A few cool season grasses are native, the most prominent of which is redtop. Cool season grasses grow most actively when the air temperatures are between 50 and 80 degrees f, the soil temperature is 50 to 65 degree f, and rain is plentiful. The color and texture of this cool season grass is exceptional with the right growing conditions. In new grasses, plant breeders have replaced toxic endophyte with nontoxic novel endophytes. Warm season grasses wsg are called c 4 plants and cool season grasses csg are called c 3 to differentiate their photosynthetic pathways. Mar 26, 2020 best time to plant grass in the midwest. Cool season grass identifiers difference between warm. Use broadleaf herbicides for perennial and winter annual weeds not controlled in the fall. Match the time of year with your choice of grass seed. There are pros and cons to this grass type but with my kentucky bluegrass going. In the fall, evenly spread coolseason grass seed usually a fastgrowing annual ryegrass over the lawn. Even though cool season grass seed grows well during the fall and spring months, dont plant your lawn during the spring. They also differ in their optimal temperature ranges, their soil nitrogen needs, and how they produce seed heads. Coolseason grasses have adapted to grow well in areas of the country that experience tremendous temperature fluctuations.
The absolute best coolseason grass is one of the novelendophyte fescues, roberts says. Cool season grasses go dormant and do not grow during hot weather, when the soil temperature goes above 65 degrees f. In early spring, roots are long and full of nutrients stored from the fall. Cool season grasses can be used by all gardeners who live in cool climates. Unlike warmseason grasses, coolseason grasses remain green throughout most of the winter. Its best to plant cool season grasses in the late summer or early fall, 45 days before first frost. Never remove more than onethird of the blade in a single mowing. Standard grass seed blends usually contain about fescue and, between the three varieties, a dominant species will emerge depending largely on the amount of sunlight it receives. In warm summer temperatures, leaf and root growth slow down.
Getting your timing right on lawn care tasks is important to growing and maintaining a healthy, attractive lawn. Establishing cool season grasses from seed in the spring can be extremely difficult. Most cool season turf grasses are bunching with the exception of kentucky bluegrass, which has rhizomes. Cool season grasses are best suited to the denver metropolitan area and parts of colorado with even higher elevations. Cool season grasses, bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, fine fescue and tall fescue, take time to begin growing in the spring. Usually planted in the early fall, coolseason grass seeds prefer daytime temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 f. Tall fescue, if its healthy, develops a deep root system that gives this grass type the highest drought tolerance among coolseason grasses. Most cool season grasses have a higher germination rate when they are planted in the. Some species go through a winter dormancy lasting between one and four. Cool season grass seed for growing cool season grasses. Planting in the fall presents the least risk of planting failure for cool season grass. Cool season grasses usually have two growing seasons.
In general, warmseason grasses need about 20 percent less water than coolseason types. The planting season for warm and cool season grasses is somewhat different. Cool season grasses look green and healthy through seasonal frosts. If you live in the north and are planting cool season grass varieties, like kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, or fescues, the best time to plant grass seed is the spring and again in the fall. As a general rule, plant cool season grass seed at least 45 days before the estimated date of your. Studies have shown that pheasants build 20 percent more nests in switchgrass than in orchardgrassalfalfa. The absolute best cool season grass is one of the novelendophyte fescues, roberts says.
Spring planting considerations for coolseason turfgrasses. Coolseason turfgrasses are those species with optimum growth at temperatures between 60 and 75f 15. Cool season grasses grow most actively when the air temperatures are between 50 and 80 degrees f, the soil temperature is 50 to 65 degree f, and. Cool season grass generally originates in the north and is characterized by rapid growth in the spring and fall. Warm season grasses are slow to green up in the spring, grow best in the summer, and go dormant after the. If at all possible, get a local expert to help or someone who has planted them before. High temperatures of summer can cause these plants to go dormant and thus planting during summer is asking for problems. The difference between cool weather and warm weather grass types. Additional n will only further weaken the root system and increase environmental and pest pressure. The pros of kentucky bluegrass include the following. The usa transition zone map to the right here, is divided into three areas to help you determine if you need a warm season grass, cool season grass or a grass seed mixture of both for a successful lawn, turf or pasture grass. A lush green yard is the envy of every neighborhood, but it. Soil temperatures have to reach the 45 to 55degree mark before growth starts to pickup. Cool season grasses thrive in areas that experience cold, freezing winters and hot summers.
