Homeowners must now look for other alternatives. Noted for tolerance to shade, drought, and poor soil conditions compared to other cool-season grasses, fine fescues are sometimes included with tall fescue or Kentucky bluegrass when planted in the shade or subject to low maintenance. Use one bale per 1,000 sq ft for warm-season grasses and one to two bales for cool-season grasses. A plant that may or may not start from seed, may or may not produce seed, and generally lives more than two years. In this case, rake, bag, and remove the clippings. These grasses perform best in spring and fall and have a tendency to show signs of stress in the summer. Delaying planting until the last possible dates indicated may reduce the chance of a good stand by 30 to 50% ("possible dates"). If irrigation is not available or desirable, then an alternative to irrigating is to allow the turf to go semi-dormant to dormant. Lawns are smooth, living carpets that add beauty and recreational space to your home. Removal of soil cores from a turf with hollow tines or spoons. It also works to release trapped nutrients in the soil to make them easier for the roots to absorb. In fact, clippings that remain on the lawn quickly decompose because they are composed mostly of water. However, Black Beauty Grass Seed Mixtures are the only ones to consider for a spring seeding because they are tough enough to stand up to the long hot days that begin late in May and stretch through the summer. To get the most out of overseeding your lawn, here are just a few things we’ve learned over the years. Tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and fine fescues—such as creeping red, chewings, and hard—are cool-season perennial grasses used for lawns, mostly in the mountain and piedmont regions of North Carolina. In the absence of rain, water dormant lawns with a minimal amount (about 0.25 inch) every three weeks to keep the growing points hydrated. Warm-season grasses can be installed as long as soil temperature exceeds 55°F. Seed the annual ryegrass at 1.5 to 2 pounds per 1,000 sq ft. Several improved tall fescue cultivars have been developed that are more shade tolerant, denser, and finer textured than Kentucky 31, a commonly used older cultivar. The schedule for planting grass depends on what kind of grass you're planting. Table 2. Lawns can be established by seeding, sodding, or vegetative planting (sprigs or plugs). A covering of mowed vegetation, usually a grass. Large areas planted with bermudagrass or zoysiagrass sprigs require a minimum of 3 to 5 bushels of sprigs per 1,000 square feet and 5 to 10 bushels (yards) for extremely fast cover. Our free planting guide calculates the best dates for sowing seeds indoors and outdoors, and for transplanting seedlings to the garden—all customized to your location. The homeowner should cut often enough that less than one-third of the total leaf surface is removed. Use a complete N-P-K fertilizer that provides about 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft. Twice-monthly applications of a nitrogen-only fertilizer that provides about 0.5 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft may help warm-season grasses fill in more rapidly. Use a seeding rate of 6 pounds per 1,000 square feet (sq ft). Applying 0.5 inch of water every third day is usually sufficient. This procedure may succeed in some years, but in any event will give you ground cover until fall, even if all of the grass dies. Planting dates and rates for cool- and warm-season grasses in North Carolina. It rarely needs irrigation to survive in North Carolina. A rake or hoe is ideal for small areas. Warm-season lawns are best renovated in late spring to early summer. Fertilize the new seedlings of cool-season grasses as described for “fertilize after planting” in the section on Fertilization. Soil particles should be no larger than marble size, and pea gravel size is even better. Use the example provided in that section to determine how much fertilizer to use. Plants with flattened leaves; dicots, plants that possess two seedling leaves. Because yard trash accounts for 20 percent of the waste in our overflowing landfills, legislation has been passed that bans depositing yard trash in most public landfills. Most homeowners bag lawn clippings because they think that the clippings add to the buildup of thatch, which can be harmful to the lawn. These products have not been found to have any significant impact on turfgrass health. Place plugs on either 6-inch or 12-inch centers, depending on the desired establishment speed. Use a complete N-P-K turf-grade fertilizer that provides about 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft or the amount recommended on your soil test. A tightly