fall, but they can tolerate the summer heat as well.
Late Summer
A popular time to plant grass seed is in the late summer. This is when warm- and cool-season grasses are just starting to grow again. Cool-season grasses like Fescue and Ryegrass will germinate very quickly in August and September. Warm-season grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia will take a little longer to germinate, usually until October and November. If you’re planting a fall lawn, you have the added benefit of a winter freeze helping the seeds germinate in early spring. This is especially helpful if you have an area in your lawn that stays wet longer than the rest. You can also plant a warm-season grass like Bermuda or Zoysia in the late summer and fall.
Winter
The last popular time to plant grass seed is in winter. This is mostly for warm-season grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia. Many homeowners will use a winter lawn seeding technique like plugs or sodding. This means you’ll plant grass seed in the fall and cover it with a tarp or sod in the winter. The seeds will germinate and grow underneath. This can be risky if you’re not careful, but it can also be very rewarding. Winter planting is risky because you don’t know exactly when the seeds will germinate. If you don’t uncover them at the right time, they could either rot in the ground or be trampled. It’s ideal to plant in the fall, but some warm-season grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia need a few extra months to germinate.
Summary
There are many benefits if you choose to plant grass seed in the spring, fall, or winter. You’ll have less foot traffic on your lawn so you won’t have to mow as often. You also won’t have to worry as much about pests or disease, as they are less common in the winter. If you choose to plant grass seed in the spring, you’ll have the additional benefit of your lawn being lush and green by the summer. If you plant in the fall, your lawn will be lush and green by the spring. Planting grass seed in the winter has the added benefit of being able to choose which type of grass you plant. If you’re thinking about planting grass seed, remember to keep these benefits in mind so you can make an informed decision about when to plant.