Having a lush and vibrant lawn offers an incredible array of benefits. Besides looking wonderful, a thick and healthy lawn is great for the environment, helps clean the air, traps carbon dioxide, improves soil and is great to walk on. But having a vivacious yard requires a personal investment of time, money and effort. Seeding at the right time is integral to having the healthiest lawn possible. Here are some helpful tips on the best lawn seeding times of the year.
Why timing is so important
With the elements that our lawns face in Ontario when we lay grass seed is crucial to ensure we’re getting the most out of our lawns. Depending on the type of grass seed you’re putting down (which is generally a mixture of Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass), the time of year when you lay seed will highly impact its growth. Your grass goes through natural cycles of growth that you should capitalize on. Planting at peak growth times will help your grass seeds to germinate and establish strong roots quickly and efficiently.
Before you start seeding
For any seed to have the best chance of survival, it needs to be laid in superior soil. Whether you’re doing a small section or an entire yard, make sure you put down a thin layer of high-quality topsoil first. For an enhanced benefit, add manure or organic material to the soil before laying it down. A strong base will help encourage strong root growth in the grass seed.
When is the optimal time to begin seeding your lawn?
The best time to seed a lawn is in the late summer and early fall. This is generally understood as being mid-August to mid-September. This timing is recommended for a number of reasons, including:
- Optimal soil moisture during these months
- Excellent soil temperature for germination
- Less competition from weeds for nutrients.
When planting grass seed in the fall, make sure you don’t do it too late. You want the grass roots to be well-established before winter hits. This will be a major factor in the heat and drought-tolerance of the grass next summer. When seeding in the spring, get the seed into the ground as soon as the soil can be worked. Try not to get too excited though, as planting grass seed when the soil is too damp or cold can lead to irregular and inconsistent germination.
Also, don’t skimp on the seeding. You don’t want a patchy and thin looking lawn. Apply the seed by hand if you are just doing a small area, but use a seed spreader when you tackle a larger area to better your chances of full coverage. When you apply the seed it’s best to apply it in the early morning or late afternoon, and when there is little to no wind.
If you’re looking for help with lawn seeding or have any additional questions about getting the most out of your lawn, contact the experts at Weed-A-Way. Our dedicated and knowledgeable staff are here for you and your lawn.
