what kind of grass grows in seattle

What is the best grass seed for Seattle?

Best Grass Seed for Seattle 1 Scotts 18363 Turf Builder Grass Seed-Perennial Ryegrass Mix. ... 2 Pennington Smart Seed Perennial Ryegrass Seed. ... 3 Creeping Red Fescue Lawn Grass Seed. ... 4 Scotts 18320 Grass Seed Tall Fescue Mix. ... 5 Pennington Smart Seed Dense Shade Grass Seed. ...

What types of grasses thrive in Washington State’s climate?

What Types of Grasses Thrive in Washington State’s Climate? Whether you choose hydroseed or sod, the type of seed mixture needs to be carefully chosen in order to suit the climate and purpose. Western Washington’s climate is a mix of coastal with wet winters and mostly mild, dry summers.

When to plant grass seed in Seattle?

The Best Time to Plant Grass in Seattle 1 Spring Planting. April and May are the best months for sowing grass seed in Seattle, according to Washington State University Extension. 2 Fall Planting. Another good time to plant grass in Seattle is when the fall rains start in September. ... 3 Summer Option. ...

Why is it so hard to plant grass in Seattle?

Planting and watching your grass grow over the course of a few weeks can be a very fulfilling experience, but if you live in Seattle it matters a lot that you pick the right grass seeds. This is because of the climate of Seattle, which requires varieties of grass acclimated to the long dry summers and wet winters.

What kind of grass is in the Pacific Northwest?

Fine-Leaved Fescues Red, Chewings, and hard fescues comprise the three major groups used for lawns in the Pacific Northwest. They have lower requirements for nitrogen, water, and mowing than turftype perennial ryegrasses, bentgrasses, and Kentucky bluegrasses.

What type of grass is best for the Pacific Northwest?

This makes perennial ryegrass one of the most popular choices for cold and humid regions like the Pacific Northwest. Perennial ryegrass is a turfgrass that offers consistent, year-round greenery.

What grass grows best in Washington State?

Kentucky bluegrasses, fine-leaved and turf-type tall fescues are best adapted for Eastern Washington. Turf-type perennial ryegrasses, fine-leaved fescues, turf-type tall, and bentgrasses are well-adapted to Western Washington. Kentucky bluegrasses are usually shortlived in Western Washington.

How do you grow grass in Seattle?

Plant grass in Seattle when warm rains will help it grow. Grass seed needs warm soil, mild temperatures and regular irrigation to germinate and grow. That means the best times to plant grass in Seattle are spring and fall, when rainfall will make your job easier.

When should I plant grass in Seattle?

Seattle homeowners should plant new turf between April and May. Spring seeding will give your cool-season grass type plenty of cool weather to begin germination and establish a lawn. The summer heat is not ideal for young grass. If you miss the spring, fall plantings are second-best, up to mid-October.

When should I plant grass seed in Pacific Northwest?

In areas of your lawn that receive 4 to 6 hours of sun daily, plant this grass seed mix in the early spring or early fall and see results in 8 to 14 days.

When should I plant grass seed in Washington state?

Fall is the best time to sow seed for a new lawn. If you can't get to it at the end of the season, spring is the next best time. Don't wait too long; your lawn needs to get established before summer arrives and lawn maintenance season begins.

How do I take care of my lawn in Seattle?

5 Summer Lawn Care Tips for Seattle, WAWater deeply but infrequently. Most warm-season grasses need about an inch of water a week, but more if the weather is unseasonably hot. ... Mow regularly at the right height. ... Don't over fertilize. ... Watch your weeds, insects, and diseases. ... Hire a lawn care pro.

What is the difference between fescue and ryegrass?

Perennial ryegrass prefers mostly sun while tall fescue prefers mostly shade. This is reflected in their ideal temperature ranges. Perennial ryegrass goes dormant at 55F and grows best at around 75F. Tall fescue, on the other hand, goes dormant at 50F and grows best at and around 70F.

How do I keep my grass green in Seattle?