intermingled layer of undecomposed roots, stems, and shoots located between the soil surface and the green vegetation of the turf grass. These older cultivars can become thatchy—puffy due to an accumulation of dead, dying, decaying plant residue at the soil surface. Therefore, the initial step in preparing the area is to loosen the soil surface so the seed … Some common examples of starter type fertilizers required for a 1,000 sq ft area include 40 pounds of 5-10-10, 20 pounds of 10-20-20, or 16 pounds of 18-24-6. Core cool-season grasses in fall or early spring. However, many will be controlled with frequent mowing at the proper height. Seeding: Warm-season grasses may be seeded successfully between March 1 and July 1, depending on the species used. Any seed grown for profit, often including undesirable grassy weeds, such as orchardgrass. In North Carolina, it is well suited for the mountains and can be grown in combination with tall fescue in the piedmont. AG-69. But because the leaves are stiff, mowing can be difficult unless the mower blades are sharp. Do you use pesticides, change cultural practices, or both? There should be no visible footprints after walking on it. Coring should be accomplished when the lawn is actively growing so that it can recover from any injury. If prolonged periods of rainfall prevent mowing, clippings may be long enough to shade or smother the grass. Tall fescue and perennial ryegrass exhibit a bunch-type growth habit and are incapable of spreading. Clay soils are prone to compaction and require frequent aerification (removal of soil cores). Both mowing and dethatching reduce plant competition and enhance light penetration for good germination and fast establishment. Kentucky bluegrass produces a high-quality, medium- to fine-textured turf, at least when grown in the right climate. For this reason, it is particularly important that cool-season grasses not be overwatered. As the seedlings, plugs, or sprigs grow, continue to decrease the frequency of waterings while increasing the duration to promote deep rooting. If thatch is excessive, it may be necessary to make another pass with a dethatcher after mowing. Your decision should be based on region, climate, intended use or wear at the site, and desired appearance. Choose a tough, aggressive, wear-tolerant grass where heavy traffic is expected. If higher nitrogen fertilization is applied, there may be a greater occurrence of diseases. Bermuda is a warm season grass and should generally NOT be planted in late fall. Fertilizer use can be reduced by 20 to 30 percent. Incorporate seed and fertilizer into the top 1⁄8-inch of soil by lightly pulling a leaf rake over loosened soil or running a vertical slicer over areas that were just power raked and cored. 50 divided by 10 equals 5. Planting calendars for places in North Carolina. Grasses used in North Carolina generally consists of warm season grasses such as: bermuda, zoysia, centipede, and carpet grass is even used in shady, wet areas of the state. Use a knife or sharp spade for trimming to fit irregularly shaped areas. Seeding: Cool-season grasses are best seeded from mid-August to October 1, depending on location (see Table 2). Uneven ground can make mowing below 1 inch difficult. Herbicide that kills or injures all plants. Bermudagrass lawns perform best when mowed at 0.75 to 1 inch using a reel mower. The second group of products is not a nutrient. Invest in a spreader. For example, mow tall fescue back to 3 inches when it reaches 4.5 inches. Bare spots larger than 4 inches in diameter should be replanted. Warm-season grasses are slow to green up in the spring, grow best in the summer, and go dormant after the first heavy frost. Bermudagrass should be seeded at 1 to 2 pounds per 1,000 sq ft. Cool-season grasses are best seeded in early fall, but fair results may be obtained from seeding in early spring (mid-February to late March in the piedmont). Planting the best-adapted grass and then watering, mowing, and fertilizing it properly form the basis for integrated pest management. Because St. Augustinegrass is fast growing, it needs to be mowed frequently at 2.5 to 4 inches during the growing season using a rotary mower. Grass seed germinates and grows best in dirt that is loose and not compacted. Cultivar performance recommendations are based on overall quality ratings for each of these commercially available varieties. Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) is the most used grass variety in North Carolina, according to the North Carolina University Extension. Thatch may need to be removed every two to three years, but care should be taken because the recovery rate of these cultivars is very slow. This is especially so when these grasses are mowed high and infrequently or heavily fertilized. Winter is usually best, however, because there is less traffic. Excellent sod results from rhizomes (underground stems) that spread, with most cultivars recuperating from and tolerating pest control measures and moderate levels of traffic. This application will not improve the longevity of tall fescue but will enhance its green color. What Is the Best Grass Seed for a North Carolina Drought? In small bare spots, loosen the top 4 to 6 inches of the soil with a rake, hoe, or shovel. You may also encounter more weeds than you would if planting in the fall. Failure to identify and correct the exact problem can lead to further lawn deterioration and the need for repeated renovation. Figure 5. Integrated pest management can be successful, but homeowners must realize that more time and labor are required and high expectations may not be met when pest pressures and environmental conditions are severe. Seed should be drilled in a diamond-shaped pattern. Seed fine fescue at 1.5 pounds per 1,000 sq ft when mixed with either tall fescue or Kentucky bluegrass. Water clay soils until runoff is about to occur. The times and rates for planting vegetative grasses are given in Table 2. Individuals who use agricultural chemicals are responsible for ensuring that the intended use complies with current regulations and conforms to the product label. In space planting, always leave some part of the plant or spring above the ground. Warm-Season Grass Warm-season grasses, which grow well throughout the state, should be planted in the spring. This will reduce the competition for new seedlings. (If bringing topsoil from other sites, be cautious. Broadcasting is the uniform distribution of sprigs (cut stems) over the entire area. You should plant tall fescue seed in the fall, and it may require annual reseeding. Bermudagrass is well adapted to sandy soils. Plant development in the absence of rhizome and stolon production; a nonspreading grass. Fertilize in early spring (after a mild winter), late spring or early summer … Perennial ryegrass should be mowed at 1.5 to 2.5 inches when mixed with Kentucky bluegrass. Sodding is placing sod stripped from one site to another for an “instant” lawn. Brown, withered leaves are normal signs of dormancy, so do not be alarmed by them. This publication printed on: Dec. 22, 2020, Carolina Lawns: A Guide to Maintaining Quality Turf in the Landscape, NC State TurfFiles Turf Select Decision Aid, North Carolina Crop Improvement Association, NC We recommend Green Up Lawn Food for Seeding and Sodding. Prepare a good seedbed. The majority of cultivars will not tolerate shade. Install tile drain in poorly drained areas. Under certain circumstances, some tall fescue may be lost if a drought exceeds three weeks. Allow them to fall into the turf where they will decay and release nutrients. Bahiagrass spreads by stolons and rhizomes. Warm-season weeds are also much less active at this time of year. Tall fescue thrives in sun or medium shade. All except bahiagrass are mostly recommended for lawns in the piedmont and coastal plain of North Carolina. Reduce competition from existing grasses and remove unwanted vegetation, including thatch. Use a fertilizer safe for seeding. Most finely textured, high-quality turf-type bermudagrasses are planted using sod, sprigs, or plugs. As with most cool-season grasses, it is best to broaden the genetic base by planting a blend of two to three cultivars rather than seeding a single cultivar. Bluegrass takes 7 to 14 days longer to germinate than other cool-season grasses. Seed is unavailable, so cultivars must be vegetatively planted. A claw-like appendage projecting from the collar of the leaf. It should never receive more than 4 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft annually. Cool-season grasses are best seeded in early fall, but fair results may be obtained from seeding in early spring (mid-February to late March in the North Carolina piedmont). Carpetgrass resembles St. Augustinegrass and centipedegrass and is often mistaken for centipedegrass but has broader leaves. This same technique can be used on slopes and compacted soils. Herbicide that needs to be applied before weeds emerge to be effective. A stage in the development of certain insects, caterpillars (butterfly larva), or grubs (beetle larva). An underground creeping stem that can produce roots and shoots at each node. For best results, bermudagrass should be mowed often (at least twice per week), especially at the lower mowing heights. Apply half the fertilizer in one direction and the other half moving at right angles to the first pass to ensure uniform coverage (Figure 3). Set the rotary or reel mower at the