![\"Backyard](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kentucky-bluegrass-yard.jpeg\")
Choosing the best grass seed for your Iowa lawn can be tricky. On some maps, the state lies just above the northern edge of what is considered the “transition zone” for growing grass, and some maps have the very southern border of Iowa within the transition zone boundary. This can leave homeowners scratching their heads. […]
\n","content":"\nChoosing the best grass seed for your Iowa lawn can be tricky. On some maps, the state lies just above the northern edge of what is considered the “transition zone” for growing grass, and some maps have the very southern border of Iowa within the transition zone boundary.
\n\n\n\nThis can leave homeowners scratching their heads. Is it best to declare yourself a solid Midwesterner and grow cool-season grasses like the North, or should you approach your lawn like homes further south that are classified in the transition zone?
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nBefore jumping headfirst into different grass types, it’s imperative to touch on the transition zone concept, so you understand why you may be facing some challenges when growing grass.
\n\n\n\nThe continental United States is divided into different turf-growing regions based on annual average temperatures and relative humidity levels. It’s similar to USDA growing zones for your ornamental plants but also slightly different. These five regional classifications, though, help homeowners and landscapers decide what type of grass is best.
\n\n\n\nThe area in the central part of the country where 4 of the five regions overlap is known as the transition zone. This 200-mile section runs from the Atlantic Coast to eastern New Mexico and encompasses a range of climates that see weather patterns of the North and South, where temperate and subtropical meet.
\n\n\n\nGrowing grass in the transition zone can be difficult. There isn’t an ideal turfgrass adapted to the climate. Your winter weather may be too cold to maintain warm-season grasses, but warmer summers make it hard to grow cool-season turfgrasses. Unlike Goldilocks’ famed porridge, the temperate is never “just right” for one primary grass type.
\n\n\n\nChoosing whether to go with cool-season or warm-season grass is ultimately a personal decision. It’s helpful to contact your local county extension office for suggestions and talk to your friends and neighbors to see what they grow.
\n\n\n\nNow that you understand the transition zone better, let’s talk cool-season and warm-season grasses. Similar to how plants are classified as annuals or perennials, turf is known as cool-season or warm-season depending on how it grows and what climate it prefers.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses grow across much of the northern part of the country. They are adapted to colder temperatures and can survive being buried under snow during the winter.
\n\n\n\nThey’ll start greening up when temperatures climb into the low 40s and grow like crazy in the spring when soil and air temps are 65 to 75°F. They aren’t suited for the heat, though, and growth will slow down in the summer; they also need more water in July in August to stay green. When the temperatures dip again in the fall, they’ll grow vigorously until October or November, when they go dormant.
\n\n\n\nCommon cool-season grasses:
\n\n\n\nOn the other hand, warm-season grasses are better adapted to the summer heat experienced across southern climates. They thrive when temperatures soar (when they grow the most) and don’t need supplemental irrigation, but their growth falls off once the thermometer drops. They’ll go dormant much earlier in the fall than cool-season types.
\n\n\n\nCommon warm-season grasses:
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMidwesterners love their Kentucky bluegrass (KBG), and it comes in as our number-one pick for homeowners in Iowa. KBG creates a dense, dark green turf blanket with exceptional winter hardiness.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is a cool-season grass that will grow in the sun to partial shade and handles foot traffic well since it spreads via rhizomes. This growth habit does make it slower to germinate and establish, but it’s a fantastic choice for yards with kids and pets.
\n\n\n\nThe shorter root system on KGB makes it less heat tolerant than other turfs, especially warm-season grasses, so you must water it more to keep it green during Iowa summers. That being said, it also needs more frequent mowing and fertilization.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you need to grow grass quickly, look no further than perennial ryegrass. It’s a cool-season bunchgrass known for its rapid germination (you’ll see sprouts in under a week) that helps this beautiful medium to dark green grass establish rapidly.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass has excellent foot traffic tolerance, making it a number one pick if you have kids or pets running around the yard often. The soft-to-the-touch blades also feel wonderful on bare feet! It will handle the abuse well, but be forewarned, that since it’s a bunchgrass, it can’t self-repair once it thins or becomes damaged. It is also pretty temperamental regarding the cold and may thin out when temps drop below 30°F for long periods.
