The Best Time in Illinois for Seeding a Lawn

Planting

• Fall and spring are both recommended times to seed a lawn in Illinois. The fall planting season --- between August 15 and September 15 --- is ideal, as the seed will have time to establish its root system before cold weather hits. The second best time to sow seed is in the spring, in late March through the end of April.

Planning

• Before planting grass seed, take time to learn about recommended grass types for Illinois lawns. Also note which areas in the lawn receive sun throughout the day and which spots are heavily shaded. For very shady areas, consider replacing grass with some type of groundcover, such as hosta, lamb's ear or lily-of-the-valley.

Maintenance

• A lush lawn requires some maintenance, such as proper mowing and watering -- a mowing height of 2 to 3 inches with 1 inch of water per week when rainfall is scarce -- fertilization and weed control, as crabgrass, dandelions and other broadleaf weeds are common invasive plants in Illinois. Consult your local lawn care specialist or agricultural extension office for specific information on lawn maintenance.