The Spring vs. Fall grass planting debate! Seeding your lawn is not complicated, but there are some things to know. Whether you live in Culpeper, VA or in the surrounding area, the information is largely the same. The goal is to grow a great looking lawn. After all, pride of home ownership encompasses more than just your physical house, it’s your yard too!
Taking care of your yard doesn’t end at flower beds and weed eating, but also includes the largest part of greenery surrounding it: your grass. Culpeper, VA Landscaping company , JK Enterprise Landscape Supply, provides supplies for all your landscaping needs, from mulch to soil amendments . But first, a pressing question…
When is the best time to plant new grass?
First, we need to understand the optimal conditions for grass growing.
Choose the appropriate grass seed for your weather and location.
Take into consideration how much sun or shade your yard receives.
No extreme heat, or the germinating seeds will die.
Moist soil is needed for the germinating seeds.
Weeds and foreign grasses should be removed.
All pest and disease problems should be taken care of.
Soil should be cultivated and soil additives or amendments applied.
Limit foot traffic over the reseeded areas for 4-6 weeks after planting.
Have a good irrigation system in place, or be prepared to water the lawn up to three times a day for the next 2-3 weeks.
Based on these qualifications, experts largely agree fall is the best time to plant. Planting after summer gives three extra seasons before your new grass is exposed to the blistering and drying heat, allowing it to take proper root in the ground. Additionally, spring can often over saturate the ground, and drown the germinating seeds before they have a chance to take root. Spring temperatures are also often too cool and delay germination.
Strategically planting shrubs and trees around a property can save up to 25% in energy bills by reducing air conditioning and fuel costs. Shrubs and trees should be four to six feet apart from each other with 10 to 12 feet between rows. Deciduous and conifer trees should be planted up to 20 feet apart with up to 30 feet between rows. According to a recent survey by Harris Poll for the National Association of Landscape Professionals, 67% of Americans agree that professional landscaping would allow them to have a nicer yard.
By the fall, most pest and disease problems have died off due to changing weather. Weeds are also less likely to grow and pull soil nutrients from your growing grass. Activities that are high stress to your grass, such as mowing, heat, traffic, weed competition, and inadequate watering are far less likely to occur during the fall-to-spring months as well, allowing a more relaxed and conducive growth environment.
This doesn’t mean you have to wait to regrow your yard. The summer months are particularly taxing, but if you are prepared to carefully monitor your yard, planting grass can occur at any time. Just be sure to keep the conditions optimal for germination, keep foot traffic free from the area, and water, water, water. The best time to plant is the most prepared time.