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tall-Fescue-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Aaron Patton / Purdue’s Turfgrass Science Program
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTall fescue is a cool-season bunchgrass that grows in upright clumps and sends off vertical shoots at the bottom of each bunch. Since it propagates by these tillers, it continuously creates identical clumps of medium to dark green grass. Over time, these clumps grow in size (and spread) to fill in bare spots across the lawn, albeit slowly. Many people choose to reseed to help repair thin areas more quickly..
\n\n\n\nThis grass does well in full sun and will handle partial shade as well, especially if it’s light to moderate afternoon shade. It sends down roots two to three feet into the ground, making it resilient about drought. If you want a low-maintenance lawn that doesn’t need irrigating, tall fescue is a great choice! Especially if your soil is slightly more acidic.
\n\n\n\n![\"Bermudagrass\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bermudagrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: John Robert McPherson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nComing in as the first warm-season turf species on our list, bermudagrass is a non-native plant commonly used in warmer climates to create beautiful lawns, athletic fields, and fairways. It holds up well to heavy foot traffic and quickly recovers.
\n\n\n\nWhen mowed once or twice a week, irrigated regularly, and fertilized a handful of times during the year, you can grow a stunning bermudagrass lawn. Many homeowners opt to cultivate an improved common variety instead of a hybrid species, as the improved common types require a little less routine maintenance. The common variety does provide a slightly lower quality lawn, compared to the hybrids that are finer textured.
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zoysiagrass-4.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Russbach at the English Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is a good warm-season grass for the transition zone because of its cold tolerance. Of all the grasses for warm climates, it can handle the lowest temperatures with the fewest adverse effects. It also handles some shade and a fair amount of foot traffic. Zoysia japonica is one of two widely grown Zoysia species in the United States.
\n\n\n\nThe coarse-textured, light green grass is slow to germinate and establish, so it is often started by plugs or laying sod instead of seeding. But it does love the summer heat and will grow vigorously when temperatures are hot to produce a dense, attractive lawn.
\n\n\n\nOne of the most significant drawbacks to growing Zoysia is its need to be dethatched or power-raked every year or two. It develops thatch quickly, and when left on the soil surface, this layer of debris can increase disease and insect problems and may prevent water, nutrients, and air from moving down into the root zone.
\n\n\n\n![\"California](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/UC-Verde-Buffalograss-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Susan Harris / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nComing in as our honorable mention, buffalograss is a warm-season grass species that is often used as a turfgrass. This native US species has been historically used for pastures and grazing, but its low-maintenance needs make it popular with homeowners looking for an easy-to-care-for lawn. While a warm-season turf, it has good drought tolerance and better cold resistance than some others.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a sustainable lawn option with a traditional turf aesthetic. The finely textured perennial grass is one of the few native prairie grasses that forms a soft, dense sod that creates a suitable lawn with minimal mowing.
\n\n\n\nGrowth will slow a bit if you’re trying to grow it in a shady location, and it will start entering dormancy as soon as the first autumn frost hits.
\n\n\n\nThere’s no doubt you have plenty of options to choose from in terms of grasses for your Iowa lawn. The most important part when picking a turfgrass is to find something that thrives in your yard. With this in mind, make sure to consider the three main things.
\n\n\n\nHow much sun does your yard get?
\n\n\n\nFirst and foremost, this should be the most critical consideration. You have to match your turf to your yard’s sun exposure.
\n\n\n\nIf you have a yard that gets plenty of sunlight all day and isn’t shaded by your neighbor’s house or large trees, opt for Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, bermudagrass, or buffalograss that love full sun.
\n\n\n\nIf your yard is shaded by a privacy fence or a large apartment building next door, you’ll want to go with tall fescue since it is happy to grow in the shade.
\n\n\n\nStick with zoysia or tall fescue if your yard mixes sun and shade.
\n\n\n\nIs your yard a raceway, or is there minimal foot traffic?
\n\n\n\nMatching the activity in your yard to how it handles foot traffic is also essential. If you always have dogs or kids running through the grass, you’ll want cool-season perennial ryegrass, tall fescue (or a blend with either), warm-season bermudagrass, and zoysia.
