Fescue grass is a cool-season grass that grows the best during cooler months when temperatures are between 60-75 degrees. Fescue isn’t the most ideal grass for our area, but it is still an option that can be planted. There are a few options on how to begin growing your yard full of Fescue. In this blog post, we are going to break down the options of seeding, hydroseeding, and sodding. ​

Seeding

​The best time to seed Fescue is mid-September to early October. The soil temperature should be between 50 to 65 degrees (this occurs when the air temperature is between 60-75 degrees). After the soil is tilled to be loose, and the seeds are planted the area should be covered with straw and watered. If the conditions are right, the seeds should germinate in 10 to 14 days. ​

Hydroseeding

​This option is not necessary. Fescue grass is different than other varieties that can benefit from hydroseeding. Hydroseeding Fescue is possible, but not necessary. It does not increase your chance for growth so we don’t even consider it to be an option for Fescue grass. ​

​Seeding​

​Seeding Bermuda grass is very tricky and requires very specific conditions; and is the worst decision you could make in the Upstate of South Carolina.  Our company has spoke with many clients over the years that spend more money on seeding to try and get Bermuda to grow then if they would have put down sod. Bermuda grass seed should be planted late spring into early summer. The soil temperature should be above 65 degrees (usually reached when air temperatures are 80 degrees or higher), however soil temperature should be less than 100. While germinating, the soil should always be kept moist. If all of the conditions are right, the seeds will germinate in 7 to 10 days and will grow grass in 60 to 90 days. However, if the conditions aren’t ideal, your grass may take longer, or may not come up at all. With the unpredictability of South Carolina weather, it can be difficult to keep these perfect conditions. The bottom line, seeding Bermuda is both time consuming and can become very expensive if the first seeds you plant don’t grow and you have to keep repeating the process. There are easier and more effective ways!

(Pros: lowest price (if it works the first time))
(Cons: slowest option, seeds may not yield grass, conditions have to be almost perfect.)

​Hydroseeding​

​Hydroseeding is when a mixture of seed, fertilizer, water, and mulch are mixed together and sprayed on the ground. The mixture is sprayed quickly and evenly over the ground. Due to the seeds already being mixed with water and nutrients, the process of germination is sped up. With this method, grass should begin growing within 7 days of the application. You should have the beginning of a full lawn of grass within 3 to 4 weeks, but it is recommended that you stay off the grass for 2 to 3 months so that you don’t damage the root structure. This process requires a lot of watering during the first few weeks, watering 2 to 3 times per day, around 10 to 20 minutes each time. While this option may be more effective and faster than traditional seeding, it still may not be the best option if you don’t have the time to dedicate to making sure it is kept properly watered. 

(Pros: not terribly expensive, grass comes up quicker than traditional seeding.)
(Cons: requires a lot of water, you must stay off the area for at least 2 months.)

Sodd​ing​

While sod can really be planted at any time, the best time to lay sod is spring because the temperatures aren’t too warm and there is occasional rainfall. It is very important that before laying sod, your soil is debris-free, soil clods are broken up, and the soil is healthy and moist. After the sod has been laid and rolled with a sod roller to eliminate any air pockets and ensure soil-to-sod contact, the grass needs to be thoroughly watered. The grass needs to be well-watered daily until the sod has taken root. Usually the sod will take root within a timeframe of 2 to 3 weeks. You can find out if your sod has taken root by giving it a slight tug. If you feel resistance, your sod has rooted! With a quicker time frame and less attention needed than the methods of traditional seeding and hydroseeding, sodding is probably your go-to when it comes to growing the best Bermuda grass in your yard.

(Pros: instant grass, able to plant anytime, only 2-3 weeks until it’s rooted.)
(Cons: most expensive option.)

If you have any questions or concerns about your lawn, drop us a comment or send us a message! We will be happy to answer any of your questions.

By: Hannah Raines
​Copyright Turf Boss 2021

Burning
The term burning is just as it sounds.  Years ago home owners and some contractors would burn warm season grasses in order to get rid of the dormant grass. This was thought to release "fertilizer" back into the soil after the lawn was burnt.  This is now known not to be true.  This technique is not often used in today's time for a few reasons.  The first reason is that it is dangerous and there is a risk that the fire could get out of control causing damage to near by structures.  The second reason is it can be costly and hard to do because some cities require a burn permit and local fire departments to be notified.  Instead of burning, scalping would end in the same result and is a much safety way of removing the dormant grass.  ​