On the map, cool season grasses are suited for areas shaded in blue. A lawn of fescue is actually a host of individual grass plants that, as they grow, form bunches. Grass species and varieties differ in growth habitat, productivity, forage quality, drought resistance, tolerance to grazing, winter. The most popular types of cool season grasses are kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, fine fescue and perennial ryegrass.
Cool season grasses habitat howtos 1 cool season grasses actively grow in spring and fall, when the soil temperature is between 32 and 65 degrees fahrenheit. Cool season grasses develop most rapidly during spring and early summer when cool nights follow warm days. Cool season grasses tall fescue, ryegrass, bluegrass, fine fescue, bentgrasses, etc. Diagrams and descriptions of identifying features of cool season turfgrass species are provided in this section. Creeping bent grass agrostis stolonifera is a finetextured perennial that forms a tightly knit turf. Sunlight, good soil and a regular water supply are key to a beautiful bluegrass lawn. The fastest grasses to grow from seed are the cool season grasses. Cool season varieties will need a lot of water to keep them in active growth. The best time to plant cool season grass seed is in late summer or early fall. Warmseason turfgrass are those species with optimum growth at temperatures between 80 and.
Cool season grasses are grass types that grow exceptionally well in the cool weather of fall and spring. At first glance, most grasses in the vegetative stage look similar. They grow slower than cool season grasses and use much of the first two years establishing deep root systems with little crown growth. Youve read about two different types of grasses here. Warm season grasses should be planted in the spring, when the soil is warm and there is plenty of moisture.
When to plant grass seed springgreen ask the expert. They begin to grow again in late summer and early fall when these same conditions apply. How to prepare your home for vacations, extended leaves, or before selling to keep your pipes from freezing. Test your soil, if needed, for cool season corrections before seeding. In the transition zone green on the map, mixtures or blends of warm and cool season grasses are sometimes required. Most cool season grasses that presently exist in kentucky are european in origin. It germinates the best during the cooler seasons of the year, before the. These temperatures usually occur when the daytime air temperatures are between 60 and 75 degrees. Plant cool season grasses while temperatures are cool, and when they will remain cool for a. Identifying common coolseason perennial pasture grasses. Frigid cold winters and moderate summers are no problem for these versatile grass types. If possible, plant grass seed just before a rain shower, but not if the forecast predicts a torrential downpour that may wash the seeds away.
And, sowing grass seed in the spring is useless with cool season lawns. Cool season grasses will grow very well once the snow melts in warm spring temperatures. These specialized grasses provide a lush, green lawn no matter how chilly it gets. All types of cool season grass grow the most in spring, while warm season grasses put all their energy into summer growth. Grass seed labels describe characteristics of the grass, such as amount of daylight, hardiness and moisture requirements. This warm season grass grows best in the acidic soil of the lower south. Your grasses will enjoy a full fall season planted seed needs consistent soil moisture, and fall planting is. If youre not sure what type of grass to plant, you need to determine what you value most in a lawn. Most coolseason grasses are bunching varieties, meaning they grow outward from the crown of the grass plant. These year round green grasses, in cool season grass growing areas, are best planted in the fall and spring of each year. Zoysiagrass and bermudagrass are common warm season species. These grasses thrive and grow when many cool season varieties go dormant. When you should plant your grass for the best results. These grasses grow best when soil temperatures are between 50 and 65 degrees fahrenheit, which corresponds with air temperatures.
Aerate compacted soil, dethatch lawns, and plan fall tasks as cool season grass return to active growth. In southern climates, you can use coolseason grasses to green up winter lawns by overseeding. As you might expect, these grasses grow better in their. In the case of cool season grasses, compare kentucky bluegrass and creeping red fescue as an example of what issues you should be considering when trying to choose a cool season grass. The best time to plant sprigs or plugs is early spring. It is considered one of the loveliest lawn grasses. Plant seed before soil and air temperatures drop to less favorable levels. Dec 15, 2018 its too late to plant warm season grasses less than 60 days from the average first frost date in warm climates and 90 days away in cool climates. Cool season grasses germinate and establish quickly. Planting warm season grasses planting native warm season grass stands can be tricky. Prime seeding time for coolseason grasses is in the fall.