Let the soil dry between waterings to prevent lawn disease and save water. Lawns only need about one inch of water a week in summer, including rain, to stay green. Or you can let areas of lawn that don't get heavy wear go brown and dormant – just water once a month, and they'll bounce back in the fall.

When should I lay sod in Seattle?

Sod grows best during mid-Spring or after Winter's last frost and before Summer's heat spell; we ask customers to take note that laying down sod during the hottest/coldest peak of the year will require extra maintenance.

When should I fertilize in Seattle?

Mow higher, mow regularly, and leave the clippings on the lawn (“grasscycle”). If needed, fertilize moderately in September or May with a “natural organic” or “slow-release” fertilizer. Water deeply, but less frequently. Or let lawns go dormant in summer.

What is the best grass to grow in Oregon?

Our picks for the best turfgrasses for Portland are Kentucky bluegrass, colonial bentgrass, fine fescue, and perennial ryegrass. These cool-season grasses will thrive in Portland's coastal climate.

What is the difference between Kentucky bluegrass and ryegrass?

Kentucky bluegrass has a strong, thick root system and tougher blades than perennial ryegrass. However, it is slow to fill in gaps or “bald” spots and slow to establish itself as a new lawn. This could be the key difference between perennial ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass.

What kind of grass grows on the Oregon coast?

Grasses dominate all coastal pastures, with perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, and orchardgrass usually the preferred species.

What is the difference between fescue and ryegrass?

Perennial ryegrass prefers mostly sun while tall fescue prefers mostly shade. This is reflected in their ideal temperature ranges. Perennial ryegrass goes dormant at 55F and grows best at around 75F. Tall fescue, on the other hand, goes dormant at 50F and grows best at and around 70F.

When should I plant grass seed in Seattle?

Seattle homeowners should plant new turf between April and May. Spring seeding will give your cool-season grass type plenty of cool weather to begin germination and establish a lawn. The summer heat is not ideal for young grass. If you miss the spring, fall plantings are second-best, up to mid-October.

What type of grass is best for low light lawns?

Fine fescues have an early growing season and blend well with other grass types. These grasses are named for their thin blades and soft texture . Fine fescues come in several varieties and tend to be medium to bright green. This turf is ideal for low-light lawns.

What is tall fescue?

Turf-type tall fescue was bred from the grasses commonly used to feed foraging animals. This grass is medium to dark green and coarsely textured. These grasses thrive in sandy and low-nutrient soils. They’re also hardy in high shade and poorly draining soil.

What is the most popular grass in the United States?

Kentucky bluegrass. One of the most popular grasses in the United States, Kentucky bluegrass is emerald to blue-green in color. This turf has a high tolerance for foot traffic, making it ideal for anyone who likes to spend a lot of time outdoors. Probably the biggest drawback is going to be maintenance.

What type of grass is best for overseeding in Seattle?

1. Perennial ryegrass. Perennial ryegrass is well-suited to Seattle’s cool temperatures and high humidity. This grass establishes itself quickly and is great for overseeding. Perennial ryegrass is popular because it stands up well to foot traffic .

Is red thread grass bad for you?

This grass type is popular because it’s relatively low maintenance and has a high drought tolerance. Red thread is the biggest disease threat, but with proper nutrients and fungicides, the danger should be minimal.

Does Kentucky bluegrass need direct sunlight?

Probably the biggest drawback is going to be maintenance. Kentucky bluegrass does best with regular watering and fertilization. You’ll also find this grass needs direct sunlight. In Western Washington, Kentucky bluegrass typically isn’t planted as a monostand (a lawn with only one grass type).

When should I plant grass seed in Seattle?

The best time to plant grass seeds in Seattle is during the spring, especially in the months of April and May, provided that the weather is neither excessively wet nor excessively dry.

Will grass seed grow if you just throw it on the ground?

Technically yes, if you just throw grass seeds over a piece of land the seeds will eventually germinate and grow.

Do I need to put topsoil over grass seed?

