Discussions

Can you plant grass seed as soon as the snow melts off of the area to be done? Or is it best to wait a little while?

It needs warmer temps and you don’t want new shoots to get frost or colder temps. It needs to be wet three days to germinate.

The best chance of having a successful outcome is in early September. This is when the plants are trying to absorb the most nutrients before winter. As well your new lawn doesn't have to face the heat in summer until its more mature. Spring is fine too but fall is just a bit better.  
 
http://www.speareseeds.ca/grass-seed-faq/

I've tried planting in the fall the last few years and it's never made it through the winter, even though it seems really established before the snow falls.  
 
I can see the dirt patch already (and my dog thinks it's the best place to play), so I'd like to try something asap.  
 
If it doesn't take, I'll try fall again, but would really like it covered before then.

If it isn't too large an area requiring grass, have you considered laying sod? Sounds like you have already tried fall planting several times, so nothing wrong with trying a spring planting, but maybe sod will save you time and effort in the long run. Just a thought...

Trying to plant grass in the spring or fall with a dog that likes to dig never works well. You usually need a couple weeks of nobody walking on the lawn. Sod usually takes 2 weeks if minimal use.

SimplyTheBest said "Can you plant grass seed as soon as the snow melts off of the area to be done? Or is it best to wait a little while? "

I usually wait until all the frost has come out of the ground before I attempt to re-seed. Its a lot easier to rake out the dead grass, as well as the seeds also have an easier time to germinate and establish a good root.  
 
Don''t cut your grass for at least 3 weeks after the grass starts to grow and the first 3-4 times have the mower on the tallest settings so you dont kill it.  
 
The best time to cut your grass is in the evening after the sun has left your yard. This is also the best time to water your yard. Never water in the morning because the water evaporating can boil your grass roots.  
 
After a couple of mowings, spread out lawn feed and you will have have nice lush, green and healthy grass.  
 
In the fall I dont cut my grass after the end of September and I spread winter grass feed after the last cut.  
 
Edited by BBQ4Life, 2018-04-16 17:44:30

Grandmama said "If it isn't too large an area requiring grass, have you considered laying sod? Sounds like you have already tried fall planting several times, so nothing wrong with trying a spring planting, but maybe sod will save you time and effort in the long run. Just a thought... "

sod isn't available til prob late summer