There are many different grass seed brands on the market, and picking the best seed for your lawn can be daunting.
There are many different grass seed brands on the market, and picking the best seed for your lawn can be daunting. Several factors make up the characteristics of grass seed. When shopping for home lawn seed mixtures, you’ll usually find them categorized by sun or shade needs. But growing new grass in Maryland can be challenging. Maryland is in a transition zone, meaning the state experiences both warm and cold temperatures.
The temperature variation means that cool-season grasses stress in the summer, and warm-season grasses freeze in the winter. Finding the right balance is critical, and you can only do so by choosing the right grass seed. Here are some tips for picking the best grass seed for your property.
Cool-Season vs. Warm-Season Grasses
Maryland experiences hot summers and cold winters, resulting in difficult soil conditions for both cold and warm-season grass. Most cool-season grasses will turn brown in summer, and the warm-season grass will fall dormant come winter. The state is in a transition zone supporting both grass types, so balancing the suitable grass varieties is critical. Generally, cool-season grass seed is best for Maryland lawns, as these grass varieties have the longest growing seasons. Tall fescue is a resilient grass that resists pests and diseases. It can also tolerate stress better, such as heat, drought, or traffic.
When to Plant Grass Seed in Maryland?
No matter which grass type you choose, the best time to plant the seeds is from late summer to early fall. Planting during this time ensures rapid germination because the soil is still warm. Your grass will grow thicker before falling dormant in the winter and start growing again in spring. It is best to use fertilizer when planting any grass.
Cool-Season Grasses
Cool-season grasses are more tolerant of cooler temperatures. Popular cool-season grasses include:
- Fescue grass: The fescue grass family is popular because these turf-type grasses are relatively easy to grow, even in partially shaded lawns.
- Perennial ryegrass: You might prefer perennial ryegrass for high-traffic lawns or pets. This grass variety has a high wear tolerance and is often used on school and park lawns.
- Kentucky Bluegrass: Kentucky bluegrass is another perennial grass species popular for its lushness and dense growth. This is the best grass seed for northern lawns with full sun exposure.
Warm-Season Grasses
Warm-season grasses work better in the southern region, where cold winter temperatures aren’t as prevalent. Popular warm-season grasses include:
- Bermuda grass: Tolerant to drought and heat, Bermuda grass thrives in the Southeast. It creates a dense, dark-green carpet of grass, with durability that makes it ideal for areas with high foot traffic.
- Zoysia grass: This grass has deep roots, low growth, and stands up well to the cold.
- Ryegrass: Though not as tough as tall fescue or Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass still thrives in areas with cool winters and mild summers.
On The Green, Inc. Lawn Care is Here for You!
On The Green, Inc. was established back in 1994. We started as a small business that served the local area. In the decades since, we’ve expanded tremendously. Incorporated in 1997, our brand has become renowned throughout the state of Maryland. Email us at [email protected], call us at 410-695-0444, and find us at our street address: 777 Annapolis Road, Gambrills, Maryland 21054. Grow with us on Facebook and Google!