No, you do not need to apply a layer of topsoil on top of your grass seeds ; however, it is fine, and even beneficial in fact, to add some compost or mulch instead.

What is Scotts grass seed mix?

This is another one of Scotts’ great products, their Grass Seed Tall Fescue Mix is a great variety of tall grass that retains all of the characteristic features of Scotts’ products-durability, ease of use, and low maintenance.

What is Pennington Smart Seed?

Pennington Smart Seed Dense Shade Grass Seed is considered an extremely versatile and premium product for anyone who wants to plant grass under a partially or fully shaded area.

What is Scottstall fescue mix?

The ScottsTall Fescue Mix incorporates the same two-layer protective system, WaterSmart Plus, that other Scott’s products also contain.

What is the best grass seed?

The best varieties of grass seed that contain all of these aforementioned features are Fine Fescue and Perennial Ryegrass. Which one you should choose depends on your preference for length and appearance.

What type of grass is used in lawns?

However, you can find lawn mixtures that are predominantly bluegrass and fescues with some ryegrass mixed in to help the lawn get established.

What kind of fescue is best for a lawn in Seattle?

All main varieties of fine fescues grow well in the Seattle area, including creeping red fescue, chewings fescue, hard fescue, and sheep fescue. With all four of these, you can expect a lawn that has fine blades, a high shade tolerance, and low maintenance requirements.

What is the best grass to mix with Kentucky bluegrass?

Ryegrass is known for being able to establish quickly, in as little as 3 days. This fast growth makes it a popular choice to mix with Kentucky bluegrass. The ryegrass will prevent erosion and protect the lawn while the bluegrass fully establishes to create a thick turf. Ryegrass is also tougher, and brings that strength to the mix.

What is the best grass for high use areas?

Ryegrass comes in two varieties: annual and perennial. Unless you want to reseed next year or are looking for a single year filler grass, go with perennial ryegrass. Both of them will give you a bright green grass that is tough and durable, which makes it great for high use areas.

How long does it take for bluegrass to grow?

Bluegrass can be used on its own in lawns, but more often than not its used in a grass mixture. A big part of this is because it can take 1-2 months to get fully established, and the other grasses help fill in the gap. Additionally, bluegrass does well with some shade and direct sunlight, but there are other grasses that handle shade better.

What is the best grass to grow in Seattle?

The dominant cool season grass in the country is also the dominant cool season grass around Seattle. It has a fine leaf that will give you a thick, dense turf once it’s fully established. It thrives on plenty of water, which works perfectly with the Seattle climate. Depending on the variety, you can get anything from a bright green to a deep bluish green.

Can bent grass be used on golf courses?

For a long time, bentgrass was only found on golf courses because of its thick, carpet-like turf that can hold very short mowing. Recently, however, it’s been used on lawns, and responds well to the coastal Washington climate. The grass takes a lot of work to get established and be maintained. But if you can manage it, the web of rooted stems will give you a thick, velvety lawn.

How much sunlight does a ryegrass plant need?

These species tolerate lower levels of sunlight as well as fertilizer and water. However, this combination thrives best when exposed to at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day.

What type of grass is used for golf courses?

Areas Prone to Erosion. For areas on slopes or are otherwise prone to erosion, we recommend a hydroseed application of Fescue, Ryegrass, and Kentucky Bluegrass as well as a species called bentgrass. This type of grass is commonly used for golf courses due to its ability to tolerate low mowing and foot traffic.

What grasses do country greens use?

For instance, horse pastures will usually require a combination of 30% Timothy, 30% Perennial Ryegrass, and 20% Annual Ryegrass. Smaller portions of Orchardgrasses will be added in as well.

What type of grass grows well in Washington?

Here’s a breakdown of which types work for each situation. Fescue. Kentucky Bluegrass . Ryegrass. Fescue is suited a wide range of zones. Grows well in Washington and most other inland zones. Tough, tufted grass. Best to plant in Spring or Fall. Lush, dark green color, low heat tolerance.