The best time to plant cool season turf grasses is. Shoots, the part of grass visible above ground, use this stored energy for growth. A sustainable lawn care routine should support this natural life cycle of cool season grasses. Cool season grasses grow best in the spring and fall when soil and air temperatures are cooler. Cool season grass identifiers difference between warm and. Lawns pasture wildflower food plots farm 4 easy ways to shop. Centipede grass is a tough, lowgrowing, lowmaintenance turfgrass. Aug 02, 2018 in this video i give you some thoughts on whether or not tall fescue might be the best cool season grass type. For homeowners who live in the lower latitudes of the us where summers are hot to very hot, warm season grasses are the best option.
Wait until late spring to plant warm season grass seed may in most areas. Cool season grass germinates best when the soil temperatures are between 50 and 65 degrees f. Generally, cool season grasses are best suited for moist, northern climates, where summers, although warm, are relatively short, and winters are cold. Cool season grasses have adapted to grow well in areas of the country that experience tremendous temperature fluctuations. Jul 17, 2017 its too cold to plant grass seed if there is still the danger of frost in the spring or if the first frost of the late fall has arrived. For instance, when can i plant cool season grasses and which cool season turf grasses are best for me. Native warm season grasses and wildlife dates of cool season grasses are much earlier, causing the destruction of many grassland bird nests.
Annual ryegrass simply competes with the cool season perennial grasses in the mix in the cool portion of the year when good growth can take place and then annual ryegrass, having taken its fair. It is also the minimum temperature for cool season grass seed to germinate. Identifying common coolseason perennial pasture grasses correctly identifying grasses is important for proper pasture management and to maximize yields and profits. Turfgrasses are divided into two temperature categories. These grasses are generally more shade tolerant than warm season grasses, but still love full sun for optimal growth. Are you sure you want to plant grass seed this spring. Because warm season grasses turn brown during winter, overseeding with a cool season grass in fall can keep the lawn looking green longer.
Cool season grasses actively grow in spring and fall, when the soil temperature is between 32 and 65 degrees fahrenheit. Tall fescue, kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and fine fescuessuch as creeping red, chewings, and hardare coolseason perennial grasses used for lawns, mostly in the mountain and piedmont regions of north carolina. Warm season grasses grow best during the warmest months of the year, typically from june through early september. Warm season grasses grow well in the areas shaded in brown. When to plant fescue grass seedsoil temperaturefescue. In general, where you live determines your lawn type.
Turfgrasses takeup water from the soil through their root system. Best grass for your location warm season cool season. While warm season grasses are suited for the southern part of the country, the transition zone in the middle of the country sometimes requires a mix of warm and cool season varieties. Cool season turf grass is a term applied to grass that grows well in the middle to northern half of the united states. However, these grasses grow best when temperatures are between 6075 degree f, which is why they grow most actively in the spring and fall. Cool temps call for germination of coolseason grasses. This roughly corresponds to daytime air temperatures in the 60f to. Warm season grasses bahiagrass, bermuda, centipede, zoysia, carpetgrass, buffalograss, etc.
Warm season grasses grow during spring and summer, but turn brown and go dormant during fall and winter. Such grasses also do well in high elevations with adequate rainfall and coastal areas where temperatures are moderate temperatures dont stay above 90 degrees for long periods. Selecting a cool season grass greenview fertilizer. Plant coolseason grasses in september, says craig roberts, university of missouri extension forage agronomist.
When to plant grass seed best time to plant grass seed. Turfgrasses are either cool season grasses or warm season grasses. Their roots of cool season grasses can grow at 50 degrees fahrenheit but slows when temperatures exceed 90 or. Native cool season grasses are an excellent option when shorter native grasses are desired. Unlike their cool season relatives, these grasses take longer to green up in the spring and tend. In some cases, complete failure should be expected. Spring planting considerations for coolseason turfgrasses in. For zoysia and bermuda grass lawns, see mu extension publication g6706, establishment and care of zoysiagrass lawns. Coolseason grasses grow actively in spring and fall, slow down in summer, and go dormant in the winter. Grasses in this group include bermudagrass, buffalograss, and zoysia grass. Normally the transition zone has more success with the cool season grasses over the warm season varieties. Cool weather grass photo kentucky bluegrass, photo of bermuda grass.
