The Best Time to Apply Grass Seed

Cool Season Grasses

• Cool season grasses see peak growth during two seasons: spring and fall. If you plant any of these grasses -- which include Kentucky blue grass, rye grass and fescue -- do so at the beginning of one of these seasons. Late August to mid-September is generally considered to be the best time to plant cool season grass seed.

Warm Season Grasses

• Warm season grasses, which include Bermuda grass, buffalo grass and zoysia, have only one peak growth season: summer. If you choose warm season grasses for your lawn, the best time to plant them is late spring and early summer.

Considerations

• The exact timing to plant grass seed varies depending on climate. Where you live will also determine which type of grass you plant: consistent sub-freezing temperatures can kill warm season grasses, making them best-suited for the southern United States. Cool season grasses, in contrast, do best in northern and coastal climates. Talk to a local expert to help you decide which grasses are right for your area.