What are the factors that determine the hardiness of grass?

Grass types are determined primarily by climate, but other factors play a role as well. Altitude, yearly water and snow levels, soil type, and wind patterns all determine the hardiness of zones all over the country.

What is the climate in Western Washington?

Western Washington’s climate is a mix of coastal with wet winters and mostly mild, dry summers. Grasses for the northwest are labeled as cool season and achieve the best results in cooler temperatures.

Is orchard grass good for horses?

Smaller portions of Orchardgrasses will be added in as well. This mixture is suited to horse pastures because it contains all forage grasses with no clover as horses can have adverse reactions to certain types. It’s also perfectly balanced for weather conditions in Western Washington.

Grass in Seattle??

On a visit to Seattle this past fall I really became enamored with the grass that I noticed at Kerry Park and many other city parks and public spaces around the city. The grass was *very* green and extremely soft. Does anyone know what kind of grass that is, and would that grass fare well in the New Orleans climate? Thanks in advance for any help.

Comments (9)

You would use different kinds there. Try web site of Louisiana Cooperative Extension.

Spring Planting

April and May are the best months for sowing grass seed in Seattle, according to Washington State University Extension. However, you can start a new lawn or overseed an existing lawn as early as mid-March if the soil isn't too wet, says Seattle gardening expert Ciscoe Morris.

Fall Planting

Another good time to plant grass in Seattle is when the fall rains start in September. If Seattle gets an unusually hot and dry September, wait to sow grass seed until conditions improve–as late as Oct. 15.

Summer Option

Grass may be planted in Seattle during the summer, but it requires more work to coax the seed to germinate and keep the seedlings alive. During warm, dry periods, you must keep the planting area moist–not wet–with several light sprinklings daily.

Do you want to find out more?

If you want to find out more about native plants of the Pacific Northwest, here are a few resources to get you started.

What shrubs have red leaves?

Oregon grape is another shrub that displays color throughout the year. Its evergreen leaves turn to varying shades of red throughout the winter. In early spring, it produces fragrant yellow flowers that are followed by blue and purple berries (that resemble grapes) in the summer and fall. Its leaves look very similar to a holly leaf with prickly points around the leaf.

What color are huckleberries?

Like red flowering currant, evergreen huckleberry provides a sweet treat for butterflies and hummingbirds in the spring, while its fall berries are prized by local songbirds. Its spring flowers are white and pink, while the berries turn from red in the summer to deep purple in the fall. The new spring leaf growth is a reddish color, which gives great spring interest. Its mature leaves are a glossy green. Overall, it’s a very versatile plant and makes an attractive hedge in your landscape.

What is the color of dogwood?

Finally, in the fall, its leaves turn a deep red or yellow color.

What do the flowers on a mountain shooting star look like?

The flowers on this plant resemble shooting stars or rockets with flames shooting out at the end. Tall mountain shooting star is a good flower for bees.

What zone is Seattle in?

If you have a green thumb, you might enjoy choosing and installing plants yourself. Seattle is in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s hardiness zone 8b, so choose plants that withstand winter temperatures down to 15-20 degrees Fahrenheit.

When do Indian plums bloom?

Like the Oregon grape and red flowering currant, Indian plum displays its white flowers early in the season — late winter or early spring in this case. Pollinators love the early feast that these flowers provide, while local avians enjoy the summer fruit. Note: You must have male and female plants for the female plant to set lots of fruit.

What is fine fescue?

Fine fescues - Fine Fescue is a shade tolerant turf grass with a medium to dark green color. Adapted to the Pacific Northwest, Fine Fescue grows best in cool humid regions, coastal regions and in high elevations. All varieties require little maintenance and like to be mowed at 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches. They have the finest leaves, the most shade ...

What is tall fescue turf?

Tall fescue - Turf Type - Tall fescue is a persistent and durable plant that forms acceptable turf for home lawns, grounds, parks, playgrounds, and athletic fields. It is commonly used in low maintenance situations such as utility areas, highway medials, airstrips, and fairgrounds. Many new and improved varieties have finer texture, higher tiller densities, and a darker-green color than the coarse-textured, light-green varieties such as 'Kentucky 31' and 'Alta.' Tall fescue is considered by many individuals to be incompatible with the finer-textured and darker-green Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and fine fescues. Tall fescue may be objectionable in a mixture with fine-textured turfgrass species because it tends to form coarse-textured clumps in an otherwise uniform stand.

How long does it take for ryegrass to germinate?

Its recuperative potential is not as strong as Kentucky bluegrass. Perennial ryegrass germinates rapidly (5 to 7 days) and establishes quickly. It is very competitive with other turfgrasses and is used extensively for overseeding thin or damaged turf.

What is the best grass to grow in Eastern Washington?

Kentucky bluegrass - Kentucky Bluegrass is an easily grown, high quality perennial turf grass used in Eastern Washington and in mixes (small percentages) in Western Washington. It is most commonly used on home lawns, parks, cemeteries, institutional grounds, airfields, roadsides, golf course fairways and athletic fields because of its ability to withstand high turf injury. Its thick root system helps the plants recover quickly and prevents the plants from falling apart. Kentucky Bluegrass grows best in the north eastern and central states. This dense grass has good color, a fine texture and is the cold hardiest of all turf grasses. It has a high water requirement and may suffer in summer heat if mowed too short. Although this is popular grass seed, it has high maintenance requirements like frequent watering, fertilizing and mowing. It prefers to be mowed at 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches. This cool-season grass is one of the most important and widely used turf grasses.

What is a cool season grass?

Cool-Season Grasses: Perennial ryegrass - Ryegrass is a persistent, dark-green, fine to medium-textured turfgrass that is used for home lawns, parks, grounds, golf courses, and athletic fields. This species produces a bunch-type growth habit and does not form rhizomes or stolons.

What is a USDA zone map?

USDA Zone Map This is a USDA zone map specifically for your state so you can tell exactly what zone you are in.

Is tall fescue a grass?

Tall fescue is primarily a bunch-type grass that occasionally produces short rhizomes. It is somewhat slow to establish extensive root systems and has only fair recovery potential. This species is the most heat and drought tolerant of the cool-season turfgrasses.

What grass is good for a southern area?

Shade-Tolerant Grass for Southern Regions. If your yard is filled with shade and you live in a warm southern region of the country, choose one of these grasses: 1. Bahiagrass. A good option for warm climates and seasons, Bahiagrass will give you a lawn that's durable and low maintenance. 2.

What is the best grass for cooler climates?

2. Tall Fescues. Tall fescues are versatile and tolerant to a variety of climate conditions, including cold, drought, heat, and shade. 3. Ryegrass. Perennial Ryegrass grows well in dappled sun and shade. This is a good grass variety for cooler climates.

What is the first step in having a great lawn?

Selecting the right variety of grass for shade is the first step in having a great lawn. (Shutterstock)

What are some good plants to plant in the shade?

Plant one or more of these ornamental plants as ground cover in shaded areas where grass just won't thrive. Some of these plants even bloom so you can show off your yard with seasonal colors: 1 Colorful coleus 2 Hostas 3 Painted ferns 4 Periwinkle 5 Sedge 6 Wintergreen

Why do you water grass in shade?

You want to water grass in shaded areas so that it gets enough water without becoming saturated with moisture. The key to this is to water deeply but infrequently.

How to get more sunlight in grass?

Encourage sunlight. Trim back tree branches and bushes to allow as much sunlight as possible to reach grassy areas. 2. Healthy soil. Do a soil test and check the pH level. You want the best pH balance possible for grass to thrive. 3. Raise mower blades. When cutting grass, set your mower one inch higher in shady areas.

Can Zoysia grass take root?

Zoysia may be a little slower than other grass varieties to take root, but once it does it's suitable for warm climates in shaded areas.