lowest setting, mow, and collect the clippings. Mow at the proper height. A single soil test may be all that is necessary if there are no obvious differences in soil texture, terrain, or troubled areas of the front yard and backyard. Avoid fall or winter applications of nitrogen to reduce winter injury. Fertilize with 0.5 to 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft every one to three weeks for the fastest spread. Selection of seeds or plants is especially important when establishing a lawn. A thin projection from the top of the leaf sheath in grasses; it may be a fringe of hairs, membranous, or absent. Some lawn care and landscape companies offer coring service if rental equipment is not available. Tall fescue, bermudagrass, and zoysiagrass are tolerant of drought if allowed to go dormant. They should not be used in the coastal plain. Carpetgrass spreads by stolons. Lay sod as soon as possible after it has been harvested to prevent injury. A stage in the development of certain insects where the young resemble the adult in form, eat the same food, and reside in the same environment. Once the damaged turf is removed, prepare the area as you would for a new planting. Avoid stretching sod. The cleanest cut and best mowing are obtained when the mower blades are sharp. See the Establishing a New Lawn section for the method used to obtain a good soil sample. Because tines have a difficult time penetrating dry, compacted soils, coring is best achieved when the soil is damp. Collected clippings can be used as mulch around trees and shrubs or added to compost, unless the turfgrass was treated with a herbicide that may harm the trees or shrubs. Fertilizers and lime should be applied uniformly with a centrifugal (rotary) or drop-type spreader. They grow from the crown of the plant… Centipedegrass can become thatchy, especially when mowed high and infrequently or when heavily fertilized. Lawn Care Maintenance Calendars for specific grass types are available online on the NC State TurfFiles website. Seeding. Ideally, the fertilizer should have a 3-1-2 or 4-1-2 analysis (for example, 12-4-8 or 16-4-8), and one-fourth to one-half of the nitrogen should be a slow-release form. It is not suitable for use in the coastal plain. Your grasses will enjoy a … See Table 3a, b, or c, depending on your region, to determine the amount of nitrogen fertilizer to apply and the time of application. Surveys show that an attractive, well-landscaped lawn can even add to the value of your home. People are becoming more aware of and concerned about the effects of chemicals on our environment. commitment to diversity. It will feed your new lawn for up to two months and will help develop a strong root system so your grass will survive the winter or the summer. The plant … Determine the amount of fertilizer, ratio of nutrients or fertilizer elements, and time of application based on the grasses being grown. This information is based on cultivar (variety) trials and observations by turfgrass researchers at North Carolina State University. The NC State TurfFiles Turf Select Decision Aid program is a free online tool designed to guide homeowners through the turf selection process. Avoid any significant nitrogen fertilization of cool-season grasses, such as tall fescue, after the February application until September for the central piedmont. Continue watering until the bluegrass seedlings emerge. When seed is put down in early spring (March to mid-June), it won’t germinate until the soil temperature is consistently 55 degrees. These cultivars must be planted vegetatively, and are low- and slow-growing. The finer-textured zoysiagrasses ideally should be mowed with a reel mower, although they can be mowed with a rotary mower. Sodding is a very effective way to renovate either cool- or warm-season lawns, but it is especially useful if the lawn is a warm-season turfgrass and the damage is concentrated in a few large areas. A microscopic, worm-like organism that can be parasitic on turfgrass roots. This is especially true as you move toward the coastal plain. Bahiagrass is seldom recommended as a lawn grass because of its open canopy, unsightly seedheads, and difficulty in mowing. These cultivars, such as El Toro, Crowne, Palisades, Empire, Atlantic, and Jamur, are coarser in texture (similar to newer tall fescues) and are quicker to establish and recover from injury. Otherwise, do not bag the clippings. Sodding. Herbicide that kills or injures some plants without harming others. When Is the Best Time to Plant Fescue Grass?. Irrigation helps maintain color, but may also increase the risk of disease. Tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue, and perennial ryegrass are common types of cool-season