Many people take pride in their lawns and do their best to have a yard that is lush, vibrant, and green. But as much as they love their lawn, some aren’t quite sure about how to best care for it and might think that all grass is the same. In truth, there are many different types of grass and many lawns will be a mix. The best type of grass for your lawn will depend on where you live and other factors.
Choosing Grass Seeds
When selecting a grass seed, be aware of all your needs. For example, you might look online to find a grass suitable for your kids to run and play on, only to learn it doesn’t do well in cooler climates. Therefore, it is always best to consult with a professional who can guide you in choosing what will work best for you.
Some of the varieties of grass you will encounter in BC include:
Kentucky Bluegrass
This thick-bladed grass with a bluish tinge can provide a lush, dense lawn that is also durable. It is suitable for northern lawns as it endures winter well. It has limited tolerance for shade, and certain varieties may be vulnerable to heat or drought.
Perennial Ryegrass
A fine-bladed grass with a nice, uniform colour. It has good tolerance of cold and its colour may endure into winter. It has fast germination and seedling growth, and like Kentucky Bluegrass, it has limited tolerance for shade.
Fescues
Fescues feature extremely thin blades that have greater tolerance for shade. It requires less fertilizer and watering than Kentucky Bluegrass and is a good choice for low-maintenance areas. It establishes quickly, and if properly maintained, holds its colour well.
Bentgrass
Bentgrass is attractive and resilient, able to endure foot traffic and frequent mowing, and makes an excellent choice for showcase lawns and putting greens.
Typically, you will find blends of two or more types of grass seed to help tolerate a range of growing conditions. Having a variety of grass types can also help prevent pest problems from affecting the entire lawn.
Pest Resistance
Chafer grubs are the larvae of Chafer beetles and an infestation can be bad news for your lawn. The grubs themselves will happily eat away at the root system of your lawn but adding to your woes is the fact that birds, raccoon, skunks, and other animals will tear up your lawn to get at this excellent source of protein.
Because adult Chafer Beetles seek out thin, patchy areas of lawn to lay their eggs, tall fescue is useful in protecting your lawn. This is due to its growth density, which makes it harder for the Chafer beetles to lay their eggs.
Tips for Using Grass Seeds
To get the best results from your grass seeds, there are several steps you should follow.
Know the time of year to seed
Planting in cool weather during the spring or fall is the best time for cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass, as these are the most active growth periods for these types of grasses.
Prepare the site
The preparation in question depends on whether you are seeding a new lawn or just repairing bare spots. The former includes smoothing out the surface and adding nutrients like compost and fertilizer, while the latter might also include ensuring that the damage wasn’t caused by pests.
Water
Your new seeds need to be kept moist. Use light, frequent watering. Keep the soil moist, but not overly wet until the seedlings reach about one inch in height.
Seed your lawn
Use a hand or push seed spreader to spread the seed at the rate suggested for the type of seed. For even coverage, sow half of the seed in one direction and the other half in a crisscross pattern.
Choose the right grass seeds
As discussed above, the right seed (or blend) will vary depending on your own individual circumstances.
Chafer resistant is perfect for areas where lower fertilizer and water will be used, while still competing with chafer beetle populations.
Shady Mix is perfect for areas that receive very little sunlight, such as around trees or shrubs. This versatile Western Turf Farms mix can also withstand full sun. An added bonus. Shady combines rapid establishment with a minimum of maintenance.
Raid Patch will enhance your lawn’s appearance, health and root system. Rapid patch will quickly fill in bare worn areas in established lawns and improve wear tolerance and weed resistance.
Supreme Blend is an extremely versatile blend, thriving in both sunny and shaded areas while offering a high level of drought tolerance.
With a little work and planning, you can have a beautiful green lawn that your neighbours will envy. Check out our 7 tips to improve your lawn this summer before you start seeding! For more information on how to get the perfect lawn, contact us today!
