Western Kentucky is suitable for both cool-season grasses such as tall fescue and warm-season grasses like Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass. The choice of grass seed also depends on factors like soil type, maintenance requirements, foot traffic, and sunlight exposure.
Choosing the appropriate grass seed is the first step to maintaining a beautiful green lawn in the western part of the Bluegrass State. You should also consider your desired lawn appearance, its intended use, and what suits your specific yard conditions.
For the best grasses in other parts of Kentucky, check out our guide for The Best Grass Seed for Kentucky Lawns.
Best grass types for western Kentucky
The primary planting zone for western Kentucky is 7a, with some counties in 7b. Over here, warm-season grasses such as Bermudagrass and Zoysia thrive in humid summers but may turn brown in cooler weather. On the other hand, cool-season grasses like tall fescue can withstand the cold, but they can struggle in the summer heat. These factors are crucial to consider when choosing the best grass seeds for Kentucky.
Tall fescue: Best grass for poor soil
Due to its adaptability to different soil types and its ability to withstand heat and drought, tall fescue is a popular turfgrass in Kentucky. It yields a thick, vibrant green lawn that is resistant to diseases and pests. Its robust growth makes it ideal for active families, and it’s also a good grass for dogs to play on.
Tall fescue thrives in well-drained clay, sandy, or loamy soil types with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. It requires moderate maintenance, including regular mowing and watering. Fertilizer should be applied in the spring and fall, but not during the peak summer months. It is recommended to overseed your lawn every few years to repair bare spots and thinning areas.
For additional information, see our guide on How to Grow and Care for 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.)
Bermudagrass: Best grass for high foot traffic
Common Bermudagrass thrives in the sunny heat of western Kentucky’s summers. This warm-season grass is ideally suited to sandy and well-drained soils, forming a dense turf that can withstand heavy foot traffic. While Bermudagrass is drought-tolerant, it doesn’t perform well in shaded areas.
Although it is resistant to diseases, common Bermudagrass pests like white grubs and sod webworms can be a problem. It adapts to different soil conditions but prefers a pH of 6-6.5. It grows fast, needing frequent mowing, and its vigorous growth helps control weeds (but can also lead to over-spreading, so edge your flower beds well). Regular watering and using fertilizers for Bermudagrass will help keep it lush and green.
For more details, visit our How to Grow and Care for Bermudagrass guide.
Grass Seed Options:
– Scotts Turf Builder Bermudagrass (10-lb. bag)
– Hancock Seed Co. Bermudagrass (50-lb. bag)
Zoysiagrass: Best low-maintenance grass
Zoysiagrass is a robust grass species that thrives in western Kentucky. It’s durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic. Additionally, it’s adaptable to various soil types. However, it requires ample sunlight and regular watering in dry conditions. While Zoysiagrass grows at a slow pace, it forms a dense layer once established, which helps prevent weed growth. One downside is that it does turn brown from October to mid-April.
Zoysia can tolerate light shade, but it does need well-drained soil with a pH of 6-6.5. This barefoot grass is excellent for children and pets because of its soft texture. However, you’ll need to remove excess thatch every year or two. Each cultivar of Zoysiagrass has its own unique traits, so choose the one best suited for your lawn’s growing conditions.
For more information, check out our guide on How to Grow and Care for Zoysiagrass.
Grass Plug and Seed Options:
– Zoysia Plugs (50 Large Grass Plugs)
– Zoysia Plugs (50 Full & Lush Grass Plugs)
– Zoysia Plugs (100 Plugs)
– Zenith Zenith Grass Seeds (1/8 lb. of seeds)
What to read next
Continue your journey in creating the perfect landscaped lawn in western Kentucky with these informative articles:
FAQ: Grass in western Kentucky
When is the best time to plant grass seed in western Kentucky?
For warm-weather grasses like Bermudagrass or Zoysia, the best time to plant grass seed would be in the spring from May to June. However, for cool-season grasses like tall fescue, the ideal time to plant would be late summer or early fall from mid-August to late September. Spring, from mid-February to mid-March, is the second-best time to plant cool-season grass.
Is it better to plant seeds or lay sod?
When it comes to grass seed vs. sod, each one has its advantages:
- Seeding is generally less expensive and offers a wider variety of grass types. However, it requires more initial care and takes longer to establish.
- Sod, on the other hand, provides an instant lawn, controls erosion immediately, and requires less initial maintenance, but the cost of sod is higher and offers fewer grass-type options.
Can you plant grass seeds in the winter?
Yes, you can sow cool-season grass seeds in winter. This is called dormant seeding. This technique, usually done in late fall or early winter, can speed up germination in spring.
When to call a pro
If you’re uncertain about the ideal grass type for your western Kentucky lawn, or if you’re facing other lawn care challenges like weed control or disease, consider consulting a professional. Lawn Love can connect you with lawn care professionals near you who can provide expert advice and services to keep your lawn lush and greener than your neighbor’s envy.
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