Planting and managing native warm season grasses mossy oak. For example, minnesotans in the upper midwest seed cool season lawns from midaugust to midseptember. The best cool season shade grasses are from the fescue family. Its hardiness comes from an endophyte fungus that protects the plant from pests and grazing.
Roots of coolseason grasses can grow at soil temperatures below 50f, but growth slows dramatically as temperatures approach freezing 32f. Some of these have been discussed in the cool season turfgrasses. The planting of seeds must be in alignment with the natural periods of the most active growth. They do best at temperatures between 16c and 27c 60f and 80f and can survive freezing winter temperatures. Cool season grass types often turns brown during periods of high summer heat. These grasses flourish across cooler northern climates and into the challenging transition zone, where cool and warm regions overlap. When to plant grass seed in your state great day improvements. Descriptions of the plant parts used in identification of turfgrasses are provided in the following paragraphs. Warm season grasses are primarily used in the southern portion of the united states, although some species can actually be found all the way up towards the canadian border.
The most commonly planted cool season grasses include bent grass, kentucky bluegrass, fescues, and ryegrass. Cool season grasses such as kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass and tall fescue, including kentucky 31 tall fescue, grow most vigorously during the cool temperatures of late summer and early fall. Maintain taller grass heights throughout summer heat. The blades having a dark color to them that accounts. A lush green yard is the envy of every neighborhood, but it can be a challenge to obtain. Planting during cool weather in fall and spring coincides with the most active growth periods for these grass types. Cool season lawn grasses, such as kentucky bluegrass, fine and tall fescues, and perennial ryegrass, flourish in northern regions, where their growth peaks in the cool temperatures and plentiful moisture of fall and spring. Cool season grasses, like the fescues and ryegrass, are bunch grasses. By contrast, warm season grasses perform best in warmer climates and are less common in the midwest, except near the ohio river valley. With the help of this monthbymonth guide, you can stay on.
Grass types are classified as warm season or cool season by the season of that grass types active growth period. Cool season grass management, cool season grasses, csg. Tall fescue, kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue, and perennial ryegrass are common types of cool season grasses. The rainfall or watering required to germinate turfgrass seeds during spring establishment also promotes excessive weed growth, especially crabgrass. Cool season grasses grow in fall, winter and springthose seasons with cooler temperatures and plenty of precipitation. Cool season grass species include creeping bentgrass, fine fescue, tall fescue, kentucky bluegrass, annual ryegrass and perennial ryegrass. Cool season grasses grow best in the spring and fall and less actively in the summer. Selection of the proper species and variety is an important step when choosing a grass seeding mixture. Root growth is greatest for coolseason grasses during spring and fall and much reduced during the summer and winter months. Growing best in temperatures of 55 to 75 degrees fahrenheit, cool season grasses go dormant when temperatures reach 90 to 95. The best time to plant cool season grasses is during the late summer, but spring also works.
These grass es are used for new lawns, overseeding troubled spots in yards and for livestock forage areas. There are some general characteristics which are crucial cool season grass identifiers and include. Cool season grasses should be planted in early spring, typically in march. When the ryegrass germinates and grows, you get a temporary green cover throughout the winter while the warmseason grass lies dormant. Seed cool season grasses in early spring or fall when they will not be exposed to hot weather and strong sun. As a general rule, plant cool season grass seed at least 45 days before the estimated date of your first fall frost. To establish a successful sod lawn, use freshly dug sod and water once a day for six weeks, depending on weather conditions. Coolseason grass seed germinates best when soil temperatures are between 50f and 65f. It can survive in summer, but may brown or go dormant in very hot or droughtlike conditions.
Cool season grasses grow most vigorously in the cooler months of spring and fall, when temperatures fall between 6075 degrees. This publication refers primarily to cool season grasses such as kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue and fine fescue. May 16, 2019 the best tine to plant grass seed depends primarily on the type of grass youre planting. Coolseason grasses are also prominent in the midwest, so fall is the best time to plant grass seed in this area. Often government conservation agencies like the national resources conservation service can. For cool season grasses, it is anticipated that the pre plant fertilization should be adequate for spring establishments. Its too late to plant warm season grasses less than 60 days from the average first frost date in warm climates and 90 days away in cool climates. That toxic fungus hurts livestock gains and reproduction.