No two lawns are the same. Depending on where you land in the latitudes, that’s especially true. The further you live north or south, the more your lawn’s personality will change—and different methods will be needed to maintain it, provide it with essential nutrients, and prepare it for a healthy manicure.
For all the aspiring owners of beautiful yards asking, “When should I seed my lawn in the spring?” and other overwhelming questions, here are some key takeaways to know as you start tending to your lawn this year.
When to Plant Grass Seed
If you call the North home, it’s recommended you seed your lawn in autumn. At this time, the soil is still warm from summer, the air is cooler, and because most trees will start losing their leaves, your lawn will receive ample sunlight.
If you forget to seed in autumn, don’t hesitate to seed in the early spring. This is still a viable option if you don’t wait until temperatures really start heating up. However, if you’ve forgotten to seed in autumn before, you may want to set a reminder in your calendar for next year, designating a specific day for seeding.
Because grass needs warm soil to flourish, everyone who lives in the South would be better seeding in late spring and into the summer. This gives your lawn the chance to thrive under the ideal germinating circumstances provided by warmer temperatures.
Types of Seeds and Grasses
The type of seed you select for your lawn and climate is important. The wrong seed type could lead to a dead lawn or bare spots if you aren’t careful, whereas the right seed type could lead to a beautiful lawn if handled properly.
In general, there are two main types of grasses, including cool-season grasses (perfect for the extreme temperature fluctuations found in the north) and warm-season grasses (perfect for warmer climates in the south).
Cool-Season Grasses
Northern lawns tend to be thin, so to accommodate cool-season grass types, you’ll want a seed that specifically thickens your lawn and keeps it hearty through the changing seasons. Cool-season grass types include:
- Bentgrass
- Fine Fescue
- Kentucky Bluegrass
- Ryegrass
- Tall Fescue
Warm-Season Grasses
Southern-lawns tend to be dense, so to accommodate warm-season grass types, you’ll need a seed that will maintain its thick, carpet-like feel and thrive in warmer climates all year long. Warm-season grass types include:
- Bermuda Grass
- Centipede Grass
- Dichondra
- Augustine Grass/Floratam
- Zoysia Grass
Scotts has a variety of grass seed mixes to choose from, as well as support for figuring out which type of grass you have if you aren’t sure yourself.
What to Do with Your Seasonal Tools
Not all lawn maintenance tools are used year-round, and sometimes it can be a hassle to store them at home. Fortunately, Safeguard Self Storage has been helping people protect their seasonal tools for over 30 years. If you have shovels, a snowblower, or any other winter tools that would best be out of the way until next year, our wide variety of storage units can accommodate your belongings and seasonal storage timeline with ease.
If you live in Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York, or Pennsylvania, find your local Safeguard facility today to start making room for spring!