When it comes to growing a healthy, attractive lawn, not all grass seed is created equal. The quality of the seed, the varieties included in the mixture, and the amount of sunlight your lawn receives all play important roles in determining the results.
In this episode of Healthy Lawns with Dr. Jim, SeaScape Lawn Care founder Dr. Jim Wilkinson explains how to choose the right grass seed for New England lawns.
Why Grass Seed Quality Matters
Dr. Jim’s first piece of advice is simple: Don’t choose grass seed based on price alone.
Higher-quality seed may cost more initially, but investing in a better product can pay off in the long run.
Most grass seed mixtures sold for New England lawns contain several grass varieties, each selected for its particular strengths.
Understanding the Different Types of Grass Seed
Kentucky Bluegrass
Kentucky bluegrass is especially desirable for its appearance. It also spreads through underground stems called rhizomes, allowing it to fill in small bare spots and repair thin areas naturally.
Fine Fescue
Fine fescue, including red fescue, is valued for its shade tolerance. It can perform better than Kentucky bluegrass or ryegrass in areas that receive limited sunlight.
Ryegrass
Ryegrass germinates relatively quickly, making it a valuable component of seed mixtures. Its faster establishment helps stabilize the soil and reduce erosion while slower-germinating grasses develop.
Turf-Type Tall Fescue
An increasingly common addition to grass seed mixtures is turf-type tall fescue.
Unlike fine fescue, turf-type tall fescue has been developed for improved heat and drought tolerance, making it an appealing option for lawns exposed to challenging summer conditions.
Sun vs. Shade: Choosing the Right Mixture
One of the most important decisions when purchasing grass seed is determining whether the area receives predominantly sun or shade.
Although both sun and shade mixtures often contain several of the same grass varieties, their proportions differ.
Sun mixtures generally contain a higher percentage of Kentucky bluegrass, while shade mixtures typically contain more fine fescue.
Choosing the appropriate blend gives your new grass a better chance of thriving in its growing environment.
How Much Grass Seed Do You Need?
Before purchasing seed, measure the area you plan to cover.
As a general guideline, Dr. Jim recommends approximately four pounds of grass seed per 1,000 square feet.
The amount needed can vary depending on the seed mixture and the project, so measuring your lawn is an important first step.
Better Seed, Better Results
Successful lawn seeding begins long before the first seed is spread. Choosing a quality seed mixture suited to your lawn’s sunlight conditions can help establish healthier, more resilient grass.