\n\n\n\nIf foot traffic isn’t a concern, you should stick with Kentucky bluegrass or buffalograss, which doesn’t stand up well to frequent activity.
\n\n\n\nWhat are your availability and desire?
\n\n\n\nLet’s also be honest about how much time and energy you will put into keeping your lawn looking good. For people that like mowing, weeding, and fertilizing, you’ll be rewarded with a phenomenal yard if you choose Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, Bermuda, or zoysiagrass. However, if you’d rather do anything besides mowing, you will be best off planting lower-maintenance buffalograss or tall fescue.
\n\n\n\nHomeowners across the Midwest (and other parts of the country) often grow lawns containing a blend of different turf types. The genetic diversity of two or three grass types is fantastic if your yard is a mix of shade and sun because you’ll benefit from the different species. You’ll often see better disease, insect, and drought resistance.
\n\n\n\nThe problem, though, is that you are severely limited when buying warm-season grass blends. It’s not uncommon to find a mix of Bermudagrass cultivars but not a blend containing Bermudagrass, Centipedegrass, and St. Augustine grass.
\n\n\n\nSince there’s such a marked difference in the traits—color, shade tolerance, watering needs—of the different warm-season grasses, they typically aren’t blended.
\n\n\n\nWhatever you do, don’t try to get fancy and blend warm-season and cool-season grass types. You’ll likely end up with a lawn that has patches of different textures and colors.
\n\n\n\nThe goal of seeding a new lawn or overseeing your established yard is to throw seed down just before the grass usually kicks growth into high gear for the season.
\n\n\n\nPro Tip: Cool-season grasses are best seeded between August 15 and October 1. They’ll have about six weeks to grow before the first fall frost. Warm-season grasses are best planted between April 15 and June 10. They’ll germinate and have a few weeks of solid growth before it gets hot.
\n\n\n\nThese timelines aren’t set in stone. They’re just the recommended dates for best germination and optimal establishment.
\n\n\n\nWhen you plant depends on your regional climate and the turfgrass type you’re growing. It’s best to plant cool-season grasses in the fall in northern regions. You want to wait for hot summer temperatures to subside, but give the grass time to establish before the first fall frost. In the south, the best time to plant warm-season turfgrasses is in late spring or early summer, just as the temperatures begin warming up. In the transition zone, you sow based on the type of grass you’re growing.
Warm-season turfgrasses need hot summer temperatures and mild winters without snow; they grow mainly in the southern United States. Cool-season grasses need more temperate summer conditions but can survive harsh winters; they grow primarily in the northern United States. Both types will grow in the transition zone, but the mixed climate presents some challenges.
Ideally, you want to get cool-season grass seed down at least six weeks before your area’s first anticipated hard freeze. Your grass then has about a month to establish roots and prepare itself before it goes dormant. It’s similar for warm-season grass types, but they’ll do better planted earlier in the fall.
Remember that warm-season grasses stop growing once temperatures are below 55°F, and cool-season grasses won’t grow if temperatures are below 40 or 42°F. If you don’t hit that cutoff, you’ll have lackluster growth, and your grass might not be robust enough to survive the winter.
Being stuck in the middle is never fun, which certainly applies to homeowners bordering the transition zone’s edge. It can be tricky enough to establish a new lawn or reseed one that’s struggling without the woes of whether to plant warm-season or cool-season grasses. Hopefully, this guide helps you make a decision that you feel confident about, and you’ll have a gorgeous new yard in no time.
\n\n\n\nBut don’t fret if you’re still unsure! The WikiLawn experts want you to have a yard that makes your neighbors green with envy. If you need help choosing grass seed or finding highly-rated landscape professionals, we’re here to help!
