Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, and red fescue are the best grass seeds for Maine lawns. These cool-season grasses can handle Maine’s tough winters where temperatures can dip between 0 and -35 degrees Fahrenheit.
When selecting cool-season grass seeds for their lawns, Mainers should consider how they use their lawns and which grass seed will survive and thrive in their area. For example, in coastal areas of Downeast Maine, where grass can be affected by sea spray and soil salinity, avoid Kentucky bluegrass, as it is more sensitive to salt than tall fescue, perennial rye, or red fescue.
Best cool-season grass seeds for Maine
Let’s take a deep dive into the world of cool-season turfgrass and find out which cool-season grass seeds will work for you. Only tough grasses that can survive the winters and thrive in the short spring and fall growing seasons made our list:
Kentucky bluegrass
Kentucky bluegrass can withstand the harsh Maine winters, tolerates heavy foot traffic, and does well in full sun. However, the summer heat can make it go dormant and turn brown, but don’t worry — it will green up again when temperatures become cooler.
Be cautious not to over-water or over-fertilize because excessive thatch can develop, which can impede nutrients and water from getting to the grass roots.
To learn more about Kentucky bluegrass, check out our article: “Kentucky Bluegrass: How to Grow and Care for it.”
Grass Seed Options:
– Jonathan Green (11970) Blue Panther Kentucky Bluegrass Grass Seed (3 lbs.)
– SeedRanch Midnight Kentucky Bluegrass Seed (5 lbs.)
Perennial ryegrass
Perennial ryegrass can withstand heavy foot traffic, germinates quickly, and stabilizes soil for erosion control. However, it demands greater water and fertilizer inputs compared to other turf grasses.
Additionally, it’s often combined with Kentucky bluegrass due to its fast establishment. When paired with Kentucky bluegrass, the seed mix should not have more than 10-15% perennial ryegrass to avoid its dominance during the seed germination stage. When perennial ryegrass is grown independently, due to its bunch-type habit, it is slower to establish a thick, dense turf.
Note: Not all perennial ryegrasses can survive the winter months in Maine. However, It is often used as a “nurse crop” in Maine because it germinates in 5-7 days and protects slower-germinating grasses.
For further information about perennial ryegrass, read our article: “Perennial Ryegrass: How to Grow and Care for it.”
Grass Seed Options:
– Outsidepride Perennial Ryegrass Seed (5 lbs.)
– Eretz ProTurf Perennial Ryegrass Fine Lawn Seed (choose your size)
Tall fescue
Looking for a low-maintenance grass that can survive in various soil types and is hardy enough to handle frigid Maine winters and hot summers? Then tall fescue is your answer.
Tall fescues have undergone considerable enhancements, allowing them to be used as standalone blends in various areas of Maine. However, not all tall fescue varieties are fully cold-hardy throughout Maine.
The University of Maine recommends using a blend of tall fescues for the best turfgrass success. These blends are able to adapt well to multiple soil types and can tolerate cool climates.
Note: Tall fescue takes longer to fill in fully because it is a bunch-type turfgrass. It’s vital to control weeds while the tall fescue is taking hold, as weeds tend to grow in the open gaps between the grass clumps during the first two seasons.
Our article, “Tall Fescue: How to Grow and Care for it,” will give you all the information you need about tall fescue.
Grass Seed Options:
– Triple-Play Tall Fescue Grass Seed Blend (5000 sq ft)
– Eretz Kentucky 31 K31 Tall Fescue Grass Seed (choose your size)
– Pennington The Rebels Tall Fescue Grass Seed Mix (7 lb.)
Fine fescues
Fine fescues are a group of low-maintenance cool-season grasses that include species such as hard fescue, chewings fescue, and red fescue. Fine fescues tolerate infertile, dry, or acidic soils and are often included in cool-season grass mixes because they grow well in partial shade.
Red fescue, the sole common cool-season turfgrass indigenous to Maine, serves various purposes in the state. It is incorporated into grass mixes or used on its own as a no-mow meadow grass. Additionally, red fescue is utilized for slope stabilization in erosion control, and slender creeping red fescue can be useful in areas exposed to salt.
Maine homeowners searching for this cool-season grass can check out our article: “Fine Fescue: How to Grow and Care for it.”
Grass Seed Options:
– Outsidepride Legacy Fine Fescue Grass Seed (5 lbs.)
– Eretz Creeping Red Fine Fescue Seed (choose your size)
– Outsidepride Creeping Red Fine Fescue Grass Seed (25 lbs.)
FAQ about grass seed for Maine lawns
What’s the easiest grass to grow in your Maine lawn?
Good question, but the answer isn’t clear-cut (excuse the mowing reference). Maine’s Department of Agriculture Conservation & Forestry recommends this mixture, which demands less input and mowing:
- 10% Southport Chewings Fescue
- 20% Kenblue Kentucky bluegrass
- 30% perennial ryegrass
- 40% Creeping red fescue
Pro Tip: Remember to consider using the cool-season grass seed best adapted for your specific area and how you use your lawn. For more information, peruse our article on “How to Choose the Right Grass for Your Lawn.”
When is the best time to plant grass seed in Maine?
The optimal time for seeding in Maine is from August 15 to September 30 because soil temperatures are still high, and there are fewer weeds to compete with.
The second best time (although less desirable) is May through the middle of June. During these months, soil temperatures are lower but still acceptable, and weeds emerge frequently.
Note: For more information about when to plant cool-season grass in Maine, check out our article, “When to Plant Grass Seed in Maine.”
How can you test your soil in Maine?
If you want to test your soil in Maine, contact the University of Maine’s Analytical Lab and Maine Soil Testing Service. You can obtain a soil-test box and form by contacting your local UMaine County Extension Office. Find your local office on the Maine Cooperative Extension’s County Offices page.
Additionally, our article, “How to Soil Test Your Lawn“, will give you the answers to all your soil testing questions.
Call in the pros
Stuck trying to figure out the world of cool-season grass seed? Stop stressing. Lawn Love connects you with local lawn experts who can help you take your lawn care to the next level. So, while they’ve got your back, you can kick back and enjoy some delicious lobster rolls at your favorite spot.
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Main Image Credit: Doug Kerr / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