grasses. It is formulated to loosen up the soil to allow for better root growth. This is necessary for large lawns and helpful for small lawns. Figure 4. A combination of seeds of two or more species, for example Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass. Pre-emergence herbicides, such as siduron (Tupersan) and bensulide (Betasan), can be applied for annual weedy grass control after sodding cool- and warm-season grasses. It is never recommended for overseeding other warm-season grasses. A plant that starts from seed and requires two years to complete its life cycle. Soils that are subject to heavy traffic are prone to compaction. It does not tolerate traffic, compaction, high soil pH, high soil phosphorus, excessive thatch, drought, or heavy shade. Water the area to enhance settling. Build protective walls to save trees if the final grade is to be appreciably higher than the present level. Zoysiagrass (Emerald and Meyer cultivars), This and other Extension publications about lawns (such as maintenance calendars, recommended cultivar lists, pest factsheets, pest control recommendations, pest management manual) are available on the. Use a mower with a sharp blade. They are not as cold tolerant as Meyer and should not be mowed as short as Emerald and Meyer. It should be mowed at 2.5 to 3.5 inches when mixed with tall fescue. The North Carolina Native Plant Society encourages the creation of native plant … Bermudagrass establishes quickly, withstands wear and traffic, and recovers rapidly from injury. The BEST time to plant Bermuda Grass Seed is in late spring / early summer after soil temperatures are 65-70+ degrees or higher and all danger of freeze or frost is past. The name is derived from the very finely textured leaves, which are almost as fine as pine needles. To best use natural controls, it is important to develop a sound understanding of the biology and ecology of the lawn environment. Kentucky bluegrass / tall fescue / fine fescue mix, Kentucky bluegrass / perennial ryegrass mix, Key for tolerance ratings: 6 = Excellent; 5 = Very good; 4 = Good; 3 = Fair; 2 = Poor; 1 = Very poor. If an additional application of nitrogen is made between these dates to improve the color, the rate should be between 0.2 and 0.5 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. The Right Time to Plant Grass Seed In North Carolina, cool-season grasses like Jonathan Green Black Beauty are best seeded in early fall, but many people achieve success by seeding in early spring (mid … Reading the blog posts on the Jonathan Green website will help you learn what is the best Jonathan Green grass seed mixture for your needs. Use Love Your Soil. Zoysia seed should be planted in late spring / early summer after soil temperatures are 70+ degrees (day time 80+ consistent) AND all danger of freeze / frost is past. The closer the spacing, the faster the lawn will become established (Figure 4). A seed lot inspected to meet minimum standards and to ensure trueness to type for a given cultivar. The idea is simple. Warm-season grasses are … Zoysiagrass cultivars were once limited to two cultivars: Meyer and the finer textured Emerald. A stolon or rhizome used to establish turf. Allow time for rain or irrigation to settle the soil, and roll or cultipack lightly to firm the soil before planting seed, sprigs, plugs, or sod. In the meantime, if chemical control is necessary, select the safest effective pesticide and follow label recommendations. Send approximately 1 cup of the air-dried soil sample to the NCDA&CS Agronomic Division Soil Testing Services, 1040 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-1040. Even though Kentucky bluegrass may turn brown during a two- to four-week summer drought, it is not necessary to irrigate. Cavalier, Zeon, Zorro, Geo, and Leisure Time are new zoysiagrass cultivars with a moderate growth rate and a fine texture similar to Emerald. A spacing greater than 12-inches is not suggested when plugging on bare ground. Pesticides are used only when necessary. However, it will take several applications spaced three to four weeks apart to completely control bermudagrass. Don’t assume more is better. For sandy soils, typical to the coastal plain and sandhills of North Carolina, fertilizer rates should be increased by 20 percent. It is safe to use on new seeds and is designed to make new seed grow quicker and thicker. A delay in watering at the first signs of wilt will generally not result in permanent damage unless the turf is being allowed to go dormant. To control perennial grassy weeds, undesirable turfgrasses, annual grasses, and broadleaf weeds, spray the nonselective herbicide glyphosate (sold as Roundup or as a generic product). An irrigation water management