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Mid August to early September is the ideal time for seeding lawns in northern Illinois. April would be a second choice. Seeding in late spring through mid-summer often leads to problems as the summer heat slows or stops grass development of our cool season grasses.
How early can you plant grass seed in Illinois?
The absolute best time to seed or overseed your Illinois lawn is in the late summer to early fall (from mid-August to mid-September). This will give the young grass two or three months to get established before temperatures get too cold and growth stops.
Can you plant grass seed in early fall?
Fall is the best time. The autumn season comes with a mix of warm soil and cool air, perfect for planting grass seed and allowing time for new grass roots to develop before winter sets in. It is also a good time to fertilize to build stronger, deeper roots for winter, resulting in a thicker, greener lawn next spring.
Can you plant grass seed too early in the spring?
Grass seed needs the correct soil and air temperature, as well as moisture content, to sprout. Planting it too early in the spring can result in less-than-ideal germination, because the seeds can die off or become unproductive.
When can I overseed my lawn in spring in Illinois?
About Overseeding a Lawn Soil temperatures at this time of year are still warm, which promotes optimum seed germination, and the cooler air temperatures are better for grass growth. If you don’t want to wait until late summer or early fall to overseed your lawn, you can do it between March and mid-June as well.
Can you put grass seed down in November?
It is now too late to sow grass seed, but new lawns can still be laid from turf if the weather is not too cold. Use an autumn lawn feed, which contains more potassium and phosphorous, to encourage hardiness and root growth instead.
When can I plant grass in the Midwest?
The ideal planting time in the Midwest is mid-August to mid-September. At this time, the soil doesn’t dry out as quickly and weed seeds are at a minimum. Also, it is the ideal temperature for the grass seeds to germinate. If you can’t plant in Fall, then April or May is the second best time to plant.
When Should I aerate my lawn in Illinois?
The best times to aerate are spring and fall, when cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass that are common in Chicago-area lawns are actively growing. I prefer to schedule aeration in April or May, but it also can be done in September or October. For most residential lawns, it is adequate to aerate once a year.
Is it better to overseed in the spring or fall?
There are two ideal times of the year to overseed your lawn – fall and spring. Fall is the best choice. Also, weed growth tapers off after summer, so your new grass won’t have to compete for sunshine, water, and nutrients. Overseeding in spring is the next-best option.
What temperature can I plant grass seed?
They grow most actively when air temperatures are warm, between 70 and 90 degrees F. In addition, seeds need warmer soil temperatures than cool-season grasses to germinate (ideally between 65 and 70 degrees F).
Can you plant grass seed in December?
Grass seed can survive the winter, and planting during the winter season is known as dormant seeding. If you put down grass seed in November or December, the seed will just lay dormant until the soil starts to warm in spring. While this comes with risks, it can also be beneficial and save you time on seeding in spring.
What month should I plant grass seed?
Generally speaking, you can plant grass seed any time of the year, but fall is the best time to seed a lawn with a cool season turfgrass variety. Spring is the best time to plant warm season turfgrass seed. Cool season varieties of grass seed include tall fescue seed, ryegrass seed or even Kentucky bluegrass seed.
Is April too early to plant grass seed?
If you have your heart set on planting grass in spring, early April is, in fact, the best time to do it. But, depending on where you live, spring seeding could come with complications. Stressful summer heat could slow or completely stop the growth of cool-season grasses. Mar 26, 2020.
Can I put grass seed down in March?
For best results, lawn seed should be sown in spring (from March to May) or early autumn (September to mid October), when the soil is moist and warm. Before laying a new lawn, take some time to think about the part it will play in your overall garden layout.
How cold is too cold for grass seed?
If you’re wondering how cold is too cold for grass seed germination use our rule of thumb and check the weather reports. If the daytime temperature is below 60°F then soil temperature is below 50°F, making it too cold; if there is frost or still a danger of frost, then it’s too cold.
Should I seed in the spring?
Spring seeding is your second best option for planting cool-season grasses. Aim to seed early in the season, but wait until daytime temperatures are in the 60 to 75 degree Fahrenheit range. These grasses are best planted during their optimal growth period, which falls in spring and early summer instead of fall.
When should I Dethatch my lawn in Illinois?
The best time to dethatch your lawn is when it’s actively growing and the soil is moderately moist. For cool-season grasses, that’s early spring or early fall. For warm-season grasses, dethatch in late spring through early summer (after the second mowing). That’s when your grass is growing most vigorously.
What is the best grass seed to overseed with?
Overseeding Is Good for Lawn Survival For low-maintenance lawns that don’t need much fertilization, tall fescue is the best grass seed for overseeing. In contrast, perennial ryegrass seed germinates faster and has a high heat tolerance, so consider this for warmer climates.