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Bayliss Park in downtown Council Bluffs, Iowa / Smallbones / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n","title":"6 Best Grass Seeds for Your Iowa Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/051b7a90fea7cd4d6afdd865efe24e23/1789c/Bayliss-Park.jpg","srcSet":"/static/051b7a90fea7cd4d6afdd865efe24e23/107df/Bayliss-Park.jpg 320w,\n/static/051b7a90fea7cd4d6afdd865efe24e23/293e9/Bayliss-Park.jpg 500w,\n/static/051b7a90fea7cd4d6afdd865efe24e23/f2cbb/Bayliss-Park.jpg 800w,\n/static/051b7a90fea7cd4d6afdd865efe24e23/1789c/Bayliss-Park.jpg 960w,\n/static/051b7a90fea7cd4d6afdd865efe24e23/c26c2/Bayliss-Park.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/051b7a90fea7cd4d6afdd865efe24e23/1dd6e/Bayliss-Park.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/051b7a90fea7cd4d6afdd865efe24e23/67b76/Bayliss-Park.webp 320w,\n/static/051b7a90fea7cd4d6afdd865efe24e23/8df11/Bayliss-Park.webp 500w,\n/static/051b7a90fea7cd4d6afdd865efe24e23/98a65/Bayliss-Park.webp 800w,\n/static/051b7a90fea7cd4d6afdd865efe24e23/1dd6e/Bayliss-Park.webp 960w,\n/static/051b7a90fea7cd4d6afdd865efe24e23/3cc96/Bayliss-Park.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The 6 Best Grass Seeds for Iowa","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Grass is so much easier to grow and maintain if you start with a variety that is hardy and well-adapted to Iowa's varying weather conditions. Here are six."}}},{"node":{"id":"bc82f02b-2576-5a74-9397-5692edc58c76","slug":"best-grass-types-des-moines","path":"/lawn-care/io/des-moines/best-grass-types-des-moines/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Most comfortable with soil under her fingernails, Amanda has an enthusiasm for gardening, agriculture, and all things plant-related. With a master's degree in agriculture and more than a decade of experience gardening and tending to her lawn, she combines her plant knowledge and knack for writing to share what she knows and loves.","name":"Amanda Shiffler","id":"458fa7a4-b709-56ae-8d79-9dc400e34ff1","path":"/author/amanda-shiffler/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0048ef20c97263b5f26951aa210d62c8?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"9e5d4ac9-f72b-5ccc-801c-72c19ec7ae9a","name":"Des Moines","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/io/des-moines/"},{"id":"a3aeae07-f76c-5bc9-a8d8-4eddb5f4c33f","name":"Iowa","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/io/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"May 15th, 2023","excerpt":"Everyone knows that Iowa is one of the best places for growing corn and soybeans. But the humid continental climate and rich prairie soil is also fantastic for growing plush, terrific lawns. Still, not every type of grass thrives here, and not every grass is ideal for your lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for something that […]
\n","content":"\nEveryone knows that Iowa is one of the best places for growing corn and soybeans. But the humid continental climate and rich prairie soil is also fantastic for growing plush, terrific lawns.
\n\n\n\nStill, not every type of grass thrives here, and not every grass is ideal for your lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for something that tolerates the high foot traffic of Sunday afternoon flag-football games or one that doesn’t require frequent mowing, there is a grass that suits your needs. Below are the grasses that thrive in Des Moines.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nTurfgrasses are classified as either cool-season or warm-season grasses, and it’s essential to understand the difference and ensure you’re planting the right type for your climate.
\n\n\n\nIn the northern United States, most lawns are cool-season grasses that are adapted to colder temperatures. They start growing when temperatures are just above freezing (40 to 42°F) in early to mid-spring and stay green well into October or November, when they go dormant to survive being buried under snow.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses grow the most, producing the most biomass in the spring and late fall when soil and air temperatures are 65 to 75°F. Since they have adapted to survive below-zero climates, they aren’t as adapted to hot summers. They do well when temperatures are milder in July and August but need more water when it’s hot to stay green.
\n\n\n\nCommon cool-season grasses:
\n\n\n\nConversely, warm-season grasses are better adapted to southern climates and the summer heat. They tolerate drought better and continue to grow when temperatures soar but don’t grow as well in cooler temperatures. Because of this, they grow for a shorter period and don’t stay green as long.
\n\n\n\nCommon warm-season grasses:
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass (KBG) tops our list because it’s a prime choice for many homeowners and commercial sod growers in Iowa and the Midwest. This dark green turf creates a dense blanket across your yard and has the best winter hardiness of the cool-season grass types.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass tolerates partial shade, but plant it in full sun to see it in its glory. The seed is slower to germinate and establish than some other grasses, but because it spreads by underground stems known as rhizomes, it holds up well and recovers quickly from foot traffic. Bare spots from kids or pets inclined to dig holes will also fill in quickly.
\n\n\n\nCompared to other turfgrasses, the shorter root system on KGB does compromise its drought tolerance a little, so you will need to water it more than some lawns. That being said, it also requires more maintenance regarding fertilization and mowing to keep it lush and dark green.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: During the growing season, water requirements for Kentucky bluegrass are pretty high. It will go dormant during droughts and survive four to six weeks without water.
\n\n\n\n![\"Man's](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Red-Fescue-a-species-of-fine-fescue.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnother first-rate option for a Des Moines-area lawn is one of the five turfgrasses grouped as fine-leaf fescues. Fans love the soft, fine texture of the narrow leaves on chewings fescue, hard fescue, sheep fescue, slender creeping red fescue, and strong creeping red fescue. Fine fescues also have excellent shade tolerance, hold up to moderate foot traffic, and tolerate low soil fertility.
\n\n\n\nStrong creeping red, hard, and chewings fescues are popular in the midwestern United States, usually blended with other grasses. Fine fescues can be sown straight in partially shaded yards because of their tolerance. Still, these low-maintenance grasses are typically sown with Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass to improve the lawn’s aesthetic.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: While fine fescues have good drought tolerance, they quickly lose color in hot, dry conditions.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you’re hurrying to start a lawn, perennial ryegrass is a good option. This cool-season bunchgrass germinates in under a week to get you well on your way to a beautiful, medium to dark-green lawn. Its ability to establish rapidly is one of the reasons it’s so popular for both permanent and temporary lawns.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is excellent if you have small children roaming outdoors, teenagers who like to roughhouse, or pets running circles around the yard. It handles abuse well, but once damaged or a thin spot arises, it can’t self-repair because it grows in clumps and doesn’t send out rhizomes.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass also doesn’t tolerate cold temperatures well and may thin if exposed to temps below 30°F for long periods.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to plant it and forget it, perennial ryegrass is not for you. It is another moderately high-maintenance, cool-season grass type. You’ll need to mow and water it regularly and reseed areas when they thin.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Perennial ryegrass is often blended with Kentucky bluegrass because of its fast germination and foot traffic tolerance.
\n\n\n\n![\"Tall](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Tall-Fescue-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnother bunchgrass, tall fescue grows upright in clumps and primarily spreads through vertical shoots off the base of the plant. These tillers create identical clones of medium to dark green, broad, coarse grass blades. The lack of underground spreading means it requires reseeding when bare spots appear.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue is an ideal low-maintenance grass type and does well in full sun or partial shade. A naturally extensive root system easily grows down 2-3 feet in the soil. This strong root system makes the grass very resilient, so tall fescue is well suited for high-traffic play areas and non-irrigated lawns.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Do not mow improved varieties shorter than 3’ tall. A shorter mowing height encourages weed growth.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Susan Harris / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nComing in as our honorable mention, buffalograss is a warm-season species that is often used in and around Des Moines. The only warm-season grass on the list, it has been used historically for grazing animals and pastures but also appears in Iowa along low-maintenance landscape areas like roadsides and city streets.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a highly sustainable lawn option. Native to the North American prairies, this finely textured perennial grass is one of the few native types of grass that forms a dense, soft sod suitable for lawn use with minimal mowing.
\n\n\n\nAs a native species, extreme temperatures, high pH soils, and drought are no issues for buffalograss. You will see hampered growth if you’re trying to grow it in the shade.
\n\n\n\nThe big drawback to this warm-season grass is it will begin to lose its green color and go dormant as soon as the first frost hits in the fall.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Buffalograss grows 8 to 10 inches high when left unmowed.
\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to deciding between the different recommended types, you have to consider some factors that are specific to your yard. When choosing a grass type for your Des Moines lawn, it is essential to pick something that thrives in your space.
\n\n\n\nLike choosing flowers for your garden, you must pick a turfgrass that corresponds with your yard’s sun exposure.
\n\n\n\nDoes your yard get more than 6-8 hours of sun daily? Is it free of big trees and isn’t shaded by your neighbor’s house? If so, pick a turf that grows in full sun.