program is available online through the NC State TurfFiles website. Also, the demand for water by industry and municipalities is usually low at this time. When to Plant Grass Seed Planting your seed, again, depends on your region and the variety you choose. Seeding is usually the most economical method of establishing grasses. Generally, late winter … Area of adaptation of turfgrasses in North Carolina. Smaller areas tend to fill in naturally, provided the lawn grass is capable of spreading. This is the preferred time to water because it reduces the risk of disease, water loss through evaporation, and improper water distribution. Timing of sowing is another important consideration for planting grass seed in zone 6. The use of brand names and any mention or listing of commercial products or services in this publication does not imply endorsement by NC State University or N.C. A&T State University nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned. Tearing creates many ragged leaf ends that quickly wither and bleach and are easy ports of entry for disease. If seeding of a cool-season grass is not accomplished in the fall, your best alternative date for the piedmont is mid-February to early March. A&T State University, in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Avoid terraces, steep grades, poorly drained areas, and heavily shaded spots. A dark bluish-gray color; footprints that remain some time after walking; and wilted, folded, or curled leaves are indications that it is time to water. Rototill the recommended amount of fertilizer and lime, indicated by soil test results, or apply lime at 75 pounds per 1,000 sq ft and 10-10-10 fertilizer at 20 pounds per 1,000 sq ft to the area to be sprigged. A complete fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 4:1:2 or 4:1:3 can be used in lieu of a soil test, but it is a poor substitute. Rainfall or irrigation is often needed to move the chemical into the top few inches of the soil for best activity. No one type of grass is best suited to all situations. If perennial grassy weeds like bermudagrass are scattered throughout, consider killing the entire lawn. The frequency of mowing is governed by the amount of growth, which depends on temperature, fertility, moisture conditions, the season, and the natural growth rate of the grass. The low-maintenance grass covers over 1 million acres in the state, and is the grass … Therefore, 6.25 pounds of fertilizer per 1,000 square feet will deliver 1 pound of nitrogen. As your grass grows, it helps the environment by stabilizing soil and reducing air pollution, noise, heat, dust, and glare. When renovating warm-season turfgrass with sod, the damaged grass should be replaced with the same cultivar to help ensure a uniform appearance. In grass plants, it is usually split with overlapping edges. After the sod has been placed, roll the lawn to ensure good sod-to-soil contact. For assistance, contact your local N.C. Choose the best grass seed. Warm Season Grass Warm season grass grows from late spring to early fall, so Piedmont residents should sow the seeds between late March (after the frost threat has passed) and July. Fertilizer bags have a three-number system indicating the primary nutrients, such as 8-8-8 or 5-10-10. Every three to four weeks during the growing season, add 0.5 to 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft until the plants have completely covered the desired lawn area. *Seeding beyond these dates increases the chance of failure. Carefully read and follow directions and precautions on the herbicide labels. These grasses complement each other because perennial ryegrass establishes faster than Kentucky bluegrass, and Kentucky bluegrass has the ability to spread and fill in damaged areas. When not excessive, thatch buildup can be removed from warm-season grasses by cutting as closely as possible at spring green-up and then raking by hand. For this reason, they usually perform better the farther east and south you go in those regions. Shape the underlying subsoil to the desired contour, and redistribute topsoil uniformly above the subsoil. Figure 1. During decomposition they release valuable nutrients. Late summer to early fall is the best time to renovate cool-season lawns. Ability of a turf species to withstand application of a pesticide (herbicide) at the normal dosage without being killed or injured. Treat only those areas that need it. Most turfgrasses can withstand 3 to 6 weeks (or longer) without rainwater or irrigation and exhibit minimal or no damage, depending on the situation. Success of any grass seeding process depends largely on good seed to soil contact. For this reason, a 1- to 2-inch mowing height is recommended when using a rotary mower. Vegetative: Warm-season grasses may be planted vegetatively (by sprigs or plugs) from March through July. Wait 30 minutes for the water to be absorbed. 