New Lawn installation - Ask Extension
We have added onto our home and are ready to install a new lawn and update our existing lawn.
What is the ideal grass for our area, partial to full ...
Knowledgebase
New Lawn installation #872915
Asked June 13, 2024, 9:44 AM EDT
We have added onto our home and are ready to install a new lawn and update our existing lawn.
What is the ideal grass for our area, partial to full sun, without a permanent sprinkler system. Kids and pets are active. Mostly flat ground.
Portage County Ohio
Expert Response
Matt,
Great question. You have three basic options when it comes to a new lawn and updating an existing lawn space; (sod, hydroseeding and seed.) Of the three, seeding is the least expensive and probably the most commonly used.
First, a word about timing: We are now in what would be called the worst season for starting a new lawn from seed. Fall is the best and spring is usually thought of a second best. The fall seeding season in Ohio usually begins around mid-August and runs through September. If you can't wait and do your prep work until mid-August, you will most likely have more success with either sod or hydroseeding.
Assuming you want to wait and utilize the seeding method and do it yourself, the best seed from a performance, maintenance and less disease issues perspective for Ohio lawns is a blend of what are considered "cool weather" grasses. Those are Kentucky Blue Grass, Tall Fescue and Perennial Ryegrass. Here is a link from The OSU Extension to a chart showing the grasses best for Ohio lawns:
https://turfdisease.osu.edu/sites/turfdisease/files/imce/Selection%20for%20turfgrass%20for%20lawns%20Table%2008.18.16%20_0.pdf
I would also recommend you visit your local full-season garden center and look over the grass seed options they have available and discuss your project with them and get their recommendations for your location.
This link from Michigan State University Extension gives you the full "how to" when it comes to starting a new lawn or rejuvenating and established lawn space: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/establishing_a_new_lawn_using_seed_e2910
Lastly, you will be ahead of things if you take this time and do a soil test of your current space. It will give you the necessary information on fertilizers to use before, during and after you have seeded your new lawn. Here is the contact information for Portage County and they will be glad to assist you with your soil testing needs:
705 Oakwood St, Suite 103
Ravenna, Ohio 44266
PH:<personal data hidden>
Once again thank you for your question and I hope you have a successful lawn starting experience. Remember, timing a prep are most important when it comes to putting in a new lawn.
Great question. You have three basic options when it comes to a new lawn and updating an existing lawn space; (sod, hydroseeding and seed.) Of the three, seeding is the least expensive and probably the most commonly used.
First, a word about timing: We are now in what would be called the worst season for starting a new lawn from seed. Fall is the best and spring is usually thought of a second best. The fall seeding season in Ohio usually begins around mid-August and runs through September. If you can't wait and do your prep work until mid-August, you will most likely have more success with either sod or hydroseeding.
Assuming you want to wait and utilize the seeding method and do it yourself, the best seed from a performance, maintenance and less disease issues perspective for Ohio lawns is a blend of what are considered "cool weather" grasses. Those are Kentucky Blue Grass, Tall Fescue and Perennial Ryegrass. Here is a link from The OSU Extension to a chart showing the grasses best for Ohio lawns:
https://turfdisease.osu.edu/sites/turfdisease/files/imce/Selection%20for%20turfgrass%20for%20lawns%20Table%2008.18.16%20_0.pdf
I would also recommend you visit your local full-season garden center and look over the grass seed options they have available and discuss your project with them and get their recommendations for your location.
This link from Michigan State University Extension gives you the full "how to" when it comes to starting a new lawn or rejuvenating and established lawn space: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/establishing_a_new_lawn_using_seed_e2910
Lastly, you will be ahead of things if you take this time and do a soil test of your current space. It will give you the necessary information on fertilizers to use before, during and after you have seeded your new lawn. Here is the contact information for Portage County and they will be glad to assist you with your soil testing needs:
705 Oakwood St, Suite 103
Ravenna, Ohio 44266
PH:<personal data hidden>
Once again thank you for your question and I hope you have a successful lawn starting experience. Remember, timing a prep are most important when it comes to putting in a new lawn.