\n\n\n\nGrass types for full sun:
\n\n\n\nDoes your yard get less than four hours of sun throughout the day? Is it shaded by a privacy fence, giant trees, or your neighbor’s house? If so, you need grass that grows in full shade.
\n\n\n\nGrass types for shade:
\n\n\n\nOr is your yard a mix of both? If that’s the case, you need a turfgrass that tolerates all sun conditions.
\n\n\n\nGrass types for a combination of both sun and shade:
\n\n\n\nDoes your yard see a constant flurry of activity? Do you have dogs or kids running through the grass regularly? Are you often inviting friends and family over? If so, choose a grass that tolerates and recovers well from foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nBest grasses for high-traffic lawns:
\n\n\n\nIs your yard pretty secluded and doesn’t get played in often? If so, choose something with lower foot traffic tolerance.
\n\n\n\nBest grasses for low to moderate traffic:
\n\n\n\nAre you a homeowner who loves to work outside when the weather is nice? Do you like fertilizing, mowing, and weeding? Then you may enjoy a high-maintenance grass type.
\n\n\n\nHigh to medium-maintenance:
\n\n\n\nBut if you don’t like these lawn care chores, opt for something low-maintenance instead so you can spend your free time doing more exciting things.
\n\n\n\nGrasses with a low or moderate maintenance level:
\n\n\n\nAcross much of the Midwest, many people like to grow lawns with a blend of different turfgrass species. This genetic diversity improves the overall disease resistance of the yard, and the turf is often better adapted to growing in varied conditions such as part-shade.
\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, there aren’t many warm-season grass seed blends available for purchase. You can buy grass seeds containing a mix of Bermudagrass cultivars but not different types. This lack of grass seed blends is because there is such a varied difference in the color, shade tolerance, and watering needs of warm-season turfgrasses.
\n\n\n\nWhen choosing a grass seed blend, ensure the mix’s dominant species best fits your yard conditions.
\n\n\n\nThe goal with seeding — whether overseeding an existing lawn or starting one from scratch — is to get seed down just before your grass type goes into its active growth period.
\n\n\n\nPro Tip: Cool-season grasses are best seeded between August 15 and October 1. They’ll have about six weeks to grow before the first fall frost.
\n\n\n\nThat doesn’t mean you can’t plant in the spring. Just understand spring isn’t the best time for cool-season grasses. This timing usually brings warm soils, cooler temperatures, and frequent rainfall—all of which encourage quick germination, so the grass has an excellent jump-start.
\n\n\n\nIt’s also essential to understand that cool-season species can handle colder temperatures better than heat. Seeds do better when planted in the fall, just as the grass goes dormant for the winter, versus in the spring with the stress of summer heat bearing down.
\n\n\n\nOn the other hand, as a warm-season grass, bermudagrass should be seeded about June 1st. Warm-season grass species grow the most when it’s hot to establish well before fall/winter dormancy.
\n\n\n\nWhen you plant depends on your regional climate and the type of grass you’re growing. In northern regions, it’s best to plant cool-season grasses in the fall. Wait for hot summer temperatures to subside, but give the grass time to establish before the first fall frost. In the south, the best time to plant warm-season grasses is in late spring or early summer, just as the temperatures begin warming up.
Warm-season grasses need hot summer temperatures and mild winters without snow; they grow mainly in the southern United States. Cool-season grasses need more temperate summer conditions but can survive harsh winters; they grow primarily in the northern United States.
Planting grass seed at least six weeks before your first anticipated hard freeze in the fall is best. Your grass then has time to establish a root system before it goes dormant. You can plant later, but cool-season grasses won’t grow if temperatures are below 40 or 42°F, so the growth may be lackluster.
Picking the right grass type for Des Moines and the surrounding area can be daunting, especially if you’re a new homeowner or have never had to handle lawn care. Thankfully, you don’t have to tackle any of it alone!
\n\n\n\nThe experts at WikiLawn want you to have the best, most beautiful lawn imaginable.
\n\n\n\nWe’ll help you choose the grass for your yard and can set you up with service professionals to mow, fertilize, or handle weed control. So take the first step towards the lawn your neighbors will envy!
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Iowa State Capitol / Pixabay
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