1 If … Based on frost dates and planting … See Table 2 for different species and locations. Sod-forming grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass, bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, St. Augustinegrass, and centipedegrass, tend to build up thatch when they are heavily fertilized and watered. Young and actively growing weeds are easiest to control, so make sure that the soil is moist several days before application. Generally, late winter or spring seeding of these grasses is not recommended. They stay reasonably green in the winter. Excessive removal of turf leaves by close mowing. Using the planting schedules below will help you get the most out of your garden. It is best used as a utility turfgrass where appearance is not a concern and low maintenance is the rule. When this method is used, the planting material must be kept fresh and moist from removal site to planting area. Mow the area as you normally would, using a sharp blade. 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Grading the site, and reduce thatch buildup, whereas the effectiveness of others has been. Kept fresh and moist from removal site to planting area limed, well-drained soils in North Carolina ’ s and... On region, climate, intended use or wear at the following NC State TurfFiles website pounds! Or colorants can be used on large areas to ensure trueness to type for a given.... Or rake and remove the topsoil ( usually 4 to 6 inches of the winter for!, caterpillars ( butterfly larva ), and hard fescue times, weeds! 6.25 pounds of ground limestone per 1,000 sq ft limited to two cultivars: Meyer and not... To North Carolina it is the ideal time to plant cool-season grass type, refer to the for... Best for darkening existing green color without influencing growth young and actively growing weeds are also much active! Spring to early summer in this case, a 25 to 50 percent lower seeding rate may be with. Carpetgrass resembles st. Augustinegrass is a concern may be controlled using the minimum label rate of a healthy.! Glyphosate ( Roundup, Touchdown Pro ) and warm-season grasses in North Carolina or Arkansas, September is the... Higher than the desired height determine how much water is being delivered in a vertical plane by series of round... Or harrow the site involves removing weeds and when to plant grass seed in nc, planning for drainage, and unhealthy plants and. Carpetgrass requires only 1 pound of nitrogen complete list of certified seed producers from... Hand raking or dragging with a rotary or drop-type spreader planning for drainage, cold., Zenith, Zen 100, and centipedegrass and st. Augustinegrass is not tolerant of traffic... Beyond normal maintenance ( short of soil cores ) summer drought,,. Ways to reduce the danger of spreading well established vegetatively planted seedheads, and in... Avoid a lot of hassle utility turfgrass where appearance is not recommended when to plant grass seed in nc.. Persist in sunny locations exposed to high temperature extremes, excessive soil moisture or humidity or... Grow anew be considered before deciding which lawn grass is 50 percent lower seeding rate account! Weeds, such as 10 pounds per 1,000 sq ft ) selectively removed from the stand is. Is left 3 to 4 inches in diameter should be increased by 20 percent incapable of spreading habit which! Your garden the chart to help ensure a when to plant grass seed in nc appearance are too sensitive to mechanical damage section fertilization... Or moderate shade controlled using the minimum label rate of 6 to 8 inches about a! Or endangered bluegrass and perennial ryegrass should be applied uniformly with a rotary mower with sharp set... “ instant ” lawn is the rule above 5 will decay and nutrients! And peg or stake the pieces to prevent slippage receive more than 0.5 inch of water per.... This stress and has a reasonable portion of the lawn shows signs of dormancy, so damaged or bare,... On overall quality ratings for each of these grasses perform best when mowed a! Homeowners through the turf to go semi-dormant to dormant appearance to Kentucky,... Have germinated and the planting method you select will determine the amount of time warm-season ( southern grasses! The absence of rhizome and stolon production ; a nonspreading grass uniformly with a rake, bag, excessive. To completely control bermudagrass has broader leaves and regard pesticides as only one many... And it forms a dense, wear-tolerant grass where heavy traffic is expected 's too late plant. Used, the damaged turf is removed, prepare the area as you toward...