What is the best grass seed to grow in Washington State?
Best Lawn Grass Seeds For Washington. Grasses used in Washington vary from the Western WA to Eastern WA. 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.
What kind of grass grows in the Pacific Northwest?
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.
Does Kentucky bluegrass grow in Washington State?
Kentucky bluegrasses are usually shortlived in Western Washington. 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 the best turfgrass for northern areas?
Kentucky bluegrass is the turfgrass of choice in cooler northern areas. The color and texture of this cool-season grass are exceptional with the right growing conditions. Sunlight, good soil and a regular water supply are needed for a beautiful bluegrass lawn. Centipede grass is a tough, low-growing and low-maintenance turfgrass.
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 kind of grass is in the Scotts Pacific Northwest?
A: MzNet, the Scotts Turf Builder Grass See Pacific Northwest Mix is a mix of perennial ryegrass and fescue.
What is the best sod for Western 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.
What type of grass is most common in lawns?
Kentucky bluegrassKentucky bluegrass is the most popular grass used for lawn in the United States, and for good reason. It creates one of the most high-quality lawns possible. Its soft velvety texture, deep green color and tolerance to heavy traffic make it one of the best choices for yards, sports fields and campuses.
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.
Is Kentucky bluegrass good for the Pacific Northwest?
Performance in the Pacific Northwest: With a climate defined by hot summers, low humidity, cold winters, and calcareous soils, bluegrass grows incredibly well.
When should I plant grass seed in Washington state?
Seed in Spring or Fall The best time of year to seed a new lawn in Central Washington is mid-August to mid-September, followed by April to May. These seasons are cooler so the seed bed is easier to keep moist for the germinating seed.
When can you lay sod in Washington state?
Sod can be installed all year around in Western Washington. While winter temperatures are not too cold for acceptable sod establishment, they are too cold for effective seed germination. The appropriate temperature window for seeding in the Puget Sound area is from mid-April through late September.
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.
What is the toughest grass?
The "toughest" grasses (considering only that characteristic) are the sports-turf grasses like common Bermuda, hybrid Bermuda or zoysia. These grasses have a trailing growth habit and handle heavy foot traffic better than cool-season grasses (like fescues).
Which grass is better for lawn?
Kentucky bluegrass is perhaps the most popular of all cool-season grasses. Many northern sod farms grow Kentucky bluegrass because it's a reliable crop that produces healthy, hearty lawns. It has beautiful dark green, V-shaped leaves that are soft, yet resilient to foot traffic and lawnmowers.
What type of grass do golf courses use?
Bermudagrass, creeping bentgrass and Poa annua are the most commonly managed turfgrasses on putting greens in the United States.
What type of grass seed is in Scotts sun and shade mix?
This seed mix is a combination of bluegrass, ryegrass, and fescue. While the ryegrass and fescue should germinate in 2 weeks, it could take 28 days for the bluegrass to come up.
When can I plant grass seed in the 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.
What is the best fine fescue grass seed?
BEST OVERALL: Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Tall Fescue Mix, 7 lb.RUNNER UP: Pennington Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue Grass Seed.BEST FOR BARE SPOTS: Scotts EZ Seed Patch and Repair Tall Fescue Lawns.BEST FOR LAWN THICKENING: Scotts Turf Builder Thick'R Lawn Tall Fescue Mix.More items...•
Does Bermuda grass grow in Oregon?
Milt Engelke last week, on their farm in the Willamette Valley, to find fields planted to zoysiagrass and bermudagrass. Breeding work is underway with these grasses here, not so much for the Oregon market, but for eventual use in the warm-season and tropical areas where these grasses thrive.
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.
How tall is Buffalo grass?
Another low maintenance option, buffalo grass is also seen as sustainable because of its low water, low fertilization requirements. Lawn Mowing Height: 2 inches. Recommended: Sharp’s Improved II Buffalograss.
What does a seed bag tell you?
Seed bags will tell you how much of each type of seed varieties are included. Often, a mix of different seeds will be best. Whether you choose one of these grass types, a combination of these varieties or another type that may be well suited for the Seattle environment, you should consider what you want your yard to look like, what purpose the lawn will serve and how much effort you want to put into keeping it looking great.
What is fine fescue?
Fine fescues, specifically red fescue, does well in cool, shaded areas where fewer maintenance needs is a goal. Low mowing, low fertilization, and low irrigation are all benefits homeowners can find with fescues.
Where does Bentgrass grow?
Bentgrasses. Bentgrass grows well in the Pacific Northwest. It’s a perennial cool-season grass that needs plenty of sunlight and regular maintenance, including mowing, to thrive. It’s often used for golf courses, especially the green because it does best when mowed at a very close height.
Is Kentucky bluegrass drought tolerant?
This grass grows a shallow root system so it’s not as drought tolerant as other options. However, with the right light and water, it’s a very popular option for many homeowners because of its low maintenance requirements.
Is ryegrass good for Seattle?
Ryegrasses. Quick germination makes this a great option for homeowners in Seattle. Once it’s germinated, ryegrass thrives in moist, cool environments common to the Northwest. Ryegrass has higher maintenance needs than the previous two types of grass, but that is because of its quick growth rate.
What are some ways to keep your yard green?
If you're really looking to live a low-impact lifestyle, consider grass alternatives like moss, sedum and thyme. These options keep your yard looking green and can reduce water consumption.
What type of grass is best for trafficked areas?
Fescues: Best for cool climates, this type needs moist soil until established. Ryegrass: Best wear tolerance for trafficked areas, but it can tend to clump. Bentgrass: This resilient and attractive species requires cool nighttime temperatures.
What is the best wear tolerance for trafficked areas?
Ryegrass: Best wear tolerance for trafficked areas, but it can tend to clump.
Does Bermuda grass like sun?
Bermuda Grass: This species loves sun but requires frequent mowing.
What is Northwest seed mix?
There are certain types of seed blends and mixes, like the Northwest Seed Blend, that combine all of your favorite grasses, such as Kentucky Bluegrass, fescues, and ryegrasses. Since each species has its own weaknesses and strengths, this combination blend of grass seed is intended to balance each other out, with better tolerance to high traffic, salinization, and cold temperatures.
What grass seed is best for a northern area?
Some of the best grass seeds for this area are Kentucky Bluegrass, Fine Fescue, Perennial Ryegrass, and alternative lawn species like white clover. Blends of bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass are also common.
What is the best grass for a cold climate?
Kentucky bluegrass is one of the most popular cool-season grasses that are found all along the northern United States. At first glance, its most notable features are: 1 Excellent winter hardiness 2 Limited shade tolerance 3 Does well in high-traffic areas 4 Moderate water and maintenance requirements
What is perennial ryegrass?
Perennial ryegrass is a turfgrass that offers consistent, year-round greenery. At first glance, its most notable features are: One of the most common turfgrasses across the United States. Fast germination and seedling establishment. Prefers full sunlight, but is tolerant of some shade.
What is Nature's seed?
Nature’s Seed also offers high-quality seeds for every zone across the United States, with special seed blends that are specially made for the Pacific Northwest region. Whether you’re looking for Kentucky Bluegrass, fine fescue, perennial ryegrass, or white dutch clover, Nature’s Seed can supply you with the highest-quality grass seed.
What zone is grass seed in the Pacific Northwest?
If you’re searching for ways to beautify your lawn or garden, then you’ll need a high-quality grass seed that can survive in the Pacific Northwest region. First, it’s best to start by researching which zone you belong to. The coast and western edge of Washington varies between Zones 8 through 9, while the middle and eastern regions are mainly Zones ...
What are the characteristics of fescue?
At first glance, its most notable features are: Stays green longer throughout the year if maintained properly. Has great drought-tolerance. Requires little fertilization and can thrive in poor soil.
How much sun does grass need?
This grass grows best when fully exposed to the sun because your lawn receives 6 to 8 hours of daily direct sunlight before planting. This grass will require a moderate to high amount of watering. In order to ensure this, try watering your lawn early in the morning to avoid evaporation loss due to the heat of the sun.
What grasses are drought tolerant in Spokane?
Fine Fescue. Fine Fescue grasses are some of the most drought and shade tolerant grasses available in Spokane. Even if a drought was intense enough to cause dormancy in Fine Fescues, these grasses would recover almost entirely after only a week of watering.
What grass is best for eastern Washington?
Kentucky Bluegrass. As one of the most cold resistant grasses out there, Kentucky Bluegrass is one of the best options available for eastern Washington lawns. This dark green grass species can easily be planted alone or blended in with either perennial ryegrass or fine fescues.
How long does it take for Bentgrass to grow in Spokane?
Having one of the fastest germination rates available from cool-season grasses, Bentgrass species will germinate within 7 to 15 days. However, this is in fact a high maintenance turf.
Can you cut Bentgrass short?
It is recommended to not only cut this turf shorter than most, but also frequently aerate the soil and fertilize more than ordinary turf grasses. If you are willing to put in the work, Bentgrass can create a beautiful, light green turf for your yard, but without proper fungicide applications, the grasses may succumb to certain diseases.
Can fine fescue be used in full sun?
Although Fine Fescues are shade tolerant, they’re capable of surviving in the full sun as well. However, if you plan on using Fine Fescues for your lawn, mix another cool-season grass. This is because Fine Fescues grow back very slowly.
What grasses go dormant?
Most of the varieties used in seeding lawns are perrenial ryegrasses, which means that they go dormant during the cold part of the year and grow again in the spring rather than needing to be reseeded each year. Ryegrass looks similar to fuscue. It is composed of twisted stalks that can quickly grow very tall.
What is fescue grass?
Fescue is a tufted grass that produces small flowers in the spring. It comes in tall or fine varieties, which govern how high and thick the strands grow. Fescue grows fast and often looks a little rougher than other types of grasses, so it’s good for lending a rustic look to your yard or as a complement to other types of grass. If you keep sheep or goats on your property, fescue is a highly nutritious feed for grazing animals.
What is twisted stalk grass?
It is composed of twisted stalks that can quickly grow very tall. All of these grasses cab fulfill your sod or hydroseeding needs, though each has a unique character and lends a subtly different look to the lawn it’s planted in. To find out more, contact a turf farm today.
Is Kentucky bluegrass good for lawns?
Kentucky bluegrass is a lush, dark green grass that creates a uniform soft cover for lawns. It has a low tolerance to heat, so it has to be watered frequently in the summer, but it grows quickly throughout the early spring and fall. Kentucky bluegrass offers a good combination of durability and attractive appearance.
Choosing Grass Types by Location
The simplest way to decide what type of grass is best for your lawn is by location. There are three basic climate areas to consider:
Northern Grass Types
Northern grasses (cool-season grasses) are more cold tolerant than other types and grow fairly quickly in the spring and fall. However, their growth does slow down some during the warmer seasons. Options include:
Transitional Grass Types
The Transition Zone sometimes requires mixtures or blends of warm- and cool-season grasses. In general, the Transition Zone has more success with cool-season grasses than warm-season varieties. Here are some that do well in this region:
How to Grow and Maintain a Healthy Lawn
Just like any plant, grass needs specific conditions and care to perform at its best. Here are the mowing, soil and sunlight requirements for some common varieties of turfgrass.
Types of Grass and Their Features
Find the best grass for your lawn by comparing the features and characteristics of some of the most popular turfgrasses.
Identifying Creeping Grass and Bunch Grass
Creeping grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass and most warm-season varieties, spread by above- or below-ground runners. They're more prone to lawn thatch, which are the tough stems and roots that don't break down or decompose as easily as grass. If this layer becomes too thick, it can damage your grass by not letting enough nutrients into the soil.
Choosing Lawn Fertilizer
Keep your lawn green and healthy by fertilizing it